1135 Milwaukee Ave, Riverwoods, IL 60015
(847) 594-1613
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What We Treat
At MotionFit IL Physical Therapy, we treat a comprehensive range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and movement-related conditions that affect pain levels, mobility, balance, coordination, and overall functional independence. Many conditions are influenced not only by injury or structural changes, but also by movement patterns, postural habits, neuromuscular control, and activity demands.
Our approach begins with a detailed clinical evaluation to identify contributing factors, movement dysfunction, and functional limitations. Treatment is guided by evidence-based physical therapy principles and tailored to each patient’s condition, goals, and stage of recovery.
1. Back Pain
Overview
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physical therapy and can affect individuals of all ages and activity levels. It may begin suddenly after lifting, bending, or an awkward movement, or develop gradually due to posture, repetitive strain, prolonged sitting, or stress on the spine over time.
Back pain is often influenced by a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Joint stiffness, muscle imbalance, reduced movement control, and inefficient movement patterns can all contribute to pain and functional limitations. Physical therapy focuses on addressing these contributing factors to help restore comfortable and confident movement.
Common Causes of Back Pain We Treat
• Muscle strain and soft tissue tension
• Poor posture and prolonged sitting or standing
• Disc-related conditions
• Degenerative spine changes
• Joint stiffness or instability
• Repetitive stress or overuse
• Post-surgical spinal limitations
How Back Pain May Feel
People with back pain may experience:
• Pain with bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting
• Stiffness in the lower or upper back
• Muscle tightness or spasms
• Pain when changing positions
• Discomfort with standing, walking, or getting out of bed
• Pain that may spread into the hips or legs, depending on the condition
Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and can change depending on activity level and posture.
Why Physical Therapy Can Help
When back pain develops, the body often limits movement to protect the area. Over time, this can lead to stiffness, weakness, and altered movement patterns that increase strain on the spine.
Physical therapy helps by:
• Improving joint and soft tissue mobility
• Restoring strength and movement control
• Addressing postural and movement contributors
• Teaching safe movement strategies for daily life
• Reducing the likelihood of recurring back pain
2. Neck Pain & Cervical Conditions
Overview
Neck pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. It may develop suddenly after an injury or accident, or gradually over time due to posture, repetitive movements, prolonged desk work, or stress. Neck pain often impacts daily activities such as working at a computer, driving, sleeping, and even simple head movements.
The cervical spine works closely with the shoulders, upper back, and nervous system. When movement in one area is limited or overloaded, the neck often compensates, leading to pain, stiffness, or tension. Physical therapy focuses on identifying these contributing factors and restoring healthy, coordinated movement.
Common Cervical Conditions We Treat
• Mechanical neck pain
• Cervical stiffness and reduced mobility
• Postural neck pain related to desk work or device use
• Whiplash-associated disorders
• Degenerative cervical spine changes
• Neck pain associated with shoulder or upper back dysfunction
How Neck Pain May Feel
People with neck pain may experience:
• Stiffness or tightness in the neck
• Pain with turning the head or looking up/down
• Discomfort during prolonged sitting or driving
• Neck pain that spreads to the shoulders or upper back
• Headaches related to neck tension
• Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort
Symptoms may fluctuate and are often influenced by posture, stress, and daily movement habits.
Why Physical Therapy Can Help
When neck pain develops, muscles may tighten and movement may become guarded as a protective response. Over time, this can lead to reduced mobility, muscle imbalance, and increased strain on surrounding structures.
Physical therapy helps by:
• Restoring joint and soft tissue mobility
• Reducing muscle tension and stiffness
• Improving posture and movement awareness
• Strengthening muscles that support the neck and upper back
• Teaching safe movement strategies for daily activities
Rather than focusing only on the painful area, physical therapy addresses how the neck, shoulders, and upper spine work together.
3. Shoulder Pain
Overview
Shoulder pain is a common condition that can affect daily activities such as reaching, lifting, dressing, sleeping, and working. The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, which allows for a wide range of movement but also makes it more vulnerable to pain, stiffness, and injury.
Shoulder pain may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually due to repetitive use, poor posture, muscle imbalance, or reduced joint mobility. Because the shoulder works closely with the neck, upper back, and arm, problems in these areas can also contribute to shoulder symptoms. Physical therapy focuses on identifying these contributing factors and restoring coordinated, pain-free movement.
