Chicago Physical Therapists

August is National Breastfeeding Month

Did you know we provide support for lactation?

We perform ultrasound therapy for clogged ducts. If you have one, please call us. We do our best to work you in same-day because we know how urgent of an issue this is.

Be sure to bring your pump or baby with you to your appointment as it is very helpful to remove milk directly after your treatment! The ultrasound heats and produces very miniscule vibrations that are not perceptible to touch. This has a very powerful impact in releasing clogs. Many people find relief after one ultrasound therapy treatment, but sometimes a second is needed. And it is always a great idea to follow up with your healthcare provider and/or a lactation consultant!

Time spent feeding or pumping can take a toll on one’s body. Conservative estimates of how long parents spend feeding a child for their first year of life are around 1800 hours!

Time spent breastfeeding, chest feeding, pumping or bottle feeding a baby can build tension in your body. We love to work with patients early on to make simple postural and support changes to help keep pain and tension at bay. We also perform manual release techniques to release tension, as well as guide patients in specific stretches and/or exercises specific to any pain or tension they are experiencing.

We love to share resources, so please tag a lactation consultant below. If you are a lactation consultant, please say hello below!

What is the pelvic floor and what is its role in the body?

**The pelvic floor (PF) comprises a group of muscles lining the bottom of your pelvis, running from the p***c symphysis joint near the vaginal opening to the tailbone. Not only do these muscles support pelvic organs and joints, but they also play vital roles in sexual function, continence, and even help circulate lymphatic fluid back to the heart. Interestingly, PF dysfunction often intertwines with hip pain, highlighting the intricate connections within our body. These vital muscles also encircle both the urethral, vaginal, and re**al openings.

Reserve your spot for our Gait Analysis Run Clinic next Thursday, June 13th!

Who is this for? Whether you are training for a race or are getting back into running (or walking), this clinic is designed to give you valuable insight on your gait! From those who have struggled with recurring pain and injury, to those who are looking to fine tune their mechanics can benefit from a video gait analysis.

Each participant receives:
•Video Gait Analysis
•Individualized assessment
•Home exercise program

Find out more and pre-register at our link in bio!

Physical therapy isn’t just for postpartum recovery - it is for prenatal patients too!

Prenatally, physical therapy can help with:
•Unresolving pain
•Sciatica
•Round ligament pain
•“Fire crotch”
•Vulvodynia
•Incontinence
•Constipation
•Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
…and much more!

Also, we see patients during their third trimesters for birth preparation — more info about that in upcoming posts.

We’re due for an intro on here!

Hello 👋🏼

We’re Chicago Physical Therapists, a privately owned physical therapy practice in Chicago. Established in 2009, we now have a team of 8 physical therapists!

We have extensive experience in pelvic health (male and female) as well as expertise in sports injuries, general orthopedics, trauma, repetitive stress injuries, hypermobility and chronic pain. At Chicago Physical Therapists we offer you an innovative, holistic approach to give the best chance at complete recovery.

What you will find here:
•One-on-one treatments with your PT for a full hour
•Care tailored to your unique goals and needs
•Convenient online scheduling
•Video Gait Analysis/Running Analysis
•Prenatal and postnatal care
•Menopause support
•Physical therapy for athletes
•hEDS specialized care
•Evidence based treatment
… and so much more!

Leave an emoji below to share what motivated you to go to physical therapy ⬇️

Spring in Chicago is great. It always reminds me why I love this city so much!!!

Are we ok to put away snow pants and boots now?

Google Review: “I had a positive experience at Chicago Physical Therapists. The staff is professional and welcoming. Andrea made me feel comfortable during therapy sessions. She responded to my questions, provided helpful information and exercises. I highly recommend Chicago Physical Therapists and Andrea.”

Thanks for sprucing up our planters for the holidays, !!!

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are so very thankful for each and every one of you! It is a joy to provide care for our patients and to see you progressing, meeting your goals and living life fully. Never give up hope that your conditions will improve or that you will be able to get back to doing what you love! Thank you for choosing us for physical therapy!

We are closed Thursday and Friday. Please call and leave a voicemail if you are rescheduling during that time.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! 🦃🍁🍽

Amazing conference this weekend at !!! Updates on the latest regarding topics such as vestibulodynia, GSM (genitourinary symptoms of menopause), peri-menopause, lactational dyspareunia.

