Frequently Asked Questions —
Chiropractor in Peoria, IL

At Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria, IL, new patient exams are only $49 — this includes a full consultation with Dr. Kelch, a comprehensive physical examination, X-rays if needed, and your very first adjustment. That's a $250 value for just $49.

Regular follow-up visits typically range from $35–$90 depending on the services provided during that visit. If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will likely be even lower. We verify your insurance benefits before your first appointment so you always know what to expect — no surprise bills. We also offer in-house payment plans for patients without insurance coverage. Call (309) 693-8448 for current pricing details.

The $49 New Patient Special at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria includes everything you need to get started on your path to pain relief:

Full Consultation — Dr. Kelch will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and review your full health history. No rushing, no assembly-line care. Comprehensive Examination — a thorough physical assessment including orthopedic and neurological testing to identify the root cause of your pain. X-Rays if Needed — digital X-rays taken on-site to give Dr. Kelch a clear picture of your spine and joints. First Adjustment — your first chiropractic adjustment, tailored to your specific condition and comfort level. This special is available to new patients only and is subject to change. Book your $49 appointment online or call (309) 693-8448.

Yes — Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria, IL regularly accommodates same-day appointments for patients in acute pain or those who simply need to be seen quickly. We understand that pain doesn't wait, and neither should you.

To request a same-day appointment, call (309) 693-8448 as early in the day as possible — morning calls have the best chance of being seen that same day. You can also submit an appointment request online at chiropracticpeoria.net and note that you need to be seen urgently. Same-day availability varies by day, so calling directly is always the fastest way to get in.

Yes — Absolute Wellness Chiropractic is one of the few chiropractic clinics in Peoria open on Saturdays. We offer Saturday morning hours from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at 2627 W. Altorfer Dr, Ste A, Peoria, IL 61615.

Saturday appointments are ideal for working adults, parents, students, and anyone whose weekday schedule makes it difficult to get in for care. Saturday slots tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend calling ahead to reserve your spot. Call (309) 693-8448 or book online to secure your Saturday appointment.

Your first visit at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. We do not rush new patients — this appointment is designed to give Dr. Kelch everything he needs to understand your condition and build the right treatment plan for you.

During your first visit you can expect: a detailed health history review, a full physical and orthopedic examination, digital X-rays if clinically indicated, a review of findings and discussion of your treatment options, and your first chiropractic adjustment if appropriate. Follow-up visits are typically 15–30 minutes. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete your new patient paperwork, or download and complete it in advance from our Patient Forms page.

We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your chiropractic appointment at our Peoria clinic. Athletic wear, yoga pants, gym shorts, or casual everyday clothing all work well. The goal is to be able to move freely during your examination and adjustment.

Try to avoid tight jeans, belted pants, dresses, skirts, or any restrictive clothing that might limit your range of motion or make it difficult for Dr. Kelch to access your spine and joints. If you're coming in for an extremity adjustment (shoulder, knee, ankle, etc.), wearing clothing that allows easy access to that area is especially helpful. If you're unsure what to wear for your specific condition, feel free to call us at (309) 693-8448 and we'll advise you.

Scheduling an appointment at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria is easy. You have two convenient options:

Call us directly: (309) 693-8448 — our friendly staff can answer your questions, check availability, and get you booked right away. We're available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 AM, and Saturday mornings from 8–9:30 AM. Book online: Visit our online booking page to request your appointment at any time of day. We'll confirm your time within 24 hours. For new patients, we recommend mentioning the $49 new patient special when you call or book online. Same-day appointments are often available — just call early!

Yes — Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria accepts most major insurance plans. This includes Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, Medicare, Medicaid, auto insurance (PIP and Med Pay), and workers compensation. We are in-network with many of the largest carriers serving the Central Illinois area.

Before your first appointment, our team will verify your chiropractic benefits and explain exactly what is covered and what your estimated out-of-pocket cost will be. We handle all insurance paperwork and billing on your behalf so you can focus on getting better. If you are uninsured or underinsured, we offer affordable self-pay rates and in-house payment plans. Call (309) 693-8448 and we will verify your coverage over the phone before you even come in.

Absolute Wellness Chiropractic accepts Medicare for chiropractic services. Dr. Rob Kelch at 2627 W. Altorfer Dr, Ste A, Peoria, IL 61615 is a Medicare-participating provider.

