​

Dr. Miguel Bunker-Huertas brings a unique blend of hands-on expertise, movement-based rehabilitation, and patient education to River Forest Health & Wellness. With over a decade of experience as a massage therapist prior to becoming a chiropractic physician, his approach is rooted in understanding how the body truly moves — not just where it hurts.

 

He earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois, and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida. Before entering chiropractic, Dr. Bunker-Huertas spent 10 years working with a wide range of patients and athletes, including triathletes, runners, weight lifters, yogis, and volleyball players, specializing in orthopedic and sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, and prenatal care.

 

That foundation allows him to approach every patient with a deeper level of clinical reasoning and tissue understanding, combining precision treatment with functional movement strategies.

 

Clinical Philosophy

Dr. Bunker-Huertas believes that the best results come from combining hands-on care with patient empowerment.

 

His goal is not just to reduce pain, but to:

 

• Identify the true mechanical cause of the problem

• Restore efficient, natural movement

• Give patients the tools to manage and prevent recurrence

 

 

He utilizes a structured, evidence-informed approach that emphasizes:

 

• Movement assessment over guesswork

• Active care over passive dependency

• Long-term outcomes over temporary relief

 

 

Patients can expect care that is individualized, efficient, and focused on results.

 

 

 

Advanced Training & Treatment Approach

 

 

Dr. Bunker-Huertas is a Certified MDT provider in

The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment® — a globally recognized system for evaluating and treating spine and extremity conditions.

 

This allows him to:

 

• Precisely classify pain patterns

• Identify directional preferences

• Prescribe targeted movements that patients can perform independently

 

 

He also integrates Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) to improve:

 

• Breathing mechanics

• Core stability and intra-abdominal pressure

• Joint centration and movement efficiency

 

 

Combined with his extensive background in soft tissue therapy, his treatments often include:

 

• Manual therapy and soft tissue work

• Chiropractic joint mobilization

• Movement correction and rehabilitation

• Patient-specific home exercise programs

 

 

 

 

Who He Works With

 

 

Dr. Bunker-Huertas works with a wide range of patients, including:

 

• Active adults and athletes

• Patients with chronic or recurring pain

• Individuals recovering from injury

• Prenatal and postpartum patients

• Patients looking to improve performance and movement quality

 

 

His experience with both high-level athletes and everyday patients allows him to tailor care to each individual’s goals — whether that’s returning to sport, keeping up with kids, or simply moving without pain.

 

 

 

Conditions Commonly Treated

 

 

• Low back pain

• Neck pain and headaches

• Sciatica and disc-related symptoms

• Shoulder and hip dysfunction

• Sports and overuse injuries

• Muscle tightness and joint restriction

• Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain

 

 

 

 

Outside the Clinic

 

 

Outside of the office, Dr. Bunker-Huertas enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, cooking, dancing, weight training, yoga, running, and traveling back to his hometown in Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

 

 

What makes Dr. Bunker-Huertas different from other providers?

 

 

His background in both massage therapy and chiropractic care gives him a unique ability to combine detailed hands-on treatment with movement-based rehabilitation. His care is focused on lasting results, not temporary relief.

 

 

 

What is the McKenzie Method (MDT)?

 

 

The McKenzie Method is a system used to assess and treat musculoskeletal pain based on movement patterns. It helps identify specific movements that reduce pain and allows patients to actively participate in their recovery.

 

 

 

Are you certified in McKenzie therapy?

 

 

Yes. Dr. Bunker-Huertas is a Certified MDT provider, meaning he has advanced training in evaluating and treating spine and extremity conditions using this method.

 

 

 

Do you use exercises or just adjustments?

 

 

Both. Treatment typically includes:

 

• Hands-on care

• Movement correction

• Customized exercises

 

 

The goal is to help patients improve between visits, not just during them.

 

 

 

Do you treat athletes?

 

 

Yes. Dr. Bunker-Huertas has extensive experience working with athletes including runners, weight lifters, and endurance athletes. His care is designed to both resolve injury and improve performance.

 

 

 

Can you help with chronic or recurring pain?

 

 

Absolutely. His approach is especially effective for patients who have:

 

• Tried other treatments without lasting success

• Recurring flare-ups

• Long-standing movement dysfunction

 

 

 

 

What happens during the first visit?

 

 

The first visit includes:

 

• A detailed history

• Movement and mechanical assessment

• Diagnosis using MDT principles

• Initial treatment

• A clear plan moving forward

 

 

 

 

Do you give patients things to do at home?

 

 

Yes. A key part of care is teaching patients:

 

• Specific movements or exercises

• Postural strategies

• Self-treatment techniques

 

 

This is what helps create faster and longer-lasting results.

 

 

 

Do you work with prenatal patients?

 

 

Yes. With a background in prenatal massage and movement-based care, Dr. Bunker-Huertas provides safe and effective treatment for pregnancy-related discomfort.

 

 

 

Where are you located?

 

 

River Forest Health & Wellness

7353 Lake St.

River Forest, IL 60305

📞 708-488-0900

 

Serving patients from River Forest, Oak Park, Forest Park, and surrounding communities

 

 

 

How do I schedule an appointment?

 

 

Appointments can be scheduled online through our website or by calling the office.