Body Gears Physical Therapy

So far, great. I definitely walked out feeling sore after the first treatment. However, by the time I got home, I was a completely different person. I slept like I hadn’t slept in weeks! They’ve really helped me manage the stress and all the taxing the stress caused on my body during a really busy time at work for me. They’ve helped me get through a tough time, and now I’m finally started to really feel the improvement. The evaluation was comprehensive, the stretches are good, the care and focus are good, and the people are nice. Periodic co-​treats with other therapists help getting treated as a team with different PoVs and expertise. Learned a lot about the body, what areas are affected (that I never considered before), and how to help myself.

The therapist James was sub-​par and very inattentive to my son to say the least. After being hit by a pitch in the shoulder neck area, I took my son to Body Gears (after seeing his doctor) for therapy. The therapist saw him all of 40 minutes and 20 of that was taken up by asking questions. He asked if he could do two manipulations on him which he did. That was it. He never did a complete analysis of his body. I have been to body therapy with my two other athletic kids and received much different service. This time it was the total opposite. I was totally underwhelmed. I even asked James, as a baseball player what exercises could my son do for his shoulder? He gave him one exercise for posture and he said he probably will not be able to do it because most adults can’t do it. He said his range of motion was limited in one shoulder and I asked what exercise could he do? Again he gave me another exercise and said he probably would not be able to do that one either. After that I said, knowing that he is a baseball player, what are some things he can do to prevent injury — exercises, warm-​up exercises, post game exercises. I got nothing. It was a total waste of my $ 100. My belief is that when I told James that I was going to make one visit and determine if I needed more, they decided that I was not worth their time. They certainly did not earn my business. #bodygearsphysicaltheraphy

I was very impressed with Body Gears, Clark St. location. I worked with Kathleen primarily, and James. Both were very thorough, clear communicators and willing to listen to how things felt in order to continually optimize treatment and exercise. Having the majority of the time spent during the session with 1:1, hands-​on treatment, is what made this experience both fundamental in my recovery, but also allows you to develop a relationship. Specifically, Kathleen worked to consult internal team members to find new approaches to help keep the progress going. I’m very grateful to have had the chance to work with these fine folks.

Body Gears is a fantastic take on physical therapy and a great change of pace relative to the larger providers. The therapists take time to understand what your issues are, and solicit the opinions of other therapists to ensure patients receive a full and thorough analysis of ways to treat symptoms, and ultimately get back to 100%.
I saw Lauren and James for bad pain related to tailbone misalignment from, I think, poor form during deadlifts. The pain was present for about three years, and after hundreds of dollars spent on doctors, MRIs, x-​rays, and steroid injections, a finally took a friend’s recommendation on Body Gears, who was treated there for a similar issue. Within about two months, the pain had gone from, at times, excruciating to now virtually non-​existent. It’s also worth noting that the pain’s down for the right reasons – because the problems were treated and corrected, versus covered up with a cortisone shot.
If you’re having issues that a «big box» physical therapist isn’t able to improve, definitely give Body Gears a shot.

Definitely the best physical therapy I have ever had. Most of the time the therapist is doing therapy vs. giving you tons of exercises to do during the appointment. Highly recommend them to anyone who plays sports and is very active.

The treatment I received at Body Gears changed my life. Erica, my therapist, is incredibly talented and personable! She was very attentive to my issues. She didn’t solely focus on the part of my body that was in pain but looked at the bigger picture as to what might be the cause and how it can be treated. She was great at communicating and explaining everything. She adapted her treatment to my lifestyle as well –I love to do yoga and she worked through different poses with me to ensure I was preforming them properly and in proper alignment. I completed my treatment feeling strong, confident, and pain-​free! Highly recommended!

Body Gears exemplifies how physical therapy should be practiced. Natasha, my therapist, is so kind and incredibly knowledgeable.
More women should know about pelvic floor physical therapy for after childbirth. Natasha changed my life!
My improvement was measurable and timely. They combined massage, external manipulation and exercises to treat the problem. Beyond physical approaches, we also talked about mental barriers to improvement and how much mindset matters.
A wonderful experience!