Common Shoulder Conditions We Treat
• Rotator cuff injuries and weakness
• Shoulder impingement
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Tendinitis and bursitis
• Shoulder instability
• Post-surgical shoulder rehabilitation
• Shoulder pain related to neck or upper back dysfunction
How Shoulder Pain May Feel
People with shoulder pain may experience:
• Pain with reaching, lifting, or overhead activities
• Difficulty dressing, grooming, or sleeping on the affected side
• Stiffness or limited range of motion
• Weakness or a feeling of instability
• Pain that radiates into the upper arm
• Increased discomfort with repetitive or prolonged use
Symptoms may range from mild discomfort to significant limitation and can fluctuate depending on activity and posture.
Why Physical Therapy Can Help
When shoulder pain develops, movement often becomes restricted as the body tries to protect the area. Over time, this can lead to stiffness, weakness, and altered movement patterns that place additional stress on the joint and surrounding tissues.
Physical therapy helps by:
• Restoring shoulder joint mobility
• Improving strength and muscle balance
• Reducing soft tissue tension
• Improving coordination between the shoulder, neck, and upper back
• Teaching safe and efficient movement strategies
Rather than focusing only on the site of pain, physical therapy addresses how the entire upper body moves together.
Physical Therapy Goals
Treatment for shoulder pain focuses on:
• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Restoring shoulder range of motion
• Improving strength and joint stability
• Enhancing functional use of the arm
• Supporting comfortable performance of daily activities
• Preventing recurring shoulder problems
Goals are individualized based on the condition, severity of symptoms, and daily functional demands.
4. Elbow, Wrist & Hand Pain
Overview
Pain in the elbow, wrist, or hand can significantly affect daily activities such as gripping, lifting, typing, writing, and self-care tasks. These areas are involved in nearly all upper-body movements, making them particularly vulnerable to overuse, repetitive strain, and stress from work, sports, or daily activities.
Elbow, wrist, and hand pain may develop gradually due to repetitive motions or suddenly following an injury. Because the arm functions as a connected system, issues in the shoulder, neck, or upper back can also contribute to symptoms in the elbow, wrist, or hand. Physical therapy focuses on identifying and addressing these contributing factors to restore comfortable, coordinated movement.
Common Conditions We Treat
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• Wrist tendinitis and overuse injuries
• Hand and finger stiffness or weakness
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Post-fracture or post-surgical rehabilitation
• Elbow, wrist, or hand pain related to shoulder or neck dysfunction
How Elbow, Wrist & Hand Pain May Feel
People with pain in these areas may experience:
• Pain with gripping, lifting, or carrying objects
• Discomfort during typing, writing, or fine motor tasks
• Weakness or reduced grip strength
• Stiffness or limited movement
• Pain that worsens with repetitive use
• Difficulty performing work, sports, or self-care activities
Symptoms may vary in intensity and can fluctuate depending on activity level.
Why Physical Therapy Can Help
When pain develops in the elbow, wrist, or hand, people often compensate by altering how they move or avoid using the affected arm. Over time, this can lead to further stiffness, weakness, and strain on surrounding structures.
Physical therapy helps by:
• Reducing pain and soft tissue irritation
• Restoring joint mobility and flexibility
• Improving strength and endurance
• Addressing movement patterns that overload tissues
• Improving coordination between the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and neck
Rather than treating only the painful area, physical therapy addresses the entire upper extremity movement system.
Physical Therapy Goals
Treatment for elbow, wrist, and hand pain focuses on:
• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Improving strength and grip function
• Restoring joint mobility and movement control
• Supporting comfortable performance of daily and work-related tasks
• Preventing recurrence of overuse injuries
Goals are individualized based on symptoms, activity demands, and functional limitations.
5. Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot Pain
Overview
Pain in the hip, knee, ankle, or foot can significantly affect walking, standing, balance, and overall mobility. Because these joints work together to support body weight and movement, pain or dysfunction in one area often places added stress on others.
Lower extremity pain may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually due to repetitive stress, muscle imbalance, joint stiffness, poor movement mechanics, or age-related changes. Physical therapy focuses on identifying how these joints work together and addressing the underlying movement issues that contribute to pain and functional limitation.
Common Lower Extremity Conditions We Treat
• Hip pain and mobility restrictions
• Knee pain, including arthritis-related pain
• Ligament or soft tissue injuries
• Patellofemoral (kneecap) pain
• Ankle sprains and instability
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
• Post-surgical lower extremity rehabilitation
• Gait-related pain and imbalance
How Hip, Knee, Ankle & Foot Pain May Feel
People with lower extremity pain may experience:
• Pain with walking, standing, or climbing stairs
• Stiffness after sitting or resting
• Difficulty with balance or uneven surfaces
• Swelling or soreness after activity
• Reduced endurance for daily tasks
• Fear of movement or falling due to pain or instability
Symptoms may vary depending on activity level, footwear, posture, and movement habits.
