FAQs

Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function. Physical therapists are medical experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and work closely with physicians. Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the cause of your pain, and work to eliminate it.

While every patient's condition and pain is unique, your physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain quickly and restore your function to optimum levels. The overall goal is to restore pain-free mobility and function, and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring.

Working with you and your doctor, we can discuss your options and help determine if physical therapy will be the right choice for you. Contact us today to discuss your current condition and set up a free consultation.

In most cases, you may go to a clinic of your choice, but it may depend upon your insurance coverage. We suggest that you call us and we can verify your insurance information and answer your questions.

We have morning and evening appointments available, and weekend appointments at certain locations. Call us today at (847) 543-7604 or simply fill out the schedule appointment form on this page.

Please bring your physician referral if you have one, your insurance card(s), MRI results if applicable, and any correspondence from your doctor. If you are a Workers’ Compensation patient, bring your claim number, name of the insurance company, and case manager’s name and contact information. If you have been involved in an auto accident, bring the name of the insurance company, claim number, adjuster name and contact information, and a copy of the police report. If you are involved in any other type of accident, the same information applies except the police report. If an attorney is involved in your case, please bring their name and contact information with you also.

For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee due at the time of service.

You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. If you are being seen for your knee, shorts are recommended. For shoulder and arm problems a tank top or an easy on/off top are recommended. Gym shoes or rubber soled shoes are recommended for safety purposes. We do not recommend wearing heels, flip flops or slip-on shoes to your appointment.

Your first session will last approximately an hour and a half, as we will evaluate and treat you on day 1. Subsequent visits will be approximately an hour depending on ability, strength and stamina.

You may need a few visits, or you may need a month or two of therapy. It depends on your diagnosis, past medical history, severity of your issue, your current strength and stamina, and how diligent you are with your homework. Please remember to tell us when you will be seeing your referring physician so we can send them a progress note. The therapist will work together with your physician to treat you.

Once you have completed your therapy sessions, your therapist will review your continuing home program.  We can make arrangements to meet you at your gym to help you determine which equipment may be beneficial and which exercises would be helpful in your continued recovery. Additionally, we allow verified patients to come in to our facility and use our gym.

One of the main objectives of physical therapy is pain relief. In some cases, therapy techniques can be painful. Your Physical Therapist will use a wide range of techniques to help you to achieve your goals but it is very important for you to communicate the intensity, duration and frequency of your pain to your therapist. Without this information, your therapist will find it difficult to adjust your treatment plan and perhaps even help you to prevent further injury.

Yes, in most cases it does. Our office will be happy to assist you in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your individual policy. We offer different payment options for your convenience. For more information, visit our insurance plan page and please do not hesitate to contact our office.

We accept cash, check, debit, and credit. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. Our policy requires that payment be made at the time of service. Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.

Physical therapists have years of university level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many other medical sciences. Our physical therapists have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state licensed. Depending on the university, the physical therapy program is either a master's or doctorate level degree. Rest assured, your therapist is well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.

1) You fill out intake paperwork or you can bring the completed paperwork with you. You can download it at our website.
2) We accept your therapy prescription
3) We copy your insurance card to verify your benefits. We also copy your drivers license.
4) We copy any reports or prescription lists you may bring with you.
5) You are seen by our licensed physical therapist and will discuss:

• Medical history
• Current issues
• Pain intensity
• How the pain impacts your life and activities
• Your medications, procedures and tests already performed
• Your goals for therapy

6) The actual evaluation then occurs, which can include muscle testing, range of motion, neurological screening, postural assessment, palpation or other special tests.
7) The therapist will then develop an individualized treatment plan for you which will start after your evaluation.

More than 50% of all Americans suffer from some kind of pain. Physical therapists are trained and knowledgeable not only in the treatment of pain, but also the cause of the pain. Pain often flares with a movement disorder. Physical therapists can help rectify the disorder and relieve the pain.

Physical therapists assist and educate patients and businesses in preventing injury and reducing risks for injury. Additionally they can work with athletes to screen for potential problems and offer preventative exercise programs.

In some cases, patients will need to continue an exercise routine either at home or a gym. Other patients will complete their therapy and be able to return to their normal activities.

Massage may be a part of your treatment plan. Massage is used for three reasons: to facilitate venous return from an area that is swollen, to relax a tight muscle, or to relieve pain.

The state of Illinois does allow partial direct access for physical therapy. That means you can come in for an evaluation. If you have a known diagnosis, you can be treated for up to 30 days without a physician referral. If you do not have a known diagnosis, then you will need a physician referral. In most cases, we can evaluate you and send the report to your physician for authorization for physical therapy.

Some insurers allow you to be seen without a referral while others want you to have a referral, so please check with your insurance carrier. When you come in, we can meet with you and decide on the appropriate action.

Successful outcomes depend on good communication between different members of your healthcare team. Therefore, our goal is not to replace your physician but to complement their services. As a courtesy, we always send your evaluation to your physician to confirm any precautions or potential reasons physical therapy might not be suitable for you at that time. We often point out other musculoskeletal conditions to your physician or refer you to the appropriate sources if you need further workup or imaging.

Our billing procedure is very similar to what happens at your physician’s office:

1. We will bill your insurance company, Workers' Compensation insurance or other insurance.
2. The payer processes the information and makes payments based off of an agreed upon fee schedule.
3. An EOB (Explanation of Benefits) is generated and sent to the patient and to the clinic along with a check for payment and a balance due for the patient.
4. The patient is expected to pay any balance due.

Exceptions to this are common as there may be information missing that can delay the payment process.

In most cases, insurance will cover the cost of treatment. Our billing department will verify your benefits and you will be given a written copy. If you do not have insurance, you may pay out of pocket for your treatment. We will work with you to establish a payment plan if necessary.

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