This place is wonderful!!! I worked with James and his assistants. James did a terrific job working on a serious problem affecting my shoulder. I will recommend Body Gears and James to anyone who needs physical therapy.

Working with the Body Gears people has been a transformative experience. I was referred by my physician for work on my gait and posture. I had trouble walking any distance my muscles constantly ached and as a consequence my energy level was always low. I was discharged today feeling normal and active. The quality of my life has increased tremendously.
Sara, Ray, Lauren and April were expert, patient, courteous and very caring; also fun to work with.
The venue is attractive and light and they manage a large patient load very well; it seldom feels overcrowded. Laura and Victoria, manning the front desk never failed to say hello and smile and they managed my paperwork efficiently.
If you need anything in the way of physical therapy USE THESE PEOPLE. You won’t be disappointed.

The team at Body Gears has changed my view about physical therapy and demonstrates how, in my opinion, physical therapy should be practiced. Body Gears is different from most PT clinics in 3 very important ways…
Firstly, the physical therapist spends most of the hour with you. Years ago I went to one of the big name PT clinics in the city due to some back problems I was suffering. What I didn’t know then was that most of the big name PT clinics have their therapists schedule multiple clients during the same hour in order to maximize revenue. So you end up getting just 10 – 15 minutes of actual time with the therapist before they have to move on to another client. The rest of the time, they put you in a corner to do some unsupervised «exercises». The level and quality of manual manipulation was always very poor. At Body Gears, the PT spends nearly the entire hour with you. They don’t just see you for a few minutes and then put you in a corner. They spend the whole hour with you working to help fix you.
Secondly, the PT’s there actually collaborate in helping you. On my first visit to Body Gears, I was pleasantly surprised when other PT’s in the room jumped in to offer their assistance in helping me with my problem foot. It wasn’t just the PT that I was scheduled with that day that was helping me. It felt like an entire team of PT’s was there to figure out how best to help me.
And finally, the knowledge all the PT’s at Body Gears has is exceptional. I work in the fitness industry and I always feel like I come away from each PT session learning more and more about proper body mechanics and function. I am always very impressed and I feel like I am in good hands when I am there.
I can’t say enough about the staff and all the PT’s that have done some work to help me get back on my feet (pun intended). Leah, Mike, Aaron, April and the rest have been great!

There aren’t praises high enough to accurately credit Body Gears PT! I had 2 major knee surgeries and extensive PT (at one of Chicagoland’s «Robo PT clinics») after each. At the end of treatment, I was still extremely limited in mobility and suffered frequent pain daily. I had given up on any sort of relief and sort of accepted a limited lifestyle which was a big change from my once active life.
Thankfully Body Gears happened to be at my gym one day doing assessments. Aaron talked to me about the pain I was experiencing and looked at my mechanics. He then explained very clearly what my restrictions were, what was causing my pain and what my treatment would be. Cautiously optimistic, I went into the clinic the next day and I haven’t looked back since. I felt improvements right away and this continued with each passing visit. At my old clinic, I’d go home feeling defeated and frustrated regularly. These are two things I never felt after leaving Body Gears. I was motivated by the treatment they provided and felt encouraged by the progress I was making.
The care is comprehensive, extensive and if something doesn’t look/​feel right, the therapists at BG are going to address it. What’s better than one incredible therapist helping you get better? A whole clinic full of top-​notch therapists who work together and pool their knowledge for your treatment. I don’t remember the last time I felt this great and I credit Aaron, Sarah and the whole team at Body Gears for that. Recently I’ve moved away but since I loved my care at BG so much, I stop in for «tune-​ups» when I’m back in Chicago. The quality of care is second to none and the clinic is a fun and positive environment to be in. They deserve 10 stars for all they do and you will be forever thankful when you choose them for your care!

I mostly saw Joanne at the N Clark location and this is the most comprehensive and effective PT I’ve ever experienced. Joanne is amazing as is Tolga at the Clinton location. They put Humpty back together again. My most sincere appreciation to the whole staff. Thanks so very much!

