What conditions does physical therapy treat?

Physical therapy can help treat conditions such as joint pain, sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, back and neck pain, arthritis, and mobility issues related to aging or neurological conditions.

Do I need a referral to start physical therapy?

In many cases, you do not need a referral to begin physical therapy at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. However, some insurance plans may require one, so it's best to check with your provider.

What should I expect during my first physical therapy session?

Your first session will include an evaluation where the therapist assesses your condition, range of motion, strength, and functional limitations. Based on this assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be developed.

How long does physical therapy last?

The duration of physical therapy varies based on your condition and goals. Some patients may see improvement in a few sessions, while others may require ongoing therapy over several weeks or months.

Does insurance cover physical therapy?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover physical therapy when it is medically necessary. Coverage details vary, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider for specific information.

Physical Therapy

Relieve Pain, Restore Function, Improve Mobility for Better Quality of Life.

Physical therapy is an important part of the rehabilitation process following an injury or surgical procedure. For patients who have been immobilized and lack flexibility, strength, endurance, or motor function, a skilled therapist can provide targeted exercises and treatments designed to return you to your pre-injury state — or help you come back even stronger than before. Physical therapy can also reduce or even eliminate the need for unnecessary pain medication, surgery, or additional imaging.

Our Approach

At Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR), physical therapists and physicians work collaboratively to help you relieve pain and achieve your rehabilitation goals. The process begins with an examination of your medical history, followed by measurements of strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. Based on the results of these tests and your individual goals, the physical therapist develops a comprehensive treatment plan for you. Rehabbing from an injury can be a challenging and frustrating experience, so our approach combines expertise with empathy to help you stay motivated and see tangible results.

Here for Every Step of Your Recovery Journey

After laying out a path to recovery, your MOR therapists help you progress from one milestone to the next. You’ll receive a personalized regimen, starting with exercises that increase flexibility and range of motion before advancing to movements that build strength, balance, coordination, and endurance — all with hands-on instruction in an encouraging, supportive environment.
Physical therapists at MOR use treatments like electrical stimulation, deep tissue massage, and ultrasound to relieve pain and reduce swelling. During the course of treatment, therapists continually document your progress, conduct periodic examinations, and make modifications when necessary. From therapists to physicians, our team’s ultimate goal is to help you regain the strength and confidence you need for work and for life.

Conditions We Treat