Why Physical Therapy Can Help
When pain occurs in the lower extremities, the body often compensates by altering movement patterns. Over time, these compensations can increase stress on joints and soft tissues, leading to persistent or recurring pain.
Physical therapy helps by:
• Improving joint mobility and flexibility
• Restoring strength and muscle balance
• Enhancing walking and movement mechanics
• Improving balance and stability
• Reducing stress on painful joints
• Supporting safe and confident movement
Rather than focusing only on the painful joint, physical therapy addresses how the entire lower body moves as a system.
Physical Therapy Goals
Treatment for hip, knee, ankle, and foot pain focuses on:
• Reducing pain and stiffness
• Improving joint mobility and strength
• Restoring efficient walking and movement patterns
• Improving balance and stability
• Increasing tolerance for daily activities
• Preventing future injury or recurrence
Goals are individualized based on symptoms, activity demands, and functional limitations.
6. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Overview
Surgery is often an important step toward recovery, but surgery alone does not restore strength, mobility, or confidence with movement. After surgery, it is common to experience pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, and difficulty performing daily activities. Without proper rehabilitation, these limitations may persist and delay full recovery.
Post-surgical rehabilitation through physical therapy focuses on helping the body heal safely while gradually restoring movement, strength, and function. A structured rehabilitation program supports optimal recovery and helps patients return to daily life with greater comfort and confidence.
Why Post-Surgical Physical Therapy Is Important
After surgery, the body naturally protects the affected area by limiting movement. While this is a normal response, prolonged restriction can lead to joint stiffness, muscle weakness, poor movement patterns, and reduced confidence with activity.
Physical therapy helps by:
• Promoting safe and controlled movement
• Reducing stiffness and swelling
• Restoring strength and mobility
• Improving movement quality and coordination
• Supporting return to daily activities and work
Common Surgeries We Support
• Joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder)
• Arthroscopic procedures
• Ligament and tendon repair
• Rotator cuff repair
• Meniscus or cartilage surgery
• Post-fracture surgical recovery
Rehabilitation is tailored to the type of surgery, healing timeline, and individual goals.
How Post-Surgical Limitations May Feel
Patients recovering from surgery may experience:
• Pain or discomfort with movement
• Joint stiffness or limited range of motion
• Muscle weakness or fatigue
• Difficulty walking, lifting, or reaching
• Fear of re-injury or damaging the surgical area
• Reduced independence with daily tasks
These challenges are expected parts of recovery and can be addressed with guided rehabilitation.
7. Running & Sports Injuries
Overview
Running and sports-related injuries are common and often develop gradually due to repetitive stress, training overload, or inefficient movement patterns. Unlike acute injuries caused by a single accident, many sports injuries result from how the body absorbs and manages repeated forces over time.
Pain, stiffness, or discomfort during or after activity is often a sign that certain tissues are being overloaded. Continuing to train through pain without addressing the underlying cause can lead to prolonged recovery, recurring injuries, or reduced performance. Physical therapy helps identify these contributing factors and supports safe, effective return to activity.
Common Running & Sports Injuries We Treat
• Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain)
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Shin splints
• IT band–related pain
• Hip or gluteal muscle strain
• Hamstring and calf strains
• Ankle sprains and instability
• Overuse injuries related to training volume or intensity
• Sports-related muscle and joint injuries
How Running and Sports Injuries May Feel
Individuals with running or sports injuries may experience:
• Pain during or after activity
• Stiffness at the start of exercise that worsens or improves with movement
• Pain that increases with mileage, speed, or intensity
• Discomfort with hills, stairs, jumping, or cutting movements
• Reduced endurance or performance
• Fear of returning to activity after pain or injury
Symptoms often fluctuate and may temporarily improve with rest, only to return when activity resumes.
Why Physical Therapy Can Help
Sports and running place repeated stress on the body. When strength, mobility, coordination, or load management is insufficient, certain tissues may be asked to do more than they can tolerate.
Physical therapy helps by:
• Identifying movement inefficiencies and load-related issues
• Improving strength, mobility, and neuromuscular control
• Enhancing tissue tolerance to training demands
• Addressing imbalances that increase injury risk
• Guiding a safe and structured return to sport
The goal is not only pain reduction, but improved movement quality and long-term injury prevention.
8. Work Injury & Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)
Overview
Work-related injuries and motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) can lead to pain, stiffness, and movement difficulties that interfere with daily life, work responsibilities, and overall well-being. These injuries may occur suddenly or develop gradually, and symptoms can sometimes appear days or weeks after the initial incident.