Tolga, Lea, and the entire staff at Body Gears are incredible! Came in for a groin injury assessment. After treatment, I feel better than preinjury.

I began Physical Therapy in June 2014 with Core Physical Therapy, Dr Jason Kart.
I had 18 sessions to work on upper back and neck pain issues. After 18 sessions I decided to go else where as minimal progress made. I found him to be super rigid in business concern as he seemed to be more concerned with insurance issues, paper work than patient progress.
I then discovered BODY GEARS and Tolga Yenilmez. Tolga did a 1 ½ hour evaluation of my issues. After 2 sessions of physical manipulation, I was fixed. this then freed him to work on other weaknesses that his thorough evaluation revealed such as weaknesses, abdominal strength, knots on upper back and shoulder range of motion etc. I call Tolga the miracle man as everything he attempted he fixed. This included helping me with 2 severe headaches, I underwent surgery, he helped with the mending process of scars so there were no negative reprecussions. I also had a problem with TMJ, could not open jaw very wide.
I enthusiastically recommend Tolga and the entire staff, from Lauren the receptionist, billing people, exerciseologist and all the physical therapist. Everyone is VERY GOOD and very professional.
I can not say enough good things about Tolga and the Staff at Body Gears on N. Clinton.

I am older and have had arthritis for a while. It has gotten bad enough for me to see a specialist and the doc’s answer to my problem was that «your not going to get any younger.» But she did recommend physical therapy. I have had therapy in the past and know that all therapists are not the same. So I searched for a long time and finally found the right one at Richards Bar. I was introduced to a fellow who owned a therapy business called Body Gears, and my buddy recommended the place. I talked to the owner, whose co-​owner wife ran the place, and I was convinced enough to give it a try. It is a great place. Everybody — and I mean everybody — there is friendly and passionate, and they are pros. Their clients are varied. Men and women, young and old, athletes and nerds. The time they take with you for each session is unusual. You get a full 45-​minutes of hands-​on therapy from a licensed therapist, and them a half hour with a professional exercise tech. I am not going to try to explain the Body Gears approach, other than that they seem to concentrate on body mechanics. If my body was a car, my mechanics would put me into the «totalled» category. But they are fixing me. That’s the highest praise I can make. My therapist, Tolga Yenilmez (originally from Turkey) listens, explains, and devises strategies that puts my body back into alignment and takes the pain away. I no longer limp and hunch. I no longer develop back pain in the middle of the day. I can stand and talk longer during networking events. I am more mobile, and can do a better job of keeping up during family walks. I feel much, much better. Thank you Tol.

I’ve been treated by Leah, Sarah and Melissa — all of whom have been fabulous! The exercise techs are also outstanding!
Leah performed the «Wiggle Room» Labor and Delivery Prep series on me and my pubic symphysis pain completely went away! The link below describes this prep series:

These guys are awesome. Ray was my main physical therapist and he was nothing but knowledgeable and personable. The rest of the office staff was friendly, easy to talk to and always there to help. I came in on crutches barely able to sit up on my own from a back injury and I walked out of there 3 months later and right back into the gym. I liked the philosophy they had of not treating patients but tuning athletes. I would recommend this place to anyone young or old, an athlete looking to improve your performance or anyone with a sore anything!

Aaron deserves a thousand stars — I cannot say enough good things about him. I was in so much pain when I came to see Aaron that he could not lay a finger on my injured area. He worked through it and worked around my extreme sensitivity.
I have to say the most special thing about Aaron is his communication skills. He is incredibly communicative and an equally good listener. Aaron did a wonderful job helping me out of a deep pit. Even though I was only one of his many patients, he made me feel like he was in this injury with me and we were a team.
Aaron truly is a treasure!

These guys fixed me. I had a snowboard injury 3 years ago that left me with pain in my ribs and hip. Within a few weeks Garrett and the Body Gears team fixed me. I highly recommend Body Gears and Garrett for any physical therapy needs. My only regret is waiting so long before I went to see these guys.