It was eye opening to be there with OBGYN that have worked for several years and talk about how little their medical schools and residency programs covered regarding these topics.

Stephanie P from the Bay Area presented regarding physical therapy interventions. I heard several of the practitioners comment throughout the week that this is a very new area of practice and very few US practitioners trained in the specialty. So fortunate to be able to learn from these pioneers in the area such as Irwin Goldstein, Rachel Rubin etc.

Highly recommend checking out the ISSWSH organization for evidence-based resources and studies!

Heartfelt insight from Jessica DelMonaco, PT, DPT on her experience with the Chicago Marathon:

One year ago on marathon day, I fractured my pelvis in two spots, resulting in several months of inactivity and inability to independently care for our baby boy. I was a new mom, craving the sense of peace and accomplishment I have always found in running, but I was completely unaware my bone density had not normalized after pregnancy + 8 months of breastfeeding-I pushed my body beyond its limits. Most moms don't experience any serious issues with bone health postpartum, but awareness of the possibility is so important. I miss running more than I could have imagined, and I will get back to it one day, but learned to listen to my body and I know that what I'm capable of doing today is good enough.

Stay active, stay aware and run safely (and for the love of running!) today 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♂️🩷👶

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month with October 15th being designated as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Will you join us in lifting up families who have experienced this loss?

Tag providers or share ideas below that offer support for families after a loss of a pregnancy or an infant.

Review time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

l am so thankful for Chicago Physical Therapists! | honestly wish I could rate them more than 5 stars. appreciate Chicago Physical Therapists' holistic approach to considering the whole body when creating a treatment plan. All staff and therapists have always been welcoming, friendly, and professional.

I have seen Meredy and Alesha at the clinic and I can't say enough good things about both of them!
Both therapists go above and beyond to collaborate with other professionals, use evidence-based research, and make the best, individualized plan to help with your needs. It was such a pleasure to work with both Meredy and Alesha. I always felt comfortable, safe, and validated by them and their excellent clinical skills are extremely apparent. I made life-changing progress with both of them.

Scheduling was very easy (online and in person).
Everything with billing and insurance was effortless and straightforward. I never had an issue parking for appointments.

I highly recommend Chicago Physical Therapists to anyone looking for a physical therapist!

-Review of Chicago Physical Therapists on Yelp

With a growing baby shifting your center of gravity during pregnancy, requiring more strength and bringing about possible posture changes, it is more important than ever to take care of yourself. We are here to support you in your endeavors, making sure your muscles are firing correctly and your joints stay healthy so you can fully enjoy your daily life and exercise.

After baby comes, we support you as you adjust to the demands of your new routine (hello, carrying carseats and a diaper bag) and eventually return to exercise.

Your pelvic floor plays a role in stability, balance, coordination, absorbs and distributes force from impact, supports your pelvic and other vital organs, creates space for your breath and so much more!

As you can see, it’s important for athletes (and everyone, really!) to have a healthy pelvic floor!

Pelvic Floor Tips for Athletes:
1. Don't "suck it in”!
2. Use the restroom before exercise
3. Develop strength and stability before challenging stamina
4. Pay attention to any leaking or incontinence
5. Pay attention to pain

Do you have any other tips or questions? Let us know in the comments!

We’ve updated our online scheduling to make your patient experience easier!

If you are a current patient, you can book here: https://scheduling.go.promptemr.com/patientLogin?returnTo=%2FonlineScheduling%3Fs%3DDL%26w%3D763&w=763

If you are a NEW patient, visit here to request an individual booking link: https://www.chicagophysicaltherapists.com/book-an-appointment

Prompt EMR Prompt Therapy Solutions

Remembering and honoring the men and women who gave everything for our freedom.

Beyond needs like a crib and carseat, your support system is a key foundation for your pregnancy and postpartum recovery! Our team of physical therapists is knowledgable and experienced in treating patients throughout all aspects of perinatal care including pain during pregnancy, preparation for delivery, postpartum recovery, and return to exercise. We want to empower you to prioritize your wellbeing!

We’re hiring!