Even when imaging such as X-rays or MRIs shows minimal findings, many individuals continue to experience pain, limited movement, or discomfort with daily activities. Physical therapy plays an important role in addressing movement-related impairments, restoring function, and supporting a safe return to daily activities.
Work-Related Injuries
Understanding Work Injuries
Work injuries may result from lifting, repetitive movements, prolonged standing or sitting, awkward postures, or sudden strain. Over time, these physical demands can place excessive stress on muscles, joints, and soft tissues.
Common Work-Related Conditions We Treat
• Back and neck pain
• Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
• Repetitive strain and overuse injuries
• Muscle strains and joint sprains
• Post-injury movement limitations affecting job performance
How Work Injuries May Affect You
• Pain with work-related tasks
• Difficulty lifting, reaching, or maintaining positions
• Reduced endurance during the workday
• Fear of re-injury or worsening symptoms
Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Injuries
Understanding MVA Injuries
Motor vehicle accidents can cause sudden forces to the body, leading to injuries even at low speeds. Symptoms may not be immediate and can worsen over time as stiffness, muscle guarding, and movement sensitivity develop.
Common MVA-Related Conditions We Treat
• Whiplash-associated disorders
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain
• Soft tissue injuries
• Muscle stiffness and reduced mobility
• Balance or movement-related discomfort following trauma
Why Physical Therapy Is Important After Injury or Accident
After an injury or accident, the body often responds by limiting movement to protect itself. While this response is natural, prolonged restriction can lead to stiffness, weakness, and altered movement patterns that delay recovery.
Physical therapy helps by:
• Restoring joint and soft tissue mobility
• Reducing pain and muscle tension
• Improving strength and movement control
• Addressing movement patterns affected by injury
• Supporting safe return to daily activities and work
9. Neurological Rehabilitation
Overview
Neurological conditions affect how the brain, spinal cord, and nerves communicate with the body. When this communication is disrupted, it can lead to difficulties with movement, balance, coordination, strength, and endurance. These changes may occur suddenly, such as after a stroke, or develop gradually over time, as seen in Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Neurological rehabilitation through physical therapy focuses on helping individuals regain movement control, improve safety, and increase independence in daily life. Even when symptoms are long-standing or progressive, physical therapy can support meaningful functional improvement and quality of life.
Conditions We Treat
• Stroke-related movement impairments
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Neuromuscular coordination deficits
• Balance and gait impairments related to neurological conditions
Treatment Approach
• Neurological rehabilitation using the PNF approach
• Balance and gait training
• Functional movement retraining
• Strength and endurance training tailored to neurological conditions
10. Balance Disorders & BPPV
Overview
Dizziness and balance problems can be unsettling and disruptive, often affecting confidence, safety, and independence. These symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually and can interfere with walking, driving, getting out of bed, or performing daily activities.
One common cause of dizziness is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a condition in which changes in head position trigger brief episodes of spinning or dizziness. Other balance disorders may be related to inner ear function, neurological changes, reduced strength, poor coordination, or altered movement patterns.
Physical therapy plays an important role in identifying the source of dizziness or imbalance and providing targeted treatment to improve safety, stability, and confidence with movement.
Conditions
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Dizziness related to head or position changes
• Balance disorders and unsteadiness
• Gait instability
• Fall risk related to balance impairment
• Balance changes associated with neurological or age-related conditions
Why Physical Therapy Can Help
Balance and dizziness are closely related to how the inner ear, eyes, nervous system, and muscles work together. When this system is disrupted, the body may struggle to maintain stable movement and orientation.
Physical therapy helps by:
• Identifying the underlying cause of dizziness or imbalance
• Retraining balance and coordination systems
• Improving walking mechanics and postural control
• Reducing fall risk and fear of movement
Targeted therapy can often lead to significant improvement, especially when dizziness is related to BPPV or movement-based balance dysfunction.
11. Scoliosis
Overview
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine that may develop during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. In some individuals, scoliosis is diagnosed early in life, while others may not become aware of it until pain, posture changes, or movement discomfort appear later on.
Scoliosis does not affect everyone in the same way. Some people experience minimal symptoms, while others may develop muscle imbalance, stiffness, fatigue, or pain related to postural asymmetry and altered movement patterns. Physical therapy does not aim to structurally “straighten” the spine, but it plays an important role in improving movement efficiency, comfort, and functional control.
Understanding Scoliosis
In scoliosis, the spine curves and often rotates, which can lead to uneven loading on muscles, joints, and soft tissues. Over time, this imbalance may contribute to:
• Muscle tightness on one side of the body
• Weakness or reduced control on the opposite side
• Postural asymmetry
• Increased fatigue with prolonged standing or sitting
• Pain related to overuse or compensation
• In adults, scoliosis may also be associated with degenerative changes, disc issues, or long-standing postural habits.
