Pro-Holistic Care Physical Medicine

When I became a mother, just like all other parents, my life completely changed. I was not prepared for all the uncertainty and insecurities that would come along with this amazing new job. There are two reasons why I wanted to thank Dr. Rae and Dr. Vargas.
Dr. Rae Bouvin has been an amazing friend and doctor to my little guy. Not everyone knows but he was behind in all his gross motor skills. He was barely crawling by his first birthday when most parents are expecting their child to walk by then, I spent many days in tears wondering what I was doing wrong as a parent; or if something was wrong with my son. It was decided to aggressively treat Daniel by coming in twice a week for adjustments. If his nervous system is all good, things should happen right? Well they did! Within a few weeks he was crawling like a boss! After that, our concern was him walking. Dr. Rae kept reassuring me that he will do it when he’s ready and in the meantime we just should work on keeping him healthy and strong. I really needed the support from other parents who have dealt with this but I’ve noticed that parents only talk about their child’s accomplishments. They rarely ever talk about their struggles. We need a better support system. Thanks to Dr. Rae’s constant reassurance and for the amazing relationship she built with Daniel, he now at 18 months is finally walking and doing it well. Not only that, but we did his 18 month evaluation last night and it looks like he’s right where he should be for everything else too. I can’t tell you the relief I feel about this. I cried a lot. I struggled wondering if being a full time working mother who only saw her kid 3 hours a day was the cause of this. Everything my son does or doesn’t do weighs on my heart and my conscious. I’m proud of my decision to make Dr. Rae Daniel’s main health care provider. She’s been amazing and Daniel is such a healthy and happy baby!
Now on to me… I’ve done two weight loss programs with Dr. Edgardo R. Vargas. The first time was when I finally got pregnant after years of fertility issues and treatments. I will always feel that my weight loss and just getting healthy in general contributed to me finally having a healthy pregnancy that lead to my little Daniel. The second time was recently. I had a scary c-​section surgery when having my son. Adjusting to being a parent and basically just letting myself go because I thought I would never be the same physically really lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. I basically gave up. When I decided to give Chirothin a try I was scared but hopeful and excited. Today I am 28lbs lighter… I can honestly say it was the best thing I did. Not only was the program easy to follow but educated me. Dr. Vargas helped me to learn how to continue to make healthy choices after the program. You always hear that the best way to lose weight and keep it off is to make a lifestyle change. It’s the truth. And if that’s what you are ready to do, Chirothin is honestly the best way to kick start that new life and new you. I’m so thankful for Dr. Vargas’ direction, even after the program. I’ve learned so much about how our bodies work. It all makes sense and it’s working for me. I have my confidence back after several months of hard work and i hope to continue this journey.
Healthy Baby and Healthy Mommy!

I went in for severe lower back pain after the birth of my twins. Let me start by saying that Dr. Vargas and his staff are all very nice people. The issue I had with this place is the lack of organization, the complete inefficiency of time and the insurance billing issues. No one seems to know what’s going on or what you’re supposed to be doing. I had 4 appointments with Dr. Vargas —
The first appointment was a consultation and he sent me for x-​rays which I had no issue with. He provided me with a back brace to wear in the evenings. He was 20 minutes late but fine, everyone has an off day.
The second appointment he was 15 minutes late and we reviewed my x-​rays and I thought, OK, this is where the treatment will start. Well, after listening to him talk for 25 minutes he sent me home. He told me at my 3^rd appointment that he FORGOT to adjust my back that day.
On the 3^rd appointment he had his associate adjust my back using a drop table and he spent the next 20 minutes talking to me about goals and life changes. My back still hurt as badly as when I came in but he said we’d discuss his plan on my next visit.
On the 4^th and final appointment, he went over my 2 year treatment plan that was going to cost me over $ 200 month for the 2 year time frame. Of course, that was not including the long list of supplements and cleanses he wanted me to take or do. This is with my insurance. I very am fortunate to have excellent coverage so this seemed excessive.
I just could not go back. For each appointment he was 15 – 20 minutes behind schedule. And once I sat down with him I felt like the majority of the conversation was about him: his vacations, his family, his schooling, his past issues with insurance companies. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting to know my physician but there was no real give and take of communication. It was solely him talking at me. The first time I was there I thought maybe it was an off day but I gave him 4 chances and it happened every time.
No one knows what’s going on. The space is so small that you would think that everyone would be forced into good communication but you’d be wrong. Everyone seems to be constantly confused about who should be doing what and when. I made 4 visits to a Pro-​Holistic and only received one adjustment. The remainder of the time was all talking. That’s insane.
My last and probably most irritating issue is that he double billed my insurance. I probably would chalk this up as a mistake but it happened twice for 4 visits. Not to mention the fact the he spent a good 15 minutes telling me about his past issues with insurance companies and being called under review. He told me at the time he’d done nothing wrong and I’m by no means saying that he has but it does seem very questionable to me. I have left a message and I’m sure his staff will be getting back to me shortly to help rectify the issue.
Needless to say, I stopped going to Pro-​Holistic and found a new chiropractor in Lincoln Square. I’ve been to the new Chiropractor twice and my lower back pain is almost gone. She’s always been on time and the best part is that BOTH times she’s adjusted my back. She’s given me a treatment plan and exercises to do at home. Her plan is covered by my insurance and will be 10 weeks. It will cost me a total of $ 200 FOR THE ENTIRE TREATMENT PLAN — this includes; adjustments, messages, stimulation, diet and supplements and a take home plan to help with preventing the issue in the future. That’s about $ 4600 difference in my favor. That’s just a little too big to ignore.
Pro-​Holistic was not for me and I would definitely not recommend it to anyone who’s looking to feel better in the near future. Dr. Vargas may be a very nice man, but some of the ways he conducts his business seem a bit suspicious at best.