Medicare Part B typically covers chiropractic manipulation (spinal adjustments) when deemed medically necessary to correct a subluxation. There are some limitations — for example, Medicare generally does not cover X-rays or massage therapy. Our team will explain exactly what your Medicare plan covers and what your cost-sharing responsibility will be before treatment begins. We work with many Medicare patients at our Peoria clinic and are experienced in navigating the coverage details. Call (309) 693-8448 to verify your specific benefits.

No — in Illinois, you do not need a referral to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors are licensed as primary care providers in Illinois, which means you can schedule directly with Dr. Kelch at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria without going through your primary care physician first.

However, some insurance plans may require a referral or prior authorization before they will cover chiropractic services. We recommend calling your insurance provider or calling our office at (309) 693-8448 so we can verify your benefits in advance. We handle this process for our patients regularly and can often get you answers quickly.

Yes — Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria, IL treats patients injured on the job and bills directly to workers compensation insurance. Whether you suffered a back injury from lifting, a slip and fall, or a repetitive strain injury, Dr. Kelch has experience providing the thorough documentation that workers comp cases require.

We work closely with case managers, adjusters, and attorneys to ensure your injury is properly documented and your care is authorized. Do not delay seeking treatment after a work injury — early chiropractic intervention typically leads to faster recovery and better outcomes. Call (309) 693-8448 as soon as possible after your workplace injury and we will walk you through the process.

The vast majority of patients at our Peoria clinic find chiropractic adjustments to be painless, relieving, and even relaxing. During an adjustment, Dr. Kelch applies a controlled, precise force to specific joints in the spine or extremities. You may hear or feel a "pop" — this is simply gas being released from the joint, similar to cracking your knuckles, and it is completely harmless.

Some new patients experience mild muscle soreness after their first one or two adjustments, similar to the soreness you might feel after a workout. This is normal and typically resolves within 12–24 hours. As your body adapts to proper alignment, this soreness usually disappears with subsequent visits. If at any point during your treatment you feel sharp or unusual pain, always let Dr. Kelch know immediately — he can adjust his technique to ensure your comfort. We use multiple adjusting techniques at our Peoria clinic, including Activator Methods for patients who prefer a gentler, instrument-assisted approach.

The number of visits needed varies depending on your specific condition, how long you have had it, your age, and your overall health goals. As a general guide: acute conditions (recent injuries, sudden onset pain) typically respond in 4–8 visits. Chronic conditions (pain lasting months or years) often require 12–20 visits for lasting improvement. Maintenance care patients who come in for ongoing wellness typically visit once or twice a month.

During your first appointment at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria, Dr. Kelch will perform a thorough examination and create a personalized care plan specific to your needs. He will clearly explain how many visits he recommends, at what frequency, and why — so you always know exactly what your path to recovery looks like. Most patients feel noticeable improvement within the first 3–5 visits. Call (309) 693-8448 to get started.

Dr. Rob Kelch at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic is one of Peoria's most highly rated chiropractors, with over 127 five-star Google reviews and 15+ years of experience treating patients throughout Central Illinois. He is one of the only chiropractors in Peoria with a CCEP (Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner) certification, allowing him to treat not just spinal conditions but also shoulders, knees, ankles, wrists, and more.

The office is conveniently located in North Peoria at 2627 W. Altorfer Dr, Ste A, Peoria, IL 61615 — just off Allen Road near Walmart. We serve patients from Peoria, Dunlap, Chillicothe, East Peoria, Pekin, Washington, Morton, Bartonville, and surrounding Central Illinois communities. Call (309) 693-8448 or book your $49 new patient appointment online.

CCEP stands for Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner. It is an advanced post-graduate certification that requires additional specialized training and testing beyond standard chiropractic licensure. Dr. Rob Kelch is one of the only CCEP-certified chiropractors in Peoria, IL — making Absolute Wellness uniquely qualified for whole-body care.

Why does it matter to you? Most chiropractors are trained primarily to treat conditions of the spine. A CCEP-certified chiropractor like Dr. Kelch has the skills and training to also evaluate and treat joints throughout the entire body — including shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. This means if your pain is in your knee, wrist, or shoulder (not just your back), Dr. Kelch can address it directly rather than referring you elsewhere. It also means he can identify how problems in your extremities may be contributing to your back or neck pain, and vice versa. This truly whole-body approach is what sets Absolute Wellness apart from most chiropractic clinics in the Peoria area.

Yes — chiropractic care is widely considered safe throughout all stages of pregnancy when performed by a qualified chiropractor. Many expecting mothers in the Peoria area visit Absolute Wellness Chiropractic to relieve low back pain, round ligament pain, pelvic pain, hip discomfort, and sciatica — all of which are extremely common as the body changes during pregnancy.

