By: Jonathan Kim

“Most of my patients aren’t looking for a miracle; they just want real answers,” says Dr. Aaron Zirk, an emergency physician-turned-integrative practitioner. “That starts with listening.”

Dr. Zirk’s perspective reflects a shift happening across modern healthcare. Patients are increasingly seeking care that is often not only effective but also personalized and preventative.

And at Supreme Wellness, Dr. Zirk is helping pioneer that charge.

From the ER to Functional Medicine

After spending 15 years in emergency medicine, Dr. Zirk had seen enough to know that traditional care can sometimes treat symptoms, not systems. That experience pushed him to build something different. He now combines his conventional medical training with functional and integrative methods to design what he believes are more sustainable wellness plans.

“I realized we were patching up the same patients without really changing anything long-term,” he shares. “That wasn’t enough for me.”

His partnership with Supreme Wellness in Park Ridge and Oak Brook, Illinois, gave him the platform to expand that vision. Supreme had already stood out for its commitment to customization and holistic care.

Dr. Zirk’s background added a new layer: one rooted in evidence, but open to exploring a range of advanced wellness strategies.

Regenerative Support and Personalized Protocols

Pain management is a key area where Dr. Zirk applies this evolving approach. Rather than relying solely on medications, he incorporates a range of advanced wellness tools, including:

• Medical Grade Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
• Red Light Therapy
• Nutrient and Recovery Protocols

These options are designed to support the body’s natural ability to recover.

“We use these tools to encourage the body’s own systems. This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a strategic plan,” he says.

Each client receives a customized roadmap, built around their biology, lifestyle, and goals. Dr. Zirk starts by listening to their story and studying lab data. From there, he maps out a combination of therapies that could include hormonal optimization, hyperbaric sessions, or vitamin infusions.

The key, Dr. Zirk says, is precision.

“Pain is personal,” he explains. “So treatment has to be personal too.”

A System That Adapts

Supreme Wellness was founded by Dominika Laureto, whose mission was to bring functional aesthetics and wellness under one roof. Her vision emphasized regeneration over reaction, and health before appearance.

That same logic drives the clinic’s approach to pain care.

Dr. Zirk and his colleagues, including Steve Laureto, Dominika’s husband, who oversees performance recovery, regularly refine treatment combinations based on client feedback.

If something isn’t working, they pivot.

This flexibility has been particularly valuable for clients who have “tried everything” elsewhere. Former NFL athletes, cancer survivors, college athletes, and high-performing professionals have all reportedly experienced benefits from Supreme’s integrated care model.

Moving Beyond the Old Model

Traditional pain management often defaults to temporary relief: opioids, anti-inflammatories, or referrals to surgery. Dr. Zirk believes that’s often outdated.

“There’s a better way,” he says. “We don’t need to settle for masking pain. We can explore options to support recovery and function.”

He points to the clinic’s non-invasive therapies like red light therapy, PEMF, and ozone therapy, which, when combined thoughtfully, may encourage the body’s resilience without harsh side effects.

His “Superman” protocol – Red Light Therapy, PEMF, Hyperbaric Oxygen, and Cold Plunge – has become a client favorite.

But Dr. Zirk emphasizes that the results speak for themselves. “Clients want to feel stronger, move better, and live with less pain. That’s our goal.”

Where Pain Meets Prevention

Dr. Zirk’s long-term mission goes beyond treating pain — it’s about aiming to prevent it. He educates clients on hormone health, movement, nutrition, and recovery routines so they might avoid ending up back in a treatment room months later.

At Supreme Wellness, pain management is never just about the pain. It’s about the person, their goals, and their future.

And that’s the future Dr. Zirk is helping build: one patient, one plan, and one potentially transformative outcome at a time.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice. Readers should consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making decisions related to wellness, health treatments, or any therapies mentioned. Individual results may vary, and there are no guarantees of outcomes.

Published by Jeremy S.