I started getting treatment from Dr Vargas at Pro-​Holistic just over six weeks ago and there’s already a huge improvement in my health and mobility overall. I’m a recent cancer survivor, just over 2 years. While I’m completely grateful to be alive and cancer free, I still wasn’t feeling energetic, or really thriving in a way that would restore my health and truly heal my body.
After a series of tests, as well as comprehensive allergy testing, I found out that I was highly deficient in vitamin D, which is linked to certain cancers. I also developed a huge number of food sensitivities that I had no idea were causing inflammation, which prevented me from losing weight or fully recover from cancer and cancer treatment.
Did you know that chemotherapy is full of heavy metals? that can stay in your body for up to 50 years? Me neither! But under Dr. Vargas direction I began tasteless chelation drops which bind to the metals in order to eliminate them from your body. I also had seven surgeries during my cancer treatment, which kept me physically inactive and afterwards I was moving like someone much older, with tight muscles, and limited movement. I’m now doing a series of regular exercises as well as receiving regular chiropractic adjustments at each visit 2 – 3 times a week.
None of these types of healing and health restoring treatments was offered by any of my cancer doctors. Their primary job is to save your life, once the crisis is over, most do not have the expertise to treat the results and side effects of the harsh and brutal treatment that they throw at cancer patients and hope you can survive the treatment as they try to destroy the cancer.
I highly recommend Pro-​holistic Care Physical Medicine, the name says it all. I’m getting comprehensive health restoring treatment, and so are others who come in with a huge variety of pain, injuries, and other physical traumas. It’s a very welcoming environment, you will learn a great deal of how to get rid of what’s stopping you from fully thriving, and learn how to really reconnect with yourself to recover, heal, and really enjoy your life without pain.

This place is awesome. All staff members are so warm and friendly and involved. They do an amazing job of doing a thorough assessment and developing an appropriate individualized treatment program. I am feeling better and getting results. I highly recommend you check it out.

