Portage, WI Drs and Health Practioners

Silky curtains, damask artwork, and earth-toned candles set the mood at A Healer’s Hand, where the staff massage therapists and aesthetician fuse Eastern healing techniques and Western beauty treatments. On top of waxing and reiki, they specialize in prenatal massages that help relieve tension on weight-bearing joints and ease emotional stress that can be caused by pregnancy.

Growing up, Doctor of Chiropractic David Dow grappled with a web of health problems. Erb's palsy in infancy led to scoliosis as a child. A torn shoulder ligament planted the seeds for chronic heartburn. It wasn't until undergoing Pettibon spinal-rejuvenation therapy that his body began to correct its chronic problems.

In the 20 years since starting his own chiropractic practice, Dr. Dow has treated close to 50,000 patients and four realistic-looking scarecrows. He focuses on the Pettibon method, which incorporates postural strengthening exercises, stretching, spinal traction, and acupuncture to treat herniated and degenerated discs. Dr. Dow augments chiropractic treatment plans with five types of massage.

Since Dr. Stanley Pearle opened the doors to the first Pearle Vision in 1961, the franchise has expanded to more than 800 stores nationwide including the Springfield location, where Drs. Kostelnik and Gericke—known as Drs. K and G around the office—draw on more than 60 years of combined experience to assess the ocular health of patients no longer able to discern between aunts and ants in flowered dresses.

In the store, opticians help customers to navigate the assortment of frames from brands such as Armani, Nine West, Eddie Bauer, and Nicole Miller. They also help to focus the world with contacts from Acuvue, allowing cyclops to throw away their anachronistic monocles and fit in with the 21st century's hip, nonprescription spyglasses.

Helmed by an I-ACT-certified colon hydrotherapist and nutritionist, Optimal Health Center stocks products and offers services that enkindle healthy glows from the inside out. Among alternative health remedies, both colon-hydrotherapy sessions and enemas flush out digestive tracts with water or infusions natural ingredients such as peppermint oil, Celtic sea salt, and coffee. Far-infrared saunas induce sweating and expunge toxins, and trigger-point massage optimizes the outcomes of colon hydrotherapy. In addition to on-site services, a number of books and DIY cleansing kits allow patrons to expunge toxins or molt in the privacy of their homes.

Licensed acupuncturist and certified yoga instructor Bethany Lauretano, founder and owner of Pathways to Wellness Center, LLC, blends her private teaching experience with her meditation studies in India, Japan, and America. At the integrated health-and-wellness center, she leads individuals on their own paths to well-being, with a focus on unity between body, mind, and heart. To this end, the center offers treatments in herbal medicine, acupuncture, and yoga, as well as a slew of pediatric treatments for youthful afflictions such as allergies or fear of babysitters.

Opened in 2008 by experienced doctors Richard and Angela Olson, Olson Eye Care offers top-notch customer service and a wide selection of stylish frames at its Madison and Waupun locations. Olson’s shelves are fully stocked with high-quality products from Nike, Gucci, and other designer brands, plus the original monocle worn by the Monopoly guy. The friendly opticians treat both children and adults, performing eye exams, LASIK consultations, and contact fittings.