Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL

Welcome to Free Body Physical Therapy!

Our clinic of Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL is here to help navigate the Coronavirus pandemic and it is important to ensure the safety of our patients. Below are the measures we are taking to protect our patients. If you have any questions or would like additional advice, we are here to help. Do not hesitate to reach out to me. We are all in this together. Learn More: https://freebodypt.wpengine.com/covid19

Dr. Marc Gregory Guillen

PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Free Body Physical Therapy is owned and operated by Dr. Marc Gregory Guillen, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT. After receiving a doctorate in physical therapy and working at several PT clinics along the west coast, Dr. Guillen completed a physical therapy fellowship program in Manual Therapy that less than 1% of physical therapists in the U.S. have completed. This expertise in Manual Therapy provides hands-on knowledge to help patients reach their physical therapy goals. Dr. Guillen offers a close one-on-one relationship with patients where his goal is to educate, empower and maximize recovery in as few visits as possible.

Common conditions that Dr. Guillen treats include back pain, neck and shoulder pain, knee and ankle injuries, post-surgery rehabilitation, arthritis, chronic pain conditions, sports injuries, and much more. Free Body Physical Therapy accepts most insurance, Medicare, worker’s comp and self-pay patients. Dr. Guillen is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Marc Gregory Guillen, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Fellow, American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
Board Certified, Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Made Personal

Free Body Physical Therapy is a neighborhood physical therapy practice nestled at the border of Wicker Park and Humboldt Park, serving patients from many surrounding neighborhoods including Ukrainian Village, Logan Square, Bucktown and West Town.

We support full body care and treatment, putting your health, daily activities, and physical goals into focus. You’ll receive personal care and attention at each appointment, and education specific to your needs to support your continued health post-therapy. By understanding your body’s unique design, physical therapy can provide treatment equal to or more effective than surgery and injections, with your healing beginning immediately.

We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO/EPO, Humana, Aetna, MedRisk, Corvel, Medicare, Worker’s Comp, Self-Pay.
Please contact us if your health insurance is not listed here or to inquire about your benefits.

Sports Rehabilitation

As an athlete, few things can be more devastating than having to spend time on the sidelines while rehabbing an injury. However, for many athletes each year, this is an unfortunate reality. At Free Body Physical Therapy, we know how eager you may be to get back to competing with your teammates and coaches. That is why we offer treatment for all of the most common sports injuries an athlete can find themselves suffering from.

Sports Injuries Treated

Every sport can tax an athlete’s body in unique ways. That is why there are so many sports injuries an athlete can potentially endure. Fortunately, no matter what the injury may be, our team will be there to help. We’ll be able to diagnose the severity of your injury before moving forward with creating the treatment plan that is right for you. Examples of some of the most common sports injuries treated here at our facility include the following:

Sprains and strains.
Overuse injuries.
Dislocations and fractures.
Tendonitis.
Back and neck injuries.
Joint problems.

Preventing Injuries

There are numerous ways a person can work towards avoiding sports injuries. By playing an active role in this process, you can stay with your team longer and continue working towards the goals you’ve spent countless hours engaging in training and preparation. The best part is that prevention methods can be done by any athlete competing in any sport. To avoid injuries, we recommend doing the below:

Cross-train your body so no one singular muscle group becomes overused.
Maintain a healthy diet and body weight.
Always take time to warm-up before a game or practice.
Stay hydrated.
Wear proper equipment such as cleats, helmets, and joint pads.
Utilize the proper mechanics for your sport.

The Benefits Of Physical Therapy For Sports Rehab

When prevention methods are not enough to stop a sports injury, physical therapy is the next step to take. By scheduling sessions with our team, you’ll increase the chances of making a full recovery in a short amount of time. Our staff is composed of experts that will teach you to perform the therapeutic stretches and exercises needed to get you back in the game. The benefits of utilizing this form of sports rehab include:

Improved athletic output.
Regained strength.
Elimination of pain.
Quick recovery time.
Reduced likelihood of surgery is required for treatment.
Increased flexibility and range of motion.

Contact Us

When you need sports rehab, don’t settle for subpar care. Contact our team at Free Body Physical Therapy today so you can get back to the sport you love!

Recent Blog Posts From Our Clinic Of Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL

Strains and Sprains of the Lower Back

Lower back pain is unfortunately very common within patients over a range of ages and conditions. This pain is often caused by sprains and strains occurring in the lower back region. Experiencing lower back pain? Free Body Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL is here to help guide you towards a healthier and more comfortable lifestyle! Continue reading on to learn more about strains and sprains of the lower back and how physical therapists here at Free Body PT can help you.

Common Causes for Lower Back Pain

One of the primary essential causes of back pain is strains and sprains that can occur throughout your lower back. Most back pain is a result of an injury, usually occurring due to sudden movements or poor body placement when attempting to lift heavy objects. A lumbar sprain occurs when ligaments are torn from their attachments while a lumbar strain develops after the muscle is stretched abnormally. Both sprains and strains can cause debilitating pain. This type of back pain may last between a few days to a few weeks, however, if the pain lasts longer than 3 months, it is considered chronic pain.