I initially began my Pro-​Holistic journey with a Groupon massage and pain consultation. The massage was thorough; very relaxing and rejuvenating in a private room. Following that, I met with Dr. Vargas, who gently explained the many benefits of physical medicine and how it can help people and address my specific concerns.
Along my wellness journey, I’ve been lectured many times about my weight, my diet, and my fitness all relating to long-​term health and my knee pain. «If you just lose weight, you will feel better!» Well, yes, I know this, but it’s a process. Dr. Vargas did not add to my list of lecturers, he brought new perspective and an immediate desire to help ME with MY struggles. Aside from injections (deemed not the right path for me after a medical assessment), he offered me chiropractic care in addition to information on transforming my eating habits as well as my thinking about food.
Each 30 – 50 min visit consists of light to moderate stretches and exercises (they get more challenging with each passing week) for the back, neck, and core. It reminds me a bit of physical therapy. Then the doctor comes to give you an adjustment. I know a lot of people are nervous about adjustments, but I think it feels great! I feel more limber and aligned after an adjustment.
All of this is done in one storefront space along with the waiting area and office area. It’s an incredibly efficient use of space, but it doesn’t allow for much privacy. It can get crowded in the evenings, and passers by peer in the windows and probably wonder what in the world we are up to. Sometimes there isn’t enough space to do the exercises and occasionally, I must wait for others to finish with the equipment so I can continue. It can be challenging and a bit awkward to be doing lunges only inches from a person’s face as she uses equipment on the floor. I find all of this tolerable considering how happy I am with business as a whole. We clients are understanding and courteous of each other.
In my several weeks of coming here, I haven’t felt any pressure or guilt or judgement from Dr. Vargas or anyone at Pro-​Holistic. Only friendly support and encouragement. I have noticed a difference in my mindset already and I’m looking forward to trying the 3-​day detox plan. I never thought I’d ever say I was looking forward to 3 days of a strict diet, but I think the fact that Dr. Vargas and his team are all so passionate about wellness makes me really want to give it a go!
In addition to fostering a passion for wellness, the people at Pro-​Holistic are incredibly kind and welcoming. Everyone maintains authentic positivity, even when clients have difficulties or concerns. The casual, yet professional vibe from the staff is really comforting to me as a client.
The only other concern I can think of is that parking can be challenging, but is generally available if you spend a little time and go a block or two away. Near to the Rockwell Brownline stop if you don’t drive.

Used a Groupon for the B-​12 injections. No problem getting an appointment! Staff was wonderful! Truly caring! When I screwed up giving the injections to myself they had no problem fitting me in each week to give them to me. Great experience. Looking forward to expanding the services I get there.

For someone who is fearful of anything or anyone with a PhD in their name, I love this place. It’s a super welcoming and open environment and everyone is so helpful and friendly.
I can’t say anything about the chiropractic part of the business, but I can review the nutrition and weight management side. I have been on a weight-​loss journey since January of 2013 and had already lost 25lbs when I became a client of the Proholistic Institute. I was a bit nervous at first, but when I saw a Groupon for b-​12 injections and had some extra cash lying around I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did. The first day I met with Dr. Edgardo who was extremely knowledgeable about natural and organic foods. He helped me tweak my plant-​based diet to ensure that I was getting enough macro– and micro-​nutrients. He also gave me a lot of alternatives and new ideas which I would have never thought of. The nurses who administer the injections are so gentle that my fear of needles has almost gone out the window. Everything about this place screams positive experience.
As for the b-​12 injections, I go twice a week and it’s really more of a convenience than an inconvenience. I have seen a major increase in my energy since starting them. My weight continues to gradually decrease, but I’m not sure if the injections played a major role in that. However, they do make you feel much better and that 5am gym session is a little easier to wake up for.

I’m writing a review based on my boyfriend’s experience (he’s not a Unilocaler lol). About 5 months his lower back pain had reached an all time high and his tendonitis in his arm was causing major problems as he is a professional musician (guitar, banjo, mandolin etc). He had a consultation with Dr Vargas and his staff to discuss various treatments; after visiting one — three times a week for an extended period of time, we are beyond pleased with this results… his back is MUCH better and he is now playing again which is a huge deal :) THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I knew he would experience some relief, but the fact that he is doing so well just proves that the Pro-​Holisitic Institute can genuinely help. They are affordable, and worth every penny. Not to mention they people who work there are compassionate, knowledgeable and all around a pleasure to be around.