Dr. Kelch uses gentle, pregnancy-safe adjusting techniques that avoid pressure on the abdomen. Our Peoria clinic also has specialized equipment and pillows to allow pregnant patients to lie comfortably during treatment. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can also help keep the pelvis properly aligned, which may contribute to a more comfortable labor and delivery. As with any treatment during pregnancy, we recommend discussing chiropractic care with your OB or midwife beforehand. Call (309) 693-8448 with any questions about prenatal chiropractic care.

Yes — Dr. Kelch sees patients of all ages at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria, including infants, children, and teenagers. Pediatric chiropractic care is extremely gentle and uses very light pressure techniques appropriate for growing bodies. Many parents bring their children in for conditions such as sports injuries, posture problems, headaches, ear infections, colic (in infants), scoliosis screenings, and general wellness care.

Children respond to chiropractic care very well because their bodies are still developing and tend to adapt quickly. Dr. Kelch is experienced working with children and takes extra care to make young patients feel comfortable and at ease during their visit. If your child has been injured playing sports or is experiencing recurring pain, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Call (309) 693-8448 to discuss your child's needs.

Yes — herniated discs and sciatica are among the most common conditions successfully treated at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria, IL. Sciatica refers to pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates from the lower back down through the buttock and into the leg, often caused by a herniated disc or bone spur pressing on the sciatic nerve.

At our Peoria clinic, Dr. Kelch uses a combination of targeted chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression therapy to relieve pressure on the disc and sciatic nerve, reduce inflammation, and restore proper spinal alignment. Many patients who come to us seeking relief from sciatica have already tried medication or physical therapy without lasting results. Most of our sciatica patients see meaningful improvement within the first 3–6 visits. If you are experiencing shooting leg pain, numbness, or weakness, call (309) 693-8448 for a same-day evaluation.

Yes — chiropractic care is highly effective for many types of headaches, including tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from the neck), and migraines. Research has shown that spinal manipulation can reduce both the frequency and severity of headaches in many patients, often without the need for medication.

Most headaches have a musculoskeletal component. Muscle tension, poor posture, and spinal misalignments in the neck and upper back can all trigger or worsen headaches by irritating the nerves and restricting blood flow to the head. Dr. Kelch at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria addresses these root causes directly through precise adjustments, soft tissue work, and postural correction. Many of our patients with chronic daily headaches or migraines have experienced dramatic reductions in frequency and intensity after beginning regular chiropractic care. Call (309) 693-8448 to schedule an evaluation.

Yes — chiropractic care is an excellent treatment for a wide range of sports injuries. Athletes of all levels, from weekend warriors to competitive athletes in the Peoria area, visit Absolute Wellness for conditions including sprains, strains, tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, runner's knee, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and general joint pain.

What makes Dr. Kelch especially effective for sports injury treatment is his CCEP certification — he is trained to evaluate and treat joints throughout the entire body, not just the spine. This means he can pinpoint the specific joint dysfunction contributing to your pain and address it directly. Chiropractic care for sports injuries focuses on restoring proper joint mechanics, reducing inflammation, and improving range of motion so you can get back in the game faster. Many athletes also use regular chiropractic care as part of their performance and injury prevention routine. Call (309) 693-8448 to get started.

Yes — Dr. Kelch at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria specializes in auto accident injuries. He has advanced training through the San Diego Spine Institute in brain traumatology and whiplash, making him one of the most qualified chiropractors in Central Illinois for post-accident care.

Common injuries we treat after car accidents include whiplash, neck and back strains, disc herniations, soft tissue damage, headaches, and nerve pain. We accept auto insurance (PIP and Med Pay), provide detailed injury documentation for insurance claims and legal proceedings, and work directly with personal injury attorneys when needed. It is important to seek chiropractic evaluation as soon as possible after an accident — even if you feel fine initially — because many soft tissue injuries do not cause symptoms until days or weeks later. Early treatment leads to better outcomes. Call (309) 693-8448 as soon as possible after your accident.

Back pain is the number one reason people visit a chiropractor, and chiropractic care is one of the most evidence-supported treatments available for both acute and chronic back pain. You may benefit from chiropractic care if you are experiencing lower back pain, upper back pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, pain that radiates into your legs or arms, pain after sitting or standing for long periods, or pain that has not fully resolved with rest or medication.

