NAPRAPATHIC CARE - 

Lakeshore Integrative HealthCare, Ltd offers a comprehensive and holistic-based healthcare system designed to bring overall balance to the body utilizing a combination of age-old manual medicine and remedies along with the most advanced techniques and the latest technology in manual medicine, bioenergetic stress testing, nutritional counseling and laboratory diagnostic testing. We always strive to treat the whole person and not just your symptoms. Relief is often immediate and dramatic with Naprapathic care!

Q: WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?

A: When you arrive for your first appointment, you will be asked to fill out an Initial Patient Intake Form which will take approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete. Please allow time to complete this form prior to your scheduled appointment time. This information will allow the doctor to perform a comprehensive review of your health history, nutritional status, current concerns and locations of discomfort - accurately identifying the reasons you are seeking treatment and if Naprapathic care is appropriate for your condition. Naprapathy is now covered by most insurance companies - with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid. HMO insurance plans almost always require the Primary Care Physician (PCP) give a direct referral to our office specifying Naprapathy and a practitioner's name (called a "global referral"). Be sure to bring your current insurance card with you!

The initial visit may take up to one hour in order to give full attention and the appropriate care for your current health condition. You will be assessed with special orthopaedic tests, deep tendon reflex tests, kinesthetic muscle testing and various other evaluative tests to further determine the underlying cause of your pain or discomfort. Before a "hands on" treatment begins, you may be asked to change into a gown and/or shorts for comfort and ease of exam and treatment. You are always welcome to bring in your own pair of shorts for your treatment.

Q: WILL I BE GIVEN A TREATMENT ON THE FIRST VISIT?

A: There are occasions when the attending Naprapath may require that you have x-rays or other imaging testing completed before getting a treatment - especially if the pain is severe or the result of an accident. If this is the case, you will be given a request form for these specialized tests to be taken to your preferred medical center. There also may be times when a consult with a medical doctor or osteopathic physician is required by the attending Naprapath in order to rule out a more serious or underlying condition - for example, a condition such as large tendon tear requiring surgical intervention. You always have the option of choosing which physician performs this type of consult, though we may recommend a certain practitioner. If you have already been to an emergency room or seen by another physician or chiropractor or have xray or mri results, please bring a copy of this visit with you. Naprapaths can treat a patient without a referral from any other physician - however, Lakeshore Integrative HealthCare values integration with other healthcare professionals and welcomes dialogue between other professional colleagues to improve your overall wellbeing.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IN A TREATMENT SESSION?

A: A Naprapath uses hands-on therapy to gently release specific points of tension in the body and the spine that have become abnormally tensed and contracted. Neuromusculoskeletal pain is addressed with various forms of manual muscle therapies such as deep tissue massage and manipulation, neuromuscular reeducation, stretching/range-of-motion activities, and trigger-point therapy for example. A Naprapath may also perform spinal manipulation (where you may occasionally hear slight popping of the joints) but normally only to use the vertebrae as levers for stretching the contracted connective tissue. After locating areas of pain or rigidity, a Naprapath will gently manipulate the tissues, stretch and massage constricted areas, and apply pressure to specific places (called trigger points) until the muscle, tendon, or ligament loosens and balance is restored - providing a profound sense of relief.

Naprapaths utilize postural counseling, therapeutic exercise and modalities such as ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, low level laser therapy, vibration, heat and/or cold therapy, and nutritional counseling to enhance the results of a treatment. After the treatment, you will be given specific instructions to enhance the treatment and continue the work of therapy at home. These instructions often include specific stretching and/or strengthening techniques, supplemental recommendations and possibly given orthopaedic supports/devices.

Q: WHAT TYPES OF CONDITIONS CAN A NAPRAPATH TREAT?

A: Naprapathic practice includes, but is not limited to, the treatment of contractures, muscle spasms, inflammation, scar tissue formation, adhesions, lesions, laxity, hypotonicity, rigidity, structural imbalance, bruising, contusions, muscular atrophy, and partial separation of connective tissue fibers according to the Illinois Naprapathic Practice Act of 1992. 

Naprapathy is used to treat a wide array of ailments. Most common are back, neck, and hip complaints, but also include most forms of tendonitis, bursitis, muscle spasms, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash and a variety of other disorders such as sciatica, runners knee, headaches, etc.... Conditions such as these may inadvertently produce systemic complaints including low energy, tension headaches, digestive disorders, radiating pain or even an unexplained depression.

Q: DOES LAKESHORE INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS CENTER OFFER OTHER TYPES OF SERVICES?

A: In addition to the above services, Lakeshore Integrative HealthCare, Ltd has a licensed acupuncturist in the office, we offer advanced BioEnergetic Stress Testing (see link) to further identify and treat the underlying cause of dis-ease and are currently seeking a physical therapist to combine the best of conventional and complementary medicine. Furthermore, we offer functional laboratory assessments (see link) for the hormone, immune, metabolic, and gastrointestinal systems. We offer a wide variety of tests, including ones that can determine cardiac and liver function, address women’s health issues, and direct detoxification programs. These tests are designed to help determine the root causes of your health complaints. We also offer complete nutritional services.

Q: HOW MUCH IS A TREATMENT?

A: Charges are based on individualized treatment plans and will be different for each person depending on the activities performed by the doctor, acupuncturist or other practitioners. For example, a patient who receives basic manual manipulation on one area of the low back will have a lower charge than a patient who requires several regions (cervical/thoracic/lumbar/pelvic) of manipulation along with additional applications of ultrasound, heat packs and/or cold laser therapy.

However, Lakeshore Integrative HealthCare, Ltd does require ALL patients to pay a minimum co-payment fee of $150.00 for the initial visit and $100.00 for subsequent visits regardless of final fees if your insurance benefits have not been determined. These fees will be always be applied to your insurance company for balance reimbursement and deductible pay down. If your insurance company reimburses L.I.H. a majority of the charges and you are expected to pay a smaller co-pay then L.I.H. will reimburse you directly for the differece between what you've paid and your expected co-payment fees. If you prefer to send in your own insurance reimbursement forms, L.I.H. will provide you with a "superbill" showing all charges and codes. In this type of payment situation, you will be required to pay the entire bill at the time treatment is given.

Q: DO YOU ACCEPT CASH ONLY?

A: Lakeshore Integrative HealthCare, Ltd can accept many forms of payment including Visa, Mastercard, Money Order, Cash, or Personal Check (from local bank only). If your personal check bounces, you will be required to pay all fees involved to clear the check and you will also be required to pay subsequent payments thereafter in cash or CC only.