Chiropractor Near Me | Northwest Chicago

Expert Chiropractic Care Just 10 Minutes from O’Hare Airport

When back pain, neck stiffness, or travel-related discomfort strikes near O’Hare Airport, you need immediate access to expert care. Dr. Michael Gontarek at Principle Performance in Park Ridge provides personalized, research-backed chiropractic treatment just minutes from the airport, making us the premier choice for travelers, local residents, and athletes throughout Northwest Chicago.

Located at 542 Busse Hwy, Park Ridge – Only 10 minutes from O’Hare Airport with convenient parking available.

Dr. Michael Gontarek: Published Researcher & Dual-Certified Health Expert

Unique Dual Expertise: Chiropractic Care + Clinical Nutrition

Dr. Gontarek, DC, MSc, DACBN, brings a rare combination of advanced credentials that sets him apart from other chiropractors in the O’Hare area. As both a Doctor of Chiropractic and Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, Dr. Gontarek offers a comprehensive approach to health that addresses not just your immediate pain, but the underlying factors contributing to your condition.

Published Research Authority: Dr. Gontarek is a published author in the peer-reviewed journal Nutritional Perspectives, with research articles on:

• Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus through Mediterranean Diet intervention
• Dietary strategies for preventing age-related muscle loss in Sarcopenia

This research background demonstrates his commitment to evidence-based care and positions him as a thought leader in integrative health approaches.

Advanced Educational Foundation

Palmer College of Chiropractic | Port Orange, FL (2015-2018) Doctor of Chiropractic degree from one of the most prestigious chiropractic institutions in the nation.

University of Western States | Portland, OR (2018-2021) Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine – completed concurrently with doctoral studies, demonstrating exceptional academic dedication.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2011-2015) Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology/Pre-Med with honors as a Chick Evans Scholar, showcasing early academic excellence and leadership.

Elite Certifications & Specializations

Board Certifications:

• Licensed Chiropractic Physician in Illinois
• Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition through the American Clinical Board of Nutrition
• Member of the American Chiropractic Association Council on Nutrition

Advanced McKenzie Method® Training:

• McKenzie Institute (MDT) A – Lumbar Spine specialization
• McKenzie Institute (MDT) B – Cervical & Thoracic Spine expertise
• McKenzie Institute (MDT) C – Advanced Lumbar Spine & Extremities (Lower Limb)

The McKenzie Method® represents the gold standard in mechanical diagnosis and therapy, making Dr. Gontarek one of the most qualified spine specialists in the O’Hare corridor.

Why Choose Principle Performance Near O’Hare Airport?

Perfect for Travelers & Airport Professionals

Strategic O’Hare Location: Located just 10 minutes from O’Hare Airport with convenient parking, Principle Performance is ideally positioned for:

• Frequent travelers dealing with flight-related stiffness and discomfort
• Airport employees needing quick, effective treatment between shifts
• Business professionals requiring immediate care during layovers or business trips
• Flight crews seeking preventive care and performance optimization

Same-Day Appointments Available: Understanding that travel schedules don’t wait for pain to resolve, Dr. Gontarek offers flexible scheduling to accommodate urgent needs and tight travel itineraries.

Proven Excellence: 5-Star Google Rating with Over 70 Reviews

Principle Performance maintains a perfect 5-star Google rating with over 70 five-star reviews, demonstrating consistent patient satisfaction and exceptional care quality. This track record speaks to Dr. Gontarek’s commitment to personalized, effective treatment that gets results.

Comprehensive Services Under One Roof

Chiropractic Care: Evidence-based spinal adjustments and manual therapy using advanced McKenzie Method® techniques for precise diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Dry Needling: Advanced trigger point therapy for rapid pain relief and muscle function restoration.

Clinical Nutrition Counseling: Board-certified nutritional guidance to optimize healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent future injuries.

Fitness Training & Personal Training: Customized exercise programs designed by someone who understands both human movement and nutritional optimization.

Massage Therapy: Complementary soft tissue treatment to enhance chiropractic care outcomes.

The Principle Performance Difference: Personalized 1-on-1 Care

Root Cause Analysis, Not Just Symptom Treatment

Unlike high-volume clinics, Dr. Gontarek provides personalized, one-on-one care focused on identifying and addressing the root cause of your problem. This comprehensive approach means you don’t just feel better temporarily—you feel better than before your injury occurred.

Dr. Gontarek’s Examination Philosophy: “My examination and treatment styles are rooted heavily in the McKenzie Method® of mechanical diagnosis and therapy® (MDT) and physical movement therapy. I’m passionate about educating, empowering, and assisting my patients in becoming advocates of their own health and wellbeing.”

Evidence-Based Treatment Approach

Dr. Gontarek’s dual background in chiropractic care and clinical nutrition allows him to address multiple factors affecting your health:

Biomechanical Assessment: Using advanced McKenzie Method® protocols to identify specific movement dysfunctions and mechanical causes of pain.

Nutritional Evaluation: Board-certified analysis of how diet and lifestyle factors may be contributing to inflammation, poor healing, or recurrent injuries.

Integrated Treatment Plans: Combining manual therapy, corrective exercises, and nutritional optimization for comprehensive healing and performance enhancement.