Symptoms of Back Pain

Common symptoms that can occur from strains and sprains in the lower back region may include but are not limited to:

Muscle aches
Shooting or stabbing pain
Pain that radiates down your leg
Pain that increases with bending, lifting, standing or walking
Pain that improves with reclining
Stiffness, restricting range of motion
Muscle spasms either during activity or rest

How Can I Relieve My Back Pain?

Before going any further, attempt to determine the cause of your pain so you can properly treat it to overtime. If you’re unsure, it could be very beneficial to seek assistance or an evaluation from a physical therapist at Free Body Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL who specializes in lower back pain. Movement is the best medicine to relieve your pain. Here are some helpful stretches and exercises for you to try:

Bridges
Knee to chest
Press-up back extensions
Bird dogs
Partial crunches
Pelvic tilts
Wall sits
Hip stretches

Experiencing lower back pain? Visit our website or schedule an appointment at Free Body Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL today!

Rehabilitation Following Meniscus Surgery

How Can Our Free Body Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL Help You?

Have you recently undergone meniscus surgery and are in search of Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL? Our team at Free Body Physical Therapy is here to assist you. Contact us to learn more today!

A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries and leads to a lot of pain and discomfort. The meniscus is a piece of cushion in the knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. A meniscus tear can occur by simply making a sudden pivot. This injury is common in both contact sports such as football and basketball as well as non-contact sports that involve a lot of running and jumping such as volleyball and soccer. Older athletes are much more susceptible to a meniscus tear because the meniscus weakens with age.

Symptoms

A meniscus tear is not only painful but can feel very debilitating. If you are experiencing knee pain these are symptoms that might let you know it is a meniscus tear.

A popping sensation
Swelling or Stiffness
Pain in the knee
Difficulty bending or straightening your knee
The feeling of your knee giving way
Feeling of your knee locking up

Causes

Unfortunately most times a meniscus tear is unavoidable. They are most common in athletes and very active individuals that put a lot of wear and tear on their knees. The tear occurs as a result of an aggressive pivot or turn. Additionally, kneeling, deep squatting, or lifting something heavy can also lead to a meniscus tear.

Athletes are put at the highest risk for this injury especially older ones. While they are at the highest risk people that don’t perform in a sport also experience meniscus tears. One outlying factor that can also put someone at a higher risk is obesity. Whatever the cause may be, Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL can help you determine the best course of action moving forward to ensure a healthy recovery.

Treatment

The treatment of a meniscus tear is dependent on the size and location of the tear. If a tear occurs in an area with good blood flow it may be able to heal on its own. If a tear occurs in another area of the knee that doesn’t have a good blood flow the recovery time could be a lot longer. That being said many meniscus tears do require surgery however that is not always the case. Some key treatment methods for a meniscus tear include:

Rest- it is important to limit physical activity and refrain from putting weight on it
Ice- icing the knee will help reduce swelling and pain. It is recommended that this is done for 15 to 20 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2 to 3 days.
Compression- compressing the knee can help ease pain, this can be done with an elastic bandage
Elevate your knee
Take anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Allieve, or Motrin
Use stretching and strengthening exercises

Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL

For many people that experience a meniscus tear surgery is the only option for eliminating pain. The recovery time and process are different for everyone. Rehabilitation can be a key factor in making sure that the knee heals properly. Free Body Physical Therapy has the best Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL can that provide physical therapy both before and after surgery. At Free Body Physical Therapy our team of doctors know that every body is different which is why they create a plan specified for you. Following your evaluation, they will create a program catered towards you and your injury so that you can get back on your feet!

Recovering From a Muscle Strain in the Thigh

A muscle strain is when a muscle is damaged, or its attached tendon is damaged. Muscle damage can happen to some or all parts of the muscle fiber. The tearing of muscle fiber can also affect blood vessels leading to bruising of the area. If you need Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL, we will treat your muscle strains or other injuries you experience. Contact Free Body Physical Therapy today to learn more!

Different Grades of Muscle Strains and their Symptoms

Along with the severity of muscle strain, the symptoms can also vary from extreme to mild. The list of symptoms are as following but are not limited to:

Grade 1: Mild strain; muscle fiber is tender and painful. But normal strength is maintained.
Grade 2: Moderate strain; People who experience this type of muscle strain experience pain and tenderness. There is also a visible loss of strength and, at times, bruising.
Grade 3: This is when a strain becomes a complete tear. The muscle becomes two separate pieces. The pain is considerable, as well as discoloration and swelling. There also can be a noticeable gap between the two torn muscles.

Treating Muscle Strain

Some who experience muscle strain sometimes don’t know they have a torn muscle. Sometimes they find out when they go to their doctor. In most cases, an x-ray would be unnecessary since the torn muscle can be prominent. Here are some treatments for muscle strains of any kind:

Surgery ( for major or complete tears)
For early signs of a muscle tear, apply ice and heat
PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to help with the pain.

How Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL Can Help With Muscle Strain?

The experienced doctors at Free Body Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL can help you with your recovery. However, some of the healing can be done at home by using the PRICE method. There is an added benefit when you have Physical Therapy in Oak Park IL to provide practical exercises to recuperate the strength you once had. Our team can get you back to doing your favorite physical activities, like working out or bike riding. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for expert care!