I sought physical therapy on February 1, 2014, after dealing with considerable shoulder pain since October 15, 2013. Initially, I thought the condition was inflammation caused by cross-​fit training and other physical exertion, and that it would heal with rest. The range of motion in my left arm was less than 50%, any sudden movement caused considerable pain, and my sleep was severely affected. Dr. Susan Vocino of the Northwestern Integrative Medicine Office prescribed physical therapy treatment after several months of no noticeable improvement in my condition.
In August I had success with a form of acupuncture that involved inducing an electrical current through acupuncture needles into the tissues and the muscles of my hip and right leg. Dr. Stephen Brewer, Medical Director, at Canyon Ranch in Tucson performed those treatments.
I had considered acupuncture to treat my current shoulder condition, but when a trusted client of mine heard me describe the pain I was experiencing, she suggested «dry needling,» a treatment that I was unaware of at the time.
Online research helped me find the physical therapists at BodyGears, and I selected that group of practitioners based upon several factors, including:
–their philosophy of treatment
–stated expertise related to muscle pain
–accreditations
–experience with functional dry needling
–a variety of specific five-​star Unilocal reviews
–location
Dr. Aaron Synder, PT, DPT, ATC provided my initial physical review, and has provided the majority of «hands-​on» care. At times he was assisted by a graduate student (Chanel) who was completing a two-​month clinical internship. When scheduling didn’t allow me to see Dr. Synder, I was treated by Leah Schmitt, PT, DPT and Dr. Garret Petry, PT DPT.
April Oury, PT MS, IOC, CFMT, FAAOMPT and Sarah Lindquist, PT, MPT, CFMT have consulted Dr. Synder during my treatment, suggesting additional methods and refinements of various techniques.
A few visits after my initial consultation, Dr. Synder diagnosed my ailment as Adhesive Capsulitis (aka Frozen Shoulder).
In addition to receiving care from Dr. Synder et al, my treatment has included a variety of specific exercises and muscle retraining. Most of this education was provided by exercise physiologists on staff. Together this team has also reviewed my overall posture, general movement, and working conditions.
Overall, their collective approach considers the interconnected nature of the body, and their treatment has attended to a variety of specific muscles, fascia, and joints and has employed variety of techniques, including functional dry needling.
Dry needling, as explained to me by Dr. Synder et al, is a procedure that can effectively address muscle tension (i.e., «knots) more efficiently than manual techniques. The process can «reset» a particular muscle allowing it to contract and release appropriately.
Several areas of my body have been treated, including my neck, shoulders, chest, and back. The feeling before and after is often dramatic, and the process itself clearly affects the muscle tissue in a manner that I can best describe as «softening» and «loosening.» Each session has produced noticeable improvements in my overall mobility and dramatically reduced pain.
From my perspective, dealing with particular areas of concerns quickly via dry needling enables a therapist like Dr. Synder, who is trained and certified to use the technique, to address more issues in a single session. Ultimately, my greatest concern is to completely rehabilitate my shoulder as quickly and cost-​effectively as possible, and it seems that dry needling is an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Throughout my therapy, each physical therapist from BodyGears has displayed a thoughtful and disciplined approach, masterful technique and a genuine concern for the improvement of my condition and general well-​being.
I completed my rehab in June, and I’m getting back into an active, healthy lifestyle.
If you’re suffering from «Frozen Shoulder» (aka Adhesive Capsulitis) do yourself a favor and visit the talented team at BodyGears.

