Dr. Kelly Hibler Wells is one of only a handful of chiropractic physicians in the Midwest specializing in craniopathy (cranial adjusting) – and one of few across the country specializing in TMJ/dental/orthodontic co-treatment
Originally from Nebraska, Dr. Kelly spent several years traveling and living in many places before calling Illinois home in 2007. A major auto accident in her teens later led to chronic pain and severe insomnia that didn’t respond to traditional treatments – until she finally visited a chiropractor. The long journey that followed has fueled her passion for helping patients of all ages, especially children ages 0-7, experience health and wellness at their full genetic potential. Dr. Kelly is committed to creating a space for all to feel welcome and respected and receive excellent care, and looks forward to serving you & your family!
CRANIAL & TMJ
An S.O.T. craniopath is a chiropractor who has been trained in Osteopathic Manipulation Technique
Dr. Kelly graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Iowa in 2005. At Palmer she was active in student teaching and community outreach, as well as being elected the Philosophy Chair position in Sigma Phi Chi, the oldest Chiropractic organization in the world. While at Palmer College, Dr. Kelly was extremely fortunate to study Sacro Occipital Technique (S.O.T.) under some of the greatest S.O.T. practitioners in the world. She completed a diplomate in Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique prior to graduating, and went on to work for Dr. Sue Morter in Indianapolis. This led to face-to-face learning opportunities with quantum/emotional healing teachers such as Bruce Lipton, Wayne Dyer, Caroline Myss, and others. While working with veterans and athletes, Dr. Kelly discovered the need for additional treatment tools for concussions, TMJ disorder, and facial pain. She completed advanced training in S.O.T. Chiropractic Craniopathy and TMJ/dental co-treatment through SOTO-USA. A few years later, Dr. Kelly studied manual therapy techniques for treating TMJ Disorder under renowned expert Mariano Rocabado, DPT.
Learn more about Dental Co-treatment
PEDIATRICS
Having a child altered the trajectory of Dr. Kelly’s personal and professional lives. They had a beautiful home birth surrounded by an amazing team of birth workers. However, it soon became apparent her child had significant difficulties - difficulties the pediatrician, occupational therapist, and others, couldn’t find solutions for or simply didn’t even know what the problem was. Frustrated by the lack of answers and physicians telling her she was worrying about nothing, Dr. Kelly dove into pediatric training during the next two years, completing extensive post-graduate training in Pediatric spine and cranial adjusting through SOTO USA and the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association (ICPA), and the pediatric certification program with Peak Potential Institute (Dr.’s Martin Rosen & Nancy Watson). With over 13 years of S.O.T. pediatric training & experience, Dr. Wells is a trusted referral partner with holistic pediatricians, midwives, and lactation consultants all over Chicagoland, particularly problems affecting breastfeeding and the cranial bones (such as “flat head”/plagiocephaly).
AIRWAY & TONGUE TIE
In 2017, Dr. Wells became a pioneer in airway-focused dentistry as the integrative provider and craniopath at an airway orthodontic & ALF office. She became a certified myofunctional therapist, certified Myobrace Educator, certified Myomunchee provider, a diplomate in Buteyko Breathing Method and a Certified Oxygen Advantage Coach with Patrick McKeown. In 2018 she began being mentored by a Breathe Institute Affiliate to become an expert in tongue/lip tie assessment and co-treatment. Her own autoimmune struggles that did not resolve with functional medicine led Dr. Kelly to having a tongue release (functional frenuloplasty) with in 2019. Her results, and her child’s, were so incredible she has since been an advocate for education on ties for parents and physicians. As an independent practitioner, she now works side-by-side with airway focused physicians throughout Illinois and Wisconsin, as part of a collaborative team to address craniofacial & airway issues, and sleep disordered breathing.
Learn more about Airway Health
Learn more about Myofunctional Therapy
Learn more about Buteyko Breathing
Learn more about Tongue & Lip Tie
PERSONAL
Dr. Kelly is passionate about volunteering and helping others. She was a Girl Scout Troop Leader for 6 years. She is actively involved in local groups focusing on parenting, children with special needs, childbirth, breastfeeding support, and holistic health. Outside of the office, she can often be found speaking at conferences or teaching professionals about this work. She loves spending time with her family (including the furry ones), playing & listening to live music, kundalini yoga, and being in the woods as often as possible. Formerly active in Olympic Weightlifting, Dr. Kelly supports a locally owned gym and contributes to USA Weightlifting Foundation.