Dr. Daniel E. Varanauski, D.N.

Dr. Daniel E. Varanauski, DN is a licensed Naprapathic practitioner, licensed nutritional couselor and is the Medical Director and Founder of Lakeshore Integrative Healthcare, Ltd. He specializes in connective tissue and musculoskeletal pain disorders, sports injuries and stress-related illnesses.

Entering the health field 20 years ago, "Dr. Dan" obtained his B.A. in Psychology in 1984 and embarked on a career of counseling and teaching wellness concepts in various private hospital settings. His wide experience with stress-related disorders led him to seek out a massage therapy certification in 1997 from one of the premier massage schools in the Chicagoland area - the Massage and Wellness Training Institute in Woodridge, IL - with a strong focus on wellness issues. Dr. Varanauski became increasingly intrigued by advanced wellness concepts and the recent developments of the integration of age-old manual medicine with traditional medicine - and also with the latest technology and research in evidence-based medicine - culminating in his Illinois board certification as a Naprapath after attending and graduating from the National College of Naprapathic Medicine in Chicago, IL in 2002 with the highest scholastic Achievement in Science.

Dr. Varanauski's gentle and comprehensive approach to health encompasses two decades of experience and utilizes a variety of integrative healing modalities including traditional manual medicine, bioenergetic stress testing, laser therapy, deep tissue massage techniques, nutritional and stress management counseling to bring about optimal balance and well-being.

What is Naprapathy?

Naprapathy is a growing, yet century old specialty in complementary manual medicine, this healthcare system utilizes hands-on healing techniques as well as nutritional counseling, modern medical technologies, therapeutic exercise, and stress management to treat a wide range of health problems. The word comes from the Czech napravit meaning "to correct," and the Greek pathos, for "suffering," and Doctors of Naprapathy (D.N.s) are dedicated to this cause.

Naprapathy was being developed in the late 1800s and founded in 1907 by Dr. Oakley Smith, who unexpectedly departed from his own chiropractic training after that method, and a relentless search of other popular healing methods popular of the time, failed to work for his own chronic back pain. After much experimentation on himself (with his own brother assisting), Dr. Oakley Smith discovered a "cure" for his back problem by manipulating the soft body tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia) surrounding the spine, rather than only correcting the spine itself.

Dr. Smith believed that contractures and blockages in these soft tissues not only were the cause of back problems like his but also led to a wide variety of other physical complaints. These blockages appear as muscular contractions in response to physical injuries, poor nutrition, improper posture ... and sometimes even psychological conflicts having a physiological affect on the body. Dr. Smith felt that the common denominator in any disease is stress - physically, biochemically or emotionally-based. Under stressful conditions connective tissues such as fascia, muscles, ligaments and tendons can contract. As these tissues become restricted, normal function within the area decreases.The concept that disease results from blocked energy, though not a new concept - being central to Oriental and Ayurvedic medicine - was considered highly innovative at the time in America and Europe.

In 1908 Dr. Oakley Smith founded what is today known an the National College of Naprapathic Medicine.

Modern Naprapaths

Naprapathic Medicine today is a licensed complementary healthcare system. Modern Naprapaths practice evidence-based medicine specializing in connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, fascia, cartilage and spinal discs) disorders, neuromusculoskeletal disorders and nutritional counseling. It is currently licensed in Illinois and New Mexico and known internationally in countries such as Sweden and Denmark with countless practitioners in several other European and Asian countries.

Naprapaths use their hands to gently release specific points of tension in the body that have become abnormally tensed and contracted related to poor posture, injury, accidents, repetitive motion, poor nutrition, stress and/or other assaults on the body.

The goal of the Naprapath is to bring overall balance using the body's key "guide wire structures" to help decrease irritation, blockages, improve circulation and restore flexibility and resiliency to the body. In addition to performing manual manipulation, Naprapaths are trained as holistically-based nutritional counselors that believe a favorable internal environment is essential for good health.

Naprapaths utilize postural counseling, therapeutic exercise and modalities such as ultrasound electric muscle stimulation, low level laser therapy (cold laser), vibration, heat and/or cold therapy, and nutritional counseling to enhance the results of a treatment.

Naprapath Vs Chiropractor Vs Physical Therapist Vs Massage Therapist Vs Acupuncturist ...

 All healthcare professionals (theoretically) have one thing in mind - to help the patient get better. Each system uses a different approach - though these approaches often overlap in technique. The MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR in choosing a practitioner is the EXPERIENCE, SKILL AND INTENT of the PRACTITIONERS themselves! Acupuncture can be just as effective as Physical Therapy for pain relief - just as the right Naprapathic and/or Chiropractic doctor can similarly help you out of pain. Lakeshore Integrative HealthCare, Ltd combines a holistic combination of Eastern and Western technques utilizing conventional and complementary alternative methods.

All Naprapaths, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Medical Doctors, Osteopaths and other healthcare professionals vary greatly in the skill of their craft - just as well as do plumbers, sales clerks, lawyers and all other professions vary a great deal in their respective fields.

What can a Naprapath Treat? 

"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.

During a Naprapathic treatment the spine is, at times, manipulated - but only to use the vertebrae as "gentle levers" for stretching the soft tissue, not to forcefully and abruptly alter their position. Naprapapths emphasize specific and targeted stretching or "mobilizing" soft tissues prior to any type of spinal manipulation.

Cardiovascular circulation and neural pathways can become constricted or irritated by the disease process. These imbalances usually result in various signs and symptoms - most noticeably pain. Studies have shown that manipulation and stretching of connective tissues by qualified practitioners, such as Naprapaths, will give these constricted or irritated pathways the opportunity to return to a normal state needed by the body to remain healthy. A return to homeostasis. When equilibrium is restored, there is a dramatic sense of relief, relaxation and renewal.

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, strain, sprains, fasciitis conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash and a wide variety of other musculoskeletal disorders. These conditions may, in turn, produce systemic complaints including low energy, tension headaches, digestive disorders, radiating pain or even an unexplained depression.

Call today to find out what Naprapathy can do for you ... because sometimes you need a DIFFERENT KIND of DOCTOR for WHAT AILS YOU!