PT Stacey Knowles is a genius with healing hands. My mother, father and I are all seeing her for different problems and she has done wonders in each of our cases. I have been struggling with back/​neck/​shoulder stiffness and pain for 3 years and been through 3 rounds of physical therapy previously (as well as all sorts of chiropractic visits, massages, etc) and this is the first time that I have hope for long-​lasting improvement. Her understanding (and rapid-​fire naming) of all the mechanisms that make up your anatomy is astonishing, and her ability to intuit and physically locate the sources of your pain is unlike anything I have experienced in all the practitioners I’ve seen. She told me once that she was offered a physical therapy gig on a Cirque du Soleil tour.
At one point she opened up my ribs with a combination of adjustments, massage-​like manipulation, and exercises to the extent that I felt my lungs had expanded 30%. Every time I see her, I leave the appointment feeling hugely relieved of tension and like I’m getting stronger and finding proper alignment.
She makes sure you are doing your exercises, too, which I really appreciate. Nothing changes if nothing changes.
As for Body Gears, the administrative staff is efficient and friendly and attentive to my scheduling needs, though it is hard to get an appointment with Stacey on short notice — she is in high demand! The facilities are well-​kept and pleasant and I appreciate having the option of appointments in downtown Chicago and Oak Park.
My only wish is that I could have more time with Stacey — your appointment will often dovetail with another patient of hers, and her focus will be split between you and someone else. She is committed to teaching and has always had an assistant in training at my sessions, which helps when they are working with two clients.

I started going to Body Gears in 2010 back when it was Dynamic PT. I have been treated by April & Sarah who are both super awesome. I have a variety of issues, but I primarily saw them for lower back & knee pain. I was able to increase my mileage on runs from 1 mile in extreme pain to completing the Chicago Marathon in a 5-​month period as a result of seeing them. I just recently saw Sarah for a lower back issue and the amount she accomplished in just 3-​sessions was incredible.
Body Gears is different and so much better from any physical therapy you’ve had before. They don’t juggle multiple patients at a time or watch you do exercises while they hang out. They spend the entire session with just you. It can definitely be intense (i.e., painful but then sooo amazing when they are done), but they adjust depending on your comfort level and always ask how you’re doing.
Finally, the new space on Clinton is great. Easy parking, the space is really spacious & bright and there are private treatment rooms if needed.
I can’t recommend Body Gears enough — if you need therapy, start with them and you won’t be disappointed!

All my life I dealt with daily headaches, after talking with a Neurologist I was recommended to go to a Physical Therapist. Dynamic was amazing. They have CFMT certification, an additional certification for working on migraines. I worked with Sarah & Melissa and they where both amazing. After 6 weeks I had no daily headaches, my neck tightness and pain was completely gone. I ran a 5k in November and I was in no pain at all (usually my shoulders hurt after the first mile).
Sarah & Melissa not only solved my pain issues they taught me exercises to stay pain free. They worked with my on my posture and sitting position to retrain my body.
Throughout the process they were very professional with a great bedside manner. I enjoyed my visits and enjoyed the company of the staff.
I would absolutely recommend Melissa & Sarah for anyone looking for PT and especially for migraine sufferers, I never imagined being pain free!

Updating a previous review because I have now seen a second PT at Dynamic PT. The second therapist that I have seen at Dynamic is Melissa in the Chicago office.
I started going to Melissa because she has later hours, so I could go after work. Melissa is EXCELLENT! I went to her for a middle back injury (that had been going on for about 4 months) and also upper back spasms and extreme tightness. Within two visits, my mid-​back was back to normal and within about 8 visits, she had the muscle in my upper back relaxed and retrained to function properly. I had a lot of muscle imbalances that had been going on for years causing spasms and decreased range of motion — it was difficult to turn my head, even when driving. Now, I have full range of motion and am pain free. She also sent me home with stretches and exercises to keep my back on track.
I love the approach that Melissa and the other PTs take at Dynamic — they speak with eachother and bounce ideas back and forth on your treatment. They really care and are into solving your PT issues for good. They also all do tons of continuing education so I feel like their awareness of new techniques is very high and they show interest and excitement in what they do.
I worked with Melissa about 2 months ago and I am still pain-​free and going strong.
Melissa is great to work with and I will be going back to her if I have any PT needs for sure!!!