More info on www.chicagophysicaltherapists.com/careers

It is an absolute joy to introduce you to the host of our Instagram takeover, Rachelle Mallik! ✨

Rachelle is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and owner of The Food Therapist, LLC, a private practice specializing in nutrition for reproductive health, including fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and lactation. Rachelle provides a weight-inclusive, non-diet approach that focuses on health-promoting behaviors and nourishment over restriction.

👋🏼Hello CPT community and welcome to my [Rachelle's] coffee talk! Today I'm sharing my thoughts on a nutrition topic that is relevant for all, and especially important when you're pregnant or lactating: SNACKS!

Unfortunately snacks sometimes get a bad rap, but I recommend them for pretty much all of my clients. Snacks help us meet our energy and nutrient needs (which increase significantly during pregnancy and lactation), bridge the gap between meals, allow us to honor our hunger and fullness cues and enjoy meals. When we're overly hungry, we tend to eat very quickly and/or make impulsive food choices. Rather than preparing the meal you had planned, you might go with the quickest, easiest thing you can find to eat.

Snack can also support our energy levels throughout the day and again meet our nutrition needs, including macronutrients (carbs, protein and fat) as well as vitamins and minerals. For most folks I generally suggest 3 meals and 1-2 snacks. If you’re in your third or “fourth” trimester or breastfeeding/pumping, I generally recommend 3 meals + 2-3 snacks.

A few of my go-to snacks are apple or banana with nut butter, hard-boiled egg and grapes, baby carrots and cheese, whole grain crackers or tortilla chips and hummus, yogurt or cottage cheese with cut fruit, a bowl of cereal with milk and berries, roasted chickpeas, mixed nuts, and oat-, nut- or seed-based snack bars (especially for on-the-go). What are some of your favorite snacks? Tell us in the comments!

To get in touch or to learn more about her nutrition services, follow , visit rachellemallik.com or email [email protected]. Rachelle offers 1:1 counseling and has a new course on fertility nutrition, Fertility Foundations.

There are lots of new faces on here, so we’re due for an introduction.

We're Chicago Physical Therapists and we’re passionate about providing exceptional care in a comfortable space.

Our team of experienced physical therapists—practicing cutting-edge integrative treatment—is intent on providing you the best results through our holistic, personalized approach to your treatment. Your appointments are a full hour, spent one-on-one with your therapist.

We specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy, perinatal PT, athletic and sports injuries, pre- and post- surgical recovery and much more!

Our clinic is conveniently located on the Clark Street 22 bus line, and a few blocks from the Ravenswood Metra stop. Our clinic is walkable to the red (Wilson) and brown line (Montrose) stops. We are just south of Andersonville and north of the Southport Corridor.

Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about care or insurance coverage!

It’s a joy to share the news that Amy Fetch, PT, DPT had her baby!

She and her husband welcomed Aidan James on 1/19/23 at 3:56 pm. He was 7 lbs 7 oz, 20.5 inches long. 

Mom and baby are doing well. Sending them all our best wishes as they settle into being a family of four. Congratulations, Amy!!!

New at CPT: You can sign up for one of a limited number of complimentary, one-on-one virtual consults with our physical therapists.

Our skilled team of PT’s help all types of conditions such as:

•Prenatal and Postpartum: pain, leaking urine, prolapse, diastasis re**us abdominis, tears, c-section recovery.
•Sports Injuries: running related injuries, video gait analysis, labral tears, endurance athletes, return to working out after giving birth.
•EDS, POTS and hyper mobility.
•Chronic Pain: fibromyalgia, headaches, endometriosis, cancer and unresolving neck, back and pelvic pain.
•Pelvic Health: male and female pain, incontinence and conditions.
•Pre- and post-surgery: Pre-hab before surgery and recovery afterwards.
•and so much more!

At your free consult, we will:

•Help you understand your cause of pain or issue
•Share what you can do to help.

See you soon!

Reserve your appointment spot on our website.

I hope your year is off to a great start!

I want to know, what is your favorite way to stay active during the winter?

