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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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Becoming a Physical Therapist

August 12, 2019 By Denise Schwartz 4 Comments

My son’s college roommate, Steven, wants to be a Physical Therapist.  Last year, he spent many hours observing me in my clinic and also worked hard in school. He recently got accepted to Northern Illinois University (NIU) and was waitlisted at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).  Currently, there are about 200 Doctor of Physical […]

Filed Under: Real Stories Tagged With: NIU, Physical Therapy degree, PT school, UIC

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Testimonials

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 easily get into the driver’s side of my car without the excruciating pain, and the improvement in day to day activities is noticeable. Thanks Denise.  
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I had recurring back and knee issues and thought I wouldn’t be able to race triathlons again.  Denise gave me exercises and encouraged me to sign up to compete. I was able to complete the triathlon and had my fastest run split in years.”  
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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 situation. I had 6 weeks of PT at another location but still was unable to turn my head fully or work at a desk without terrible pain.  After seeing Denise and following her exercise program, I was almost back to normal within a few short months.  I… Read more
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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 caring.”
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I had several issues when I began therapy at The Manual Touch.  My sacrum had rotated;  there was stiffness in the right side of the neck; and pain in the left bicep. Denise did an excellent job resolving these issues.  Besides being very knowledgeable, she is also easy to work with.  I looked forward to, and enjoyed, my sessions with her. If I need physical therapy in the future, I will definitely return to The Manual Touch.
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There is no worse than a nagging injury that keeps you off from pursuing the athletic endeavors. Being an avid road cyclist, gravel rider, cyclocross racer and a marathon runner turned into a recent Triathlete, I train all year round and race all year round. In 2016, May in Terre Haute Sprint triathlon run, I tore some fascia connecting my lowest abdominal and my leg right in the groin area. The condition was diagnosed as Sports Hernia. Denise started me off with couple of sessions in a week.… Read more
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Having been to “regular” physical therapists over the past few years where nothing helped my pain, I was introduced to Denise by a mutual friend.  Although I have issues that will never leave me totally pain free, Denise has alleviated it with her gentle soft touch.  The exercises she has given me help tremendously!  I’m very thankful to Denise and recommend her highly!
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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 and everyone expressed their appreciation to me about her thorough, thoughtful, helpful and precise information regarding lower back pain and sciatica and in addressing their individual questions. As a personal trainer for more than 25 years, I was p… Read more
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Denise Schwartz at The Manual Touch is A GREAT Physical Therapist!  I came to her with a torn ligament and tendonitis in my foot AFTER going to 2 other well know PT chains who actually made my injuries worse. Not only did she help me heal from those injuries but actually worked on other parts of my Body to help heal those areas too. I really appreciate that she works on the whole body – after all everything is connected. She is very knowledgeable in what she does.
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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 had me doing dance steps I’d not done in 60 years.  I didn’t think I could do this; she showed me I could.
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Our Mission


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. 
Top 10 physical therapists in Wheeling

A winner of the
2015 Patients' Choice Awards
for
Wheeling Physical Therapist

Verified by Opencare.com

Testimonials

Denise gave me confidence that she knew what was wrong and what to do about it, and under her care I quickly felt better and am now on the road to better fitness. She has a feel for what’s causing what, and is good technically and also good at making… Read more
The best physical therapist I’ve ever experienced is Denise Schwartz in Wheeling at the Manual Touch. I have seen Denise twice for over 6 months to treat 2 bouts of frozen shoulder that occurred 8 years apart. In addition to my shoulder, she has also… Read more
http://themanualtouch.com/wp/testimonial/b-h-elmhurst-il
I want to thank you for professional treatment of my cranial sacral and vestibular condition as a result of my auto accident. I am glad I was referred to you upon asking for someone like yourself who specializes in treating post concussion syndrome.”… 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
There is no worse than a nagging injury that keeps you off from pursuing the athletic endeavors. Being an avid road cyclist, gravel rider, cyclocross racer and a marathon runner turned into a recent Triathlete, I train all year round and race all yea… Read more
Three weeks prior to a major triathlon that was a year in training, I threw out my back. Having previously worked with Denise to correct hip related issues, I knew just what to do: text Denise! Denise responded to my message immediately and took the … Read more
Awesome!!! Healing work!!!
Thank you for treating my back injury and helping me quickly return to comfort and the activities I enjoy!  When I last injured my back and tried P.T., I treated for 7 months with none of the results you helped me achieve in a fraction of that amoun… Read more
I complained to my family doctors about severe pain in lower back.  He recommended use The Manual Touch.  I followed Denise’s recommendation and started physical exercises for my lower back.  Also I am wearing abdominal binder which improved my … Read more
Denise is the best! 4 weeks before my first marathon she suggested a couple minor tweaks to my form