Conditions We Treat Near O’Hare Airport

Travel-Related Issues

• Airplane neck and back stiffness from prolonged sitting
• Luggage-related injuries from lifting and carrying heavy bags
• Jet lag fatigue and associated muscle tension
• Hotel bed discomfort causing sleep-related pain

Common Chiropractic Conditions

• Lower back pain and sciatica
• Neck pain and headaches
• Shoulder and arm pain
• Hip and leg discomfort
• Sports and exercise-related injuries
• Work-related repetitive strain injuries

Performance Optimization

• Athletic performance enhancement for local athletes
• Injury prevention for active individuals
• Postural correction for desk workers and frequent travelers
• Movement efficiency improvement

Serving Northwest Chicago & O’Hare Corridor

Primary Service Areas:

• Park Ridge (home location)
• Des Plaines
• Rosemont
• Schiller Park
• Franklin Park
• Norridge
• Harwood Heights
• Chicago Northwest Side
• O’Hare Airport area hotels and businesses

Convenient Access for Travelers

Located at 542 Busse Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068:

• 10 minutes from O’Hare Airport terminals
• Easy access from I-90/I-294
• Convenient parking available
• Professional office environment
• Flexible scheduling for travel demands

Dr. Gontarek’s Athletic Background: Understanding Active Lifestyles

Dr. Gontarek’s personal commitment to fitness and athletics informs his treatment approach:

Multi-Sport Athlete Background:

• 3-sport varsity athlete at Addison Trail High School
• Continued athletic participation through undergraduate and graduate school
• Current avid Olympic weightlifter with CrossFit background
• Deep understanding of strength and metabolic conditioning

This athletic experience means Dr. Gontarek personally understands the physical demands his patients face and can provide treatment that supports, rather than limits, active lifestyles.

What to Expect: Your First Visit at Principle Performance

Comprehensive Initial Evaluation

Detailed History: Dr. Gontarek takes time to understand not just your current symptoms, but your lifestyle, travel patterns, work demands, and health goals.

Advanced McKenzie Method® Assessment: Systematic evaluation to identify the mechanical cause of your symptoms and determine the most effective treatment approach.

Movement Analysis: Functional testing to identify movement patterns that may be contributing to your condition.

Nutritional Screening: When appropriate, evaluation of dietary factors that may be affecting healing, inflammation, or overall health.

Personalized Treatment Planning

Every treatment plan is customized based on:

• Your specific diagnosis and symptom presentation
• Lifestyle factors (travel schedule, work demands, athletic goals)
• Personal preferences and comfort level
• Timeline for improvement goals
• Long-term health and performance objectives

Evidence-Based Treatment Delivery

McKenzie Method® Techniques: Precise, directional exercises and manual therapy techniques based on your specific mechanical diagnosis.

Integrated Approach: Combining chiropractic care with nutritional guidance, exercise prescription, and lifestyle modifications for optimal outcomes.

Patient Education: Dr. Gontarek believes in empowering patients with understanding of their condition and the tools to prevent recurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you help with travel-related back pain?

Absolutely. Dr. Gontarek frequently treats travelers dealing with airplane-related stiffness, luggage injuries, and hotel bed discomfort. The McKenzie Method® is particularly effective for travel-related spinal issues because it focuses on mechanical correction and self-treatment strategies.

Do you offer same-day appointments for urgent issues?

Yes, understanding that pain doesn’t wait for convenient scheduling, Dr. Gontarek offers flexible scheduling and same-day appointments when possible, especially important for travelers with limited time in the area.

How is your approach different from other chiropractors?

Dr. Gontarek’s unique combination of advanced McKenzie Method® training, clinical nutrition certification, and published research background allows for more comprehensive care. Rather than just treating symptoms, he identifies and addresses root causes while optimizing your overall health.

Can you help optimize performance for athletes?

Definitely. Dr. Gontarek’s athletic background, combined with his expertise in human movement and nutrition, makes him uniquely qualified to help athletes optimize performance while preventing injuries.

Do you work with airport employees?

Yes, many airport employees choose Principle Performance due to our convenient location and understanding of the unique physical demands of airport work, including shift work, heavy lifting, and extended standing.

Contact Information:

• Phone: (224) 435-4280
• Email: support@principleperformancehealth.com
• Address: 542 Busse Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068

Take Action: Schedule Your Appointment Today

Don’t let pain control your travel plans or daily activities. Dr. Michael Gontarek’s evidence-based approach, combined with personalized one-on-one care, provides the comprehensive treatment you need to not just feel better, but feel better than before.

Why Choose Principle Performance: ✓ Published researcher with evidence-based treatment approaches
✓ Dual expertise in chiropractic care and clinical nutrition
✓ Advanced McKenzie Method® certification for precise diagnosis
✓ Perfect 5-star rating with over 70 satisfied patients
✓ Convenient O’Hare location just 10 minutes from the airport
✓ Personalized 1-on-1 care focused on root cause resolution
✓ Flexible scheduling for travelers and busy professionals

Call (224) 435-4280 today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and discover why patients throughout Northwest Chicago choose Dr. Gontarek for their chiropractic and wellness needs.

Serving travelers, residents, and professionals throughout the O’Hare corridor with exceptional chiropractic care since 2022.