5 Star Google Review:

“Meredy Parker is hands down one of the best PTs out there. I am so lucky I found her while I was pregnant with my first and had her by my side during my postpartum recovery. She is SO knowledgeable about the entire body, kind, and respectful. She is invested in her patients and goes above and beyond to make sure I'm progressing in my recovery. I highly recommend starting to see her in your second or third trimester and throughout your postpartum recovery. Because of her, I felt more confident in my labor and delivery and I am so impressed by how my body has healed and started to get strong again. I also can't believe how she helped me navigate those early postpartum emotions and health issues my daughter was experiencing. She and her team also got my husband on their schedules last minute when his back went out a few weeks before I was due and helped him walk again. Again, I can't stress enough how much Meredy cares and makes her patients feel supported. SO glad she is part of my medical team!”

Dr. Meredy Parker of Chicago Physical Therapists highly recommends this on .

‎You Are Not Broken: Vaginal Estrogen - A Primer on Apple Podcasts ‎Show You Are Not Broken, Ep Vaginal Estrogen - A Primer - Jul 3, 2021

Trigger warning

October is Pregnancy and Infant loss awareness month. I know we talk about pelvic floor physical therapy a lot here, and I want to make space to share that pelvic floor physical therapy can be helpful after a loss.

Our physical therapists take regular advanced training and strive to provide inclusive trauma-informed care. We are here for you and can be part of your support system.

5 Principles of Trauma-Informed Care:
-safety
-choice
-collaboration
-trustworthiness
-empowerment

What can a woman keep an eye out for that would be a sign pelvic floor PT could be helpful?
-pelvic pain
-any urinary or f***l incontinence or leaking
-a feeling of pelvic pressure or bulging
-abdominal separation or coning of ab muscles
-back pain
-pain with exercise or trouble with activities that used to feel ok
-pain with in*******se

Join us in welcoming Sarah Casperson, PT, DPT, WCS to Chicago Physical Therapists!

Sarah Casperson has been working as a licensed physical therapist since 2019, specializing in women’s health and orthopedic patient populations. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, Sarah worked in digital media and advertising, but felt drawn to another career with a foundation in helping others. After returning to undergraduate studies, she earned a doctorate in physical therapy at Midwestern University in Downer’s Grove, IL. It was on her second clinical rotation that she learned of the women’s health specialty and felt compelled to dedicate her PT career to helping women overcome pelvic dysfunction.

Following PT school, Sarah participated in an advanced training through the women’s health residency program at Loyola University. She became a board-certified women’s health specialist in the spring of 2022. Sarah is passionate about treating pelvic diagnoses including bowel and bladder dysfunction, pelvic pain and perinatal care. As a new mom herself, Sarah is especially motivated to empower other women throughout the pregnancy and postpartum experience with education and treatment of dysfunction. She prides herself in providing patient-centered, evidence-based care to ensure her patients reach their treatment goals.

After delivering her baby girl in July 2022, she is excited to continue an active lifestyle including doing yoga, playing tennis and crushing PRs on the Peloton. When not caring for her patients, Sarah enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her husband, daughter and pup, Birdie.

Welcome, Sarah!

How do we treat diastasis recti (the separation of abdominal muscles that naturally occurs during pregnancy)?

20 different ways for 20 different women! There is no one-size-fits all diastasis treatment plan for postpartum women.

Each case is unique and there are lots of factors that impact postpartum healing. Pelvic floor tension, arm and shoulder health, posture, muscles that aren’t firing correctly (or at all), and even foot health all play a role in diastasis healing!

What is helpful for one woman, might be a setback for another. This is why we work one-on-one with each patient, making sure to find what works best for them. Spoiler alert: it changes as healing progresses and can even vary day-to-day!

Join us in welcoming Lauren Goldammer, PT, DPT to our practice!

Lauren earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in Rochester, MN in 2020. There she served as the class president and a teaching assistant. Since graduation, Lauren has taken the initiative to deepen her knowledge and skills by receiving a certification in LSVT BIG (treating patients with Parkinson’s symptoms) and is currently pursuing further certifications in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Fall Prevention.

Lauren has had the privilege to work with patients with a wide range of conditions across multiple age groups, including outpatient pediatrics, outpatient orthopedics, inpatient neurology, and geriatrics. She has a passion for treating patients with a wide variety of diagnoses and seeks to provide her patients both individualized treatment and education.

Lauren has a special interest in educating patients regarding fall prevention techniques and core strength, providing neuromuscular education to assist with chronic pain treatment, and giving individualized treatments for those with hypermobility.

She is also fluent in Spanish.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling, and exploring Chicago.

Welcome, Lauren!!!