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The Manual Touch Physical Therapy

Whole Body Approach

Reclaim movement, function and life
For information, call: 847-541-7600
or email: info@themanualtouch.com
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Patient Spotlight – Joan

April 19, 2015 By Denise Schwartz Leave a Comment

Joan hiking with her daughter and grandson in the pacific northwest.
Joan hiking with her daughter and grandson in the pacific northwest.

How did you start “Joan’s hiking buddies”?

When I retired in 1999, I didn’t have enough friends to support retirement. So, I joined hiking groups, but after a few years I realized I wanted more than their scheduled events, so I started my own group, Joan’s hiking buddies. I regularly email a newsletter to about 80 mostly retired women aged 50-90, announcing multi-day camping/hiking trips and local hiking day trips. We always have a yearly trip to the Porcupine Mountains, offering the ability to camp outside or have indoor lodging. I plan the travel/lodging logistics and then someone else plans the hiking because I am “logistically challenged,” I even got lost in the woods once when I was 75 years old, having to spend a night out in the wild. I am now 82 years old.

How many trips do you go on per year?

I usually do three-four smaller trips per year and one major trip. For example, we once went hiking in the Cotswalds in Wales for three weeks. In addition, I am an organizer or a trip leader for canoe trips through Prairie State Canoers, often leading up to 10 canoe trips per year. My trip schedule this year includes two one-week canoe trips in Florida and Michigan and four hiking trips in Iceland, the Smokies, Idaho, and Michigan.

Why did you come to PT at The Manual Touch PT?

I initially came to PT one year ago with hip and knee pain that began after a canoe/hike trip in MO. After a couple of months of therapy, I was pain-free and I continued to do my exercises that Denise taught me. When I first came to PT, I was impatient as I couldn’t do the things I loved to do, such as hike or canoe. Denise understood how important it was for me to continue my interests, telling me, “Of course this is important; you are an athlete.” Denise spent time with me at each session so I felt relaxed, I never felt pushed, and it was fun. I really valued the mental and physical aspects of rehab as I learned about patience, so when a recent injury to my shoulder occurred after a canoe trip, I had more confidence that I would get better and stronger after this current round of PT…and I have.

Filed Under: Real Stories Tagged With: camping, canoeing, exercise, hiking, hip pain, knee pain, manual therapy, physical therapy, shoulder pain

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We believe all body systems and mental/emotional health are connected. We take a whole body approach to discover why patients are not healing and what were the initial causes of their current symptoms. 

Our mission is to use this whole body approach to help patients heal and overcome pain and limitations, resulting in improved quality of life. We also aim to promote wellness in our communities through ongoing education. 
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Testimonials

Michael is a 75 year old man seen for long standing IT band pain particularly while sleeping and climbing stairs. “Coming in I was in pain during the day.  With Denise’s help, I have less pain and more mobility.  Denise is terrific and very … Read more
Last winter our daughter Maddie had had several eye and ear infections, and all required topical and oral antibiotics.  These were instigated by a plugged tear duct.  A pediatric ophthalmologist said there was little chance the duct would open up o… Read more
I needed help.  Denise and the manual touch provided the best customized, targeted therapy I could have found.  She put my torn knee back together, straightened my back, worked with me to regain the mobility I’d lost due to a neck injury, even ha… Read more
After withstanding severe lower back pain and an epidural that didn’t do much, I came to Denise, who is helping me strengthen my core and right leg in order to ease the back stress. At almost 71, I have adopted her exercises at home and I can now e… Read more
I came in to see Denise due to a cervical disc herniation.  I have been told by Illinois Bone & Joint that they refer patients to Denise often as she is able to help when other physical therapy programs fail.  That was definitely the case in my situ… Read more
Denise Schwartz of the Manual Touch Physical Therapy offered a presentation about Low Back Pain and Sciatica at the North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook, IL where I am a personal trainer and the Adult Program Coordinator. We had 21 people in attendance … Read more
On the occasion of my 69th birthday, I celebrated with a special, extended workout that included a set of 10 pull-ups and several other body-weight exercises. But the most important and most appreciated dimension of my body on that day and all others… Read more
Due to a stroke of good luck, I saw a class on Lower Back Pain offered by Denise from The Manual Touch Physical Therapy at Northbrook YMCA. I followed up with an assessment by Denise. Three years ago, I fell and broke my right arm and hip, followed … Read more
I was introduced to Denise in 2013 through the TogetherWeTri triathlon training group. Needless to say we had an instant respect for each other, being that we share a similar purpose and passion in life- helping others heal.  Through my own series o… Read more
Before I met Denise, I spent a good part of every day in bed.  I would go out for one project, then come home and lay on the sofa for the rest of the day. Now I go out in the AM and come home in time to make dinner.  Because of work Denise has done… Read more
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