What is Naprapathy?

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 and emotionally-based. Under stressful conditions connective tissue such as fascia, muscle sheath, 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 treatment can reduce pain and restriction. Lakeshore Integrative HealthCare, Ltd is unique in the Chicagoland area as we combine a holistic combination of Eastern and Western technques utilizing conventional and complementary alternative methods which include licensed physical therapists, acupuncturists, physiatry, massage and naprapathy!

Remember that 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. Be sure to choose carefully. At Lakeshore Integrative HealthCare, we integrate the highest level of quality within a multidisciplinary setting to provide you with the highest care available in conservative medicine available.

"I have been seeing a naprapath off and on for over two years. I have tried massage and chiropractic, but neither gives the long-lasting benefits of naprapathy. I strongly encourage anyone to try this therapy for any kind of back/neck/shoulder/hip pain."

- Lisa Coleman / Chicago

 "Dr. Dan is an incredible diagnostician. I have come in with a variety of ailments over the years and he usually figures out the exact cause in no time.  This is no small feat because half the time the pain is referred from some other (more injured) body part. He has a variety of state-of-the-art healing techniques and I am happy to say that I've recovered from all of my sports injuries, including tennis elbow and tendonitis”

 - Courtney McEniry / Chicago

"I suffer from a stiff muscle in my left shoulder and migraine headaches. Both get much worse when I'm under stress. I have been going to a naprapath for the last three years. He is wonderful! My migraines have been cut in half and he does a great job on my shoulder. I have also pulled my lower back out several times and if anyone has ever done it, it is a slow healing process and extremely painful. However, Dr. Dan has me on my feet in a day -- not that I can run around without taking it easy -- but enough to get rid of the horrible pain and make me feel like a human being again. I definitely recommend naprapathy for anyone with soft tissue injuries, back pain, headaches and the like. Dr. Dan is in Lincoln Park if anyone lives in that area. A lot more insurance companies are picking up the tab -- so why suffer when you can be rid of pain? At least check it out."

 - Peg O'Brien / Chicago 

 "I'm a healthy/active 37 year old Ironman triathlete, and I've spent the past 2 years trying to correct/rehab the pain from a herniated disc at c6-c7. I've had epideral shots in the spine to reduce the pain, hours of chiropractor appointments, hours of massage, physical therapy and acupuncture.

Prescription anti-inflammatories helped somewhat. Although epideral shots removed the pain immediately, the pain returned about a month after the epiderals....tried 3 times.

Physical therapy has helped somewhat, bu Naprapath treatment has seemed to help me the most.

3 surgeons each recommend the typical fusion surgery, but I have been able to avoid surgery thus far by seeing Dr. Dan.

So, hopefully my positive experience with Naprapathy can help others, and I would like to read how others have remedied this pain..." 

- JT / Lakeview, Chicago 

 "Between my lower back problems since high school and the stress that I hold in my upper back, I am always searching for something to relieve the pain. I actually started seeing a Naprapath about a year ago, and I feel so much relief! Dr. Dan Varanauski has a sixth sense when it comes to back pain." 

- Carrie Baker / Loop, Chicago 

 "Been to a lot of chiropractors in the past. Finally wised up and went and saw a naprapath. There is no comparison. Naprapathy is the way to go. Been going to Dr Dan Varanauski for 5yrs now and my back has never been better." 

- Mark K / Andersonville, Chicago 

"As an athlete, part-time "desk-jobber," and ...human being I can relate to your pain and trying to find the right cure. In October 2006 I was introduced to naprapathy (Dr. Dan Varanauski) when I had some hip pain just before a major race. I saw Dr. Dan only once for that particular injury and the results were simply amazing. Additionally, in December, I sprained my ankle very badly (3rd degree). Dr. Dan was able to help be recover much more quickly that I ever dreamed. When I've gone in for a visit, he's also worked on my neck/back pain and I've felt immediate relief. I can't recommend naprapathy enough as a natural means for alleviating neck/back and overall bodily pain/injury." 

- Jennifer Hains, Health and Life Coach / Chicago 

"I have had a problem in the pastwith my left shoulder blade, and Dr. Dan Varanauski used massage, electric stim, and cold laser treatments to help me. I really think this is the best route to go for any type of injury, and Dr. Dan, at Lakeshore Integrative Healthcare definitely is the only person I would recommend to help heal any injury." 

- Jana Armstrong / Chicago

 "I am a professional musician. I have suffered from chronic back pain for many years due to a car accident many years ago. Dr Dan has given me tremendous relief over a very short period of time. I went to countless medical doctors (who ALWAYS just want to give me medication and send me to physical therapy!), physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, acupucturists, massage therapists, chiropractors, rolfers and even reiki practitioners. I have never had the relief that I've experienced with Dr. Varanauski. Period. He has given me a new lease on life! I do re-develop pain from time to time, but no where near what I had in the past. Thanks Dr. Dan!!!"

- Kevin P/Lakeview, Chicago 

If you would like to add your own Naprapathic success story or other testimonial, please email Dr. Varanauski at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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