Business Details
Expert Manual Physical Therapy in Chicago
At ExemplarPhysicalTherapy, we have dedicated ourselves to restoring optimal human movement and promoting healthy, active lifestyles through evidence-based, one-on-one manual therapy. With over 27 years of experience as a skilled manual physical therapist and more than four decades as a competitive athlete, our founder understands the desire to return to an active lifestyle at peak functionality. Our approach centers on comprehensive examinations of joints, muscles, nerves, and soft tissues to identify symptom-provoking activities and design personalized treatment plans. We combine advanced manual therapy techniques with patient education to address acute injuries, chronic pain, and post-surgical rehabilitation.Our team holds prestigious certifications including Fellowship in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy and Functional Manual Therapy certification. We serve patients through in-clinic visits and telehealth programs, offering specialized treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction, dry needling, temporomandibular joint disorders, and performance-enhancing programs. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition from patients who credit our care with transforming their lives and restoring mobility they thought was lost.
Services
Physical Therapy
Telehealth Therapy
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Dry Needling
Functional Manual Therapy
Chronic Pain Management
TMJ Treatment
Wellness Programs
Performance Enhancement
Ergonomic Assessments
Highlights and features
- 27 years of manual therapy expertise with proven results
- Personalized treatment plans addressing root causes of pain
- Advanced certifications in specialized physical therapy techniques
- Comprehensive evaluations combining movement analysis and manual assessment
- Proven success treating complex cases others couldn't resolve
Associations and certifications
- Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
- Functional Manual Therapy Certified
- Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist / Dry Needling (CMTPT/DN)
- Jones Strain and Counterstrain
- Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
What people say
Outstanding Physical Therapist
Changed my life
Best I've worked with
State of the art service
Feeling like a new person
Services
Physical Therapy
Our physical therapy services combine hands-on manual interventions with targeted exercise programs to restore mobility and alleviate pain. We treat musculoskeletal conditions through comprehensive evaluations of joints, muscles, and nerves, creating personalized treatment plans focused on long-term solutions. Patients benefit from one-on-one care with a therapist holding advanced certifications in manual therapy techniques.
Dry Needling
This advanced technique uses sterile filiform needles to release taut muscle bands causing myofascial pain. Performed by certified specialists, dry needling addresses chronic pain conditions in neck, back, shoulders, and joints. The treatment improves range of motion and reduces discomfort through targeted muscle relaxation techniques based on Western medical principles.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Specialized treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction addresses urinary and fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. Our therapists use internal and external myofascial release techniques combined with neuromuscular re-education to restore proper pelvic floor function. Treatment plans include posture training and home exercise programs for lasting results.
Telehealth Therapy
Our telehealth program provides remote physical therapy evaluations and treatment guidance through secure video conferencing. This service benefits patients with mobility limitations or during periods of illness, offering continuity of care through exercise program progression and symptom management from home environments.
Functional Manual Therapy
This specialized approach addresses the body as an integrated system to identify and treat the root causes of movement dysfunction. Certified therapists use hands-on techniques to improve strength, endurance, and neuromuscular control, focusing on restoring optimal human movement patterns for patients recovering from complex injuries or surgeries.
People
Stacey Knowles
Owner/Therapist
With 27 years as a manual physical therapist and 40 years as a competitive athlete, Stacey combines clinical expertise with personal experience in rehabilitation. Certified in multiple specialties including dry needling and functional manual therapy, she has successfully treated complex cases others couldn't resolve.
Questions
What makes functional manual therapy different from regular physical therapy?
Functional Manual Therapy addresses the body as an integrated system, identifying and treating the root causes of movement dysfunction through hands-on techniques to improve strength, endurance, and neuromuscular control.
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Illinois?
No, Illinois allows direct access to physical therapy without a physician's referral, enabling immediate treatment from licensed therapists.
How long does a typical physical therapy plan of care last?
Treatment duration varies by individual needs, with personalized plans developed after comprehensive evaluation determining optimal frequency and time frame to achieve specific goals.
Does insurance cover physical therapy services?
Most major insurance plans cover physical therapy services. We offer complimentary benefits verification to help patients understand their coverage and financial responsibility.
What should I wear to physical therapy appointments?
Patients should wear comfortable exercise clothing that allows exposure of the treated body part, such as shorts for knee injuries or tank tops for shoulder treatments.
What payment options are available?
We accept most major insurance plans and offer self-pay programs for wellness-focused maintenance therapy when insurance coverage is limited or unavailable.