How Scoliosis May Feel
People with scoliosis may experience:
• Uneven posture or shoulder/hip height
• Back or neck discomfort
• Muscle tightness or fatigue on one side
• Pain with prolonged sitting, standing, or activity
• Reduced tolerance for physical activity
• Occasional stiffness or limited mobility
Symptoms can vary widely and may change with activity level, stress, or fatigue.
Why Physical Therapy Can Help
While physical therapy does not change the structural curve itself, it can help address how the body moves and responds to the curve. Improving muscle balance, posture awareness, and movement control can significantly reduce discomfort and improve daily function.
Physical therapy can help by:
• Reducing muscle imbalance and tension
• Improving spinal mobility and control
• Enhancing postural awareness
• Supporting efficient movement patterns
• Improving tolerance for daily activities
12. Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia & Complex Pain Conditions
Overview
Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than expected healing time and often persists for months or years. Unlike acute pain caused by a clear injury, chronic pain is frequently influenced by a combination of movement patterns, muscle tension, nervous system sensitivity, stress, and reduced activity tolerance.
Fibromyalgia is a condition commonly associated with widespread pain, stiffness, fatigue, and increased sensitivity to touch or movement. Many people with fibromyalgia also experience sleep disturbances, low energy, and difficulty tolerating physical activity. These symptoms are real, complex, and can significantly affect quality of life.
Physical therapy plays an important role in helping individuals with chronic pain and fibromyalgia move more comfortably, rebuild confidence in movement, and gradually improve daily function.
Conditions
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain
• Fibromyalgia
Why Physical Therapy Can Help
Chronic pain is not only a tissue issue—it often involves how the nervous system processes movement and sensation. Over time, the body may become overly protective, reacting to normal movement as if it were threatening.
Physical therapy helps by:
• Improving how the body moves and distributes load
• Reducing unnecessary muscle tension
• Gradually increasing movement tolerance
• Supporting nervous system regulation through safe, guided activity
The goal is not to “push through pain,” but to help the body relearn that movement can be safe and manageable.
13. TMJ Dysfunction
Overview
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull and plays an essential role in everyday activities such as talking, chewing, yawning, and swallowing. TMJ dysfunction occurs when this joint and the surrounding muscles do not move or coordinate properly, leading to pain, stiffness, or difficulty with jaw movement.
TMJ issues are often not isolated to the jaw alone. They are frequently associated with neck posture, upper back mobility, muscle tension, stress, and movement habits. Because of this, physical therapy can be an effective part of managing TMJ-related symptoms by addressing the jaw and the surrounding movement system.
Conditions
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Difficulty or discomfort with chewing or opening the mouth
• Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
• Facial or jaw muscle tension
• TMJ-related neck and shoulder discomfort
Why Physical Therapy Can Help
TMJ dysfunction is often related to how the jaw, neck, and upper spine work together. Poor posture, muscle imbalance, and restricted movement in the neck or upper back can place additional stress on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Physical therapy helps by:
• Improving joint and muscle mobility
• Reducing excessive muscle tension
• Addressing postural contributors
• Improving coordination between the jaw, neck, and upper body
Rather than focusing only on the jaw, physical therapy looks at the entire movement system to reduce strain and restore more comfortable function.
14. Pelvic & Pelvic Floor–Related Pain
Overview
Pelvic and pelvic floor–related pain can affect posture, movement, breathing, and overall comfort. These conditions often involve muscle tension, coordination difficulties, or movement dysfunction rather than a single structural problem. Pelvic pain may fluctuate over time and can significantly impact sitting tolerance, daily movement, exercise, and quality of life.
Physical therapy can help address movement-related contributors to pelvic pain through a whole-body, functional approach.
Conditions We Address
• Pelvic pain affecting daily movement and posture
• Pelvic floor–related movement dysfunction
• Pain associated with prolonged sitting or standing
• Movement-related pelvic discomfort
Physical Therapy Goals
Pelvic-focused physical therapy aims to:
• Reduce pain and muscle tension
• Improve posture and movement coordination
• Enhance core and pelvic stability
• Support comfortable participation in daily activities
Goals are individualized based on symptoms, functional limitations, and patient comfort.
Our Treatment Philosophy
Rather than focusing solely on symptom relief, we identify contributing factors to pain and movement dysfunction. By combining hands-on treatment, therapeutic exercise, neurological rehabilitation, and patient education, we aim to support meaningful recovery, improved mobility, and long-term functional health.