Sounds kind of silly but Pro-​Holistic saved my life…
Earlier this year I had a lower spine injury that was caused from… wear and tear on the body, older age, genetics?!? Unknown. Basically, it left me in crippling pain and some times the loss of function in my legs. The un-​describable blinding pain was non-​stop but the loss of feeling in the legs came and went (couple of interesting times near stairs of which the landing didn’t help the back situation). It wasn’t just that I couldn’t do anything productive but also that the pain left me cranky or so incoherent that conversation was impossible for me. Hence my disappearance for awhile. 5 Doctors, 2 MRI’s, 3 x-​rays, nerve test, muscle test, so on… results… nothing. I got used to hearing «We don’t know what is wrong so let us try this test next». I didn’t know where to turn to, I wasn’t a big believer in chiropractor or acupuncture having done them before. I was in hell.
Thanks to Mandy G and her Groupon, enters Pro-​Holistic. I came in for a massage and a pain consultation. Right away I knew this place was special. I can’t even tell you how friendly, down to earth but professional everyone is here. Seriously EVERYONE! They will laugh with you, cry with you, or just listen to you. These people really care about your health and even your mood (hugs may be given out from time to time from a certain individual). I won’t go into all of the details but Dr. Vargas (Or as I like to call him Dr. Crackalackin or just Doc V) reviewed my x-​rays and listened to me describe my pain. He made a few small adjustments to my spine and that crippling pain I’ve felt for over 3 months straight, suddenly just dulled to a manageable pain. I’ll admit it, I might have teared up a bit. Dr. V along with the other Chiro (and overall sweetheart) Dr. Rae (who you want to hate and love at the same time… aka Dr. ohhpainheyhorray) had me in a few more times for more adjustments and once we knew it was actually working, they set up a whole regiment. They even set everything up with my insurance. Since then, I have followed their directions and can say that I’m a new man. I still get a little pain from time to time but it’s generally my own doing. Hell, I’ve even gotten into better physical shape with their physical therapy.
Here is the break down
Unbelievable staff who totally rock!
Chiropractic work
Acupuncture
Therapeutic Massages**
Physical Therapy
Many, many other things
Takes insurance, though affordable without
Easy to get to location
They FIX you
**Um, this needs a special note. I need you to really, really listen… BEST Massage Therapist I’ve ever had in my life. We all know I’ve had many and been all over. THE BEST! She has magic hands (also a really cool personality).
Many thanks and I’ll see you all (ProHI crew) on Monday!

I used a Groupon for their Pain Consultation and Massage. Dr. Edgardo did the Pain Consultation which was an interview on health history and a very basic analysis of the problem in my neck. (My neck seized up unexpectedly and I could not turn my head). It was information I already know since I am very in tune with my body, but can be very helpful for those who are not.
For a more in depth evaluation the cost is more than what the Groupon provides.
The massage I received was fantastic. I forget the woman’s name but it did the trick and my neck is feeling much better. I should have booked another one right then and there, but I wanted to walk away and be sure that what she did actually had an effect. And it did.
I was sore, as expected for a few days. I iced it and stretched it as recommended, and am now mobile and able to dance again.
Due to Groupon they are booked like crazy but, I will go back and I recommend this place most definitely after the massage that I received.

Words can not describe the wonderful environment within Pro-​Holistic. Dr. Rae and Dr. Vargas are compassionate, friendly, and they actually listen to what is wrong with you! They educate their patients to make sure that we actually understand instead of just ignoring us and writing out a prescription like most doctors do. I have a hyperactive thyroid and prefer to not take medication and with the help of Dr Rae and her excellent accupunture, I am starting to really feel normal again! Whether you are going in for an adjustment, accupuncture, massage, or for medical advice, you can NOT go wrong with Dr Rae and Dr Vargas… truly top notch professionals in their field!

5 stars for the massage therapist. 5 stars for Dr. Rae, and NOW, 5 stars for Dr. Edgardo! After 45 years, I just walked with a cane and lived with it. Now, my feet are much more in alignment and I haven’t used a cane in over a month. Dr. Edgardo is incredible. And he’s really nice. And he speaks fluent Spanish. And he charges reasonable fees. If you’re in pain and you don’t want to be, make Pro-​Holistic your first call.

I have always been very sceptical when it comes to chiropractic – after having had a terrible experience many years ago… and then I met Dr. Rae. OMG! I have had serious, chronic back and neck pain for years and was so desparate one day that I was willing to do ANYTHING to make it go away. I went to see Dr. Rae and after just one treatment I was actually able to stand up without being in agony for the first time in months!!! She is amazing and her practice is wonderful. They are warm, friendly and professional. Speaking of professional… I read the other review and just wanted to comment: You know, they are actually a professional health clinic?! I think it would be pretty irresponsible of them to work on you without getting a bit of health information first! Do you want to end up crippled or something? Anyway, back to the real reason I’m writing… I can not recommend this clinic highly enough!