Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Abby Kramer.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started my journey into the health and wellness profession as a personal trainer. I quickly realized that while I loved working with clients one-on-one, and helping them to better their lives through exercise, I wanted to know more. I researched all options: traditional medical school, physical therapy, and chiropractic, and to me, chiropractic was the perfect combination of working with the body on a physical level, but with a more holistic approach.
I had been a patient of chiropractic for years after a car accident in college which resulted in horrible whiplash. I saw the benefits not only for pain relief, but wellness care as well! Initially in chiropractic school, I saw myself as a sports medicine focused chiropractor. I loved the thought of working with athletes to optimize their performance, and studying the biomechanics of the body was one of my favorite things to do.
However, my career path took a giant turn when I found the world of applied kinesiology early on in my schooling. I was an avid runner, running 30-40 miles per week and competing in multiple half marathons during school. However, I also was suffering with a chronic IT band injury that just couldn’t seem to heal. I was doing everything I knew how to do: getting chiropractic treatments, applying corrective exercises, foam rolling, and taking my recovery days but I just couldn’t kick it! One day, I landed in the schools applied kinesiology club. I had a fellow student, who was in clinic at the time, do a work up on me, he tested the function of a few muscles, did some soft tissue work, and 1 or two adjustments. I got up from the table and walked up the stairs with ZERO pain for the first time in months! Needless to say, I was hooked. I signed up for my first (of many) applied kinesiology seminars, and was off to the races.
The reason I love applied kinesiology, is because of its ability to get so very specific to what is going on in someone’s body. It also applied the philosophy of the “triad of health”, taking into account not just structural or physical issues, but biochemical and emotional health, as well. For me, as a student, it was also imperative that I made some specific dietary changes, supported my body through supplementation to help balance hormones (that was a huge cause of my chronic injuries!), and apply some mind-body stress relief practices daily to help handle the stresses of medical school, with ease. Without addressing the whole triad of health, I am confident my injuries would have kept returning.
Needless to say, after that experience I learned how I wanted to practice as a physician. I still work with athletes, but in a completely holistic way. By addressing the whole health of the patient: body, mind, and spirit, true healing occurs.
Has it been a smooth road?
The hardest thing for me, has been balancing everything that comes with being an entrepreneur. When I first started practice, I said YES to everything! While this definitely propelled my growth, my health and wellness suffered. Now I have found a much better balance between being in the office with patients, promoting my business, side “passion projects”, and home life.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Be Optimal Holistic Health Center – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I practice at Be Optimal Holistic Health Center in Glenview, Illinois. We specialize in holistic chiropractic care. I along, with Dr. Cari Jacobson specialize in chiropractic kinesiology. We are known for helping our patients to thrive in their health, finding balance structurally, biochemically, emotionally, and energetically.
What sets me apart from other chiropractors is taking the time with my patients to really get to the root cause of their symptoms. There is no cookie cutter approach to my care, every patient’s treatment plan is customized and curated to their needs. People typically come to our office who have been to see several other health care providers and aren’t happy with their results, and are looking for a holistic approach to their care.
What makes me most proud about our office is that we have something to offer everyone. Even if it’s not the best fit for someone to see myself or Dr. Jacobson for a session we have lots of offerings at our center. Whether it be a therapeutic massage, ionic foot detox bath, light therapy, BEMER session, or one of our many workshops for the community, there is something for everyone to start their healing journey.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I love about Chicago most is probably the food! We are lucky to enjoy so much diversity and culture to experience in our city. The hardest obstacle I would say exists with practicing in the Chicagoland area is promoting the concept of health and wellness to the community. While it is getting better, it is so needed to spread the message of health and wellness to our local communities and promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle, giving families tools and support to integrate health conscious choices into their daily lives.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1249 Waukegan Rd
Glenview, IL 60025 - Website: www.beoptimal.com
- Phone: 847-486-8000
- Email: info@beoptimal.com
- Instagram: @beoptimal
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/becomingyourbestyou
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