Dynamic Physical Therapy is exceptional and truly one of a kind! You won’t find this caliber of Therapists just anywhere! Like so many others — I suffer from chronic neck pain. This was the type of pain that even my physician told me that I would have to just «learn to live with.» After having been disappointed time and again with therapy experienced at some of the larger «chained» clinics —I was finally referred to Dynamic Physical Therapy nearly 5 months ago… and really can’t imagine life without this place!
The therapists at DPT (Dynamic Physical Therapy) go above and beyond! The knowledge and skill level of the PT’s here is mind blowing! The personalized attention is just what you want and need as a patient in pain. They are committed to «YOU» and only «YOU» when laying on that table, and carefully construct treatment plans and solutions that are customized to get you – the patient on that path to healing.
My journey to healing began with DPT Therapist, Stacey Knowles. Stacey quickly took me under her wing, helped me to understand the basic functions of my body, where my pain was stemming from — and how to effectively manage to heal myself back to a «pain free» way of life — when I didn’t think this possible anymore. Stacey’s time and dedication to my healing both physically and emotionally has been invaluable. Stacey’s colleague, Sarah is amazing as well! Everyone works as a team here, and it is both refreshing and rewarding!
At the expense of sounding like an «infomercial” — I can honestly say that my experience at Dynamic Physical Therapy has been life changing on many levels. I walked into this clinic with fear and doubt placed upon me, by doctors and other therapists that simply didn’t care enough to spend the time and effort necessary to fully understand me, my condition and how to provide me with the tools necessary to get well again. Today, I am a patient armed with knowledge about my body, what works, what doesn’t and how to manage a «pain-​free» existence.
Dynamic Physical Therapy will give you healing and hope!:-)

I’ve been going to Dynamic for about two months. Stacey is my primary therapist and Sara and Leah have both worked with me. The staff confer with each other to problem solve and to figure out the best treatments and exercises to address my issues. The room is friendly and focused. The treatment is hands on and patient focused. The staff are all great and there is very little if any ‘unattended exercises’ where you are working without supervision by someone.
I have had chronic back pain since the late 1980’s, related to a spinal cord injury. (I broke my neck in 1982). I’ve always known that my low back pain was related to the spinal cord issues that left me with right-​side weakness and muscle deficits that screwed up my gait and the way I carried myself. In the past few years, my pain has gotten worse and been harder to prevent and calm down. I was becoming resigned that at 50, and 30 years out from a pretty major injury, I was just wearing out the joints and muscles that I’d been overworking and wrenching around all these years.
I’ve seen Rehab doctors, PT’s, massage therapists, chiropractors, and healers of all sorts. No one ever did the sort of extensive initial exam I got here from Stacey. I’ve been x-​rayed, MRIed, massaged, Rolfed, stretched, exercised, stuck with acupuncture needles and spinal epidurals. No treatment has had anywhere near the effects or provided the benefits I’ve received from my treatment by Stacey, and the rest of the staff here. I am moving joints that have been locked up since 1982. They have relaxed and stretched muscles that were so tight and hard I thought they were bones. I walk so differently that casual acquaintances have commented. And best of all, I feel like I’m just getting started and that I’ll keep making progress.

Sarah at Dynamic Physical Therapy is one of the best hands on PT. She has helped me with my back, ankle and some nerve pain. The team at the Chicago location easy going who enjoy to laugh and still maintain their professionalism. Highly recommend them for physical therapy. I am going to ding them for not having any water in the attempt to get them to get water. :-)
Thank you for all the help you having giving me Sarah and David

i can’t say enough good things about dynamic. i’ve been working with them for over a year now, and not only has pain subsided, but i now know a lot more about my body and how parts move than i ever have. i have exercises that are actually effective. i feel like my muscles are smarter.
i originally went in for back/​shoulder pain. but the most work was done by sarah on both of my shoulders. i can’t intelligently convey what’s wrong with them, but they’re funky. because of sarah, i can prevent further injury. she explains everything you need to know and can answer questions in an approachable way. i never hesitated to ask anything and i learned a lot. did you know that you have ribs all the way up high by your collarbone? who knew?!?
–the people at dynamic physical therapy are amazingly good at what they do. they are committed to making people feel better and with every person you interact, it’s evident.
–their approach to treatment is different – it’s not your standard «here, sit on this bike and cycle for an hour» kind of place. there’s no ‘big box’, «crank them through the system» feeling.
–if you have any need for PT; pain, injury, etc. this is the place to start