Chiropractic care is particularly effective when back pain is caused by spinal misalignment, disc problems, joint dysfunction, or muscle imbalances — which account for the vast majority of back pain cases. Rather than masking pain with medication, Dr. Kelch at Absolute Wellness in Peoria identifies and corrects the underlying cause. If you are unsure whether chiropractic is right for your situation, the best step is simply to come in for a consultation. The $49 new patient exam includes a full evaluation so Dr. Kelch can give you an honest assessment and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Call (309) 693-8448 today.

No — spinal decompression therapy at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria is completely painless and highly comfortable. In fact, most patients find the therapy deeply relaxing. Some even fall asleep during their session. The treatment involves lying on a specialized table that gently and gradually stretches the spine using computer-controlled traction — there is no sudden force or jarring movement involved.

Spinal decompression works by creating negative pressure within the disc, which draws herniated or bulging disc material back into place and promotes the flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients into the disc to support healing. Sessions typically last 15–30 minutes. A full course of treatment usually involves 12–20 sessions over 4–6 weeks, depending on the severity of your condition. Spinal decompression is an excellent non-surgical option for patients with herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. Call (309) 693-8448 to find out if you are a candidate.

Yes — Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria has licensed massage therapists on staff offering a full range of therapeutic massage services. Available modalities include deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, cupping therapy, and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching.

Massage therapy is an excellent complement to chiropractic care. While chiropractic adjustments correct joint alignment and spinal function, massage addresses the surrounding soft tissues — muscles, tendons, and fascia — reducing tension, improving circulation, and accelerating recovery. Many patients at our Peoria clinic receive both chiropractic and massage on the same visit for maximum benefit. Massage can also be scheduled as a standalone service without chiropractic care. Call (309) 693-8448 to schedule with one of our licensed massage therapists.

A DOT physical examination at Absolute Wellness Chiropractic in Peoria typically takes 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish. Most commercial drivers who pass receive their medical examiner's certificate (DOT medical card) the same day — usually before they leave the office.

Dr. Rob Kelch is a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry, which is required by federal law for DOT physical examiners. The DOT physical includes a review of your medical history, vision and hearing tests, blood pressure and pulse check, urinalysis, and a full physical examination. We do not require an appointment in most cases and can accommodate walk-ins. We also offer evening and weekend DOT physicals for drivers who cannot come in during standard business hours. Call (309) 693-8448 for availability and current pricing.

Yes — Absolute Wellness Chiropractic offers professionally fitted Sole Supports custom foot orthotics cast and prescribed by Dr. Kelch in Peoria, IL. Unlike over-the-counter insoles purchased at a drugstore, Sole Supports are precision-cast to the exact contours of your foot and designed to correct the specific biomechanical problems causing your pain.

Custom foot orthotics can provide relief for a wide range of conditions including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, heel pain, bunions, Achilles tendonitis, knee pain, hip pain, and even low back pain. Because your feet are the foundation of your entire body, poor foot mechanics can create a chain reaction of dysfunction that travels all the way up to your spine. Properly supported feet can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your overall chiropractic care. No referral is needed. Call (309) 693-8448 to schedule a fitting consultation with Dr. Kelch.

Yes — Absolute Wellness Chiropractic carries professional-grade Aceva nutritional supplements in-office at our Peoria, IL clinic. These are pharmaceutical-grade supplements not typically available at retail stores — they are formulated to higher purity and potency standards than most over-the-counter products.

Dr. Kelch recommends specific supplements based on your individual health goals, deficiencies, and treatment plan. Common recommendations include anti-inflammatory formulas, joint support supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin D. You can also order Aceva supplements directly online at Aceva.com — use patient discount code RK01 for exclusive savings. Good nutrition is a fundamental part of healing and long-term wellness, and Dr. Kelch is happy to discuss supplementation as part of your overall care plan. Call (309) 693-8448 with any questions.

Absolute Wellness Chiropractic is conveniently located in North Peoria at 2627 W. Altorfer Dr, Ste A, Peoria, IL 61615 — just off Allen Road, less than a mile from the Walmart Supercenter. Our location provides easy access from all directions and free on-site parking.

We proudly serve patients from throughout Central Illinois including Peoria, North Peoria, West Peoria, East Peoria, Peoria Heights, Dunlap, Chillicothe, Bartonville, Pekin, Washington, Morton, Metamora, Brimfield, Princeville, Edwards, and Elmwood. Whether you are searching for a "chiropractor near me" in the 61615 zip code or traveling from the broader Peoria County area, we make it easy to access expert chiropractic care without a long drive. Call (309) 693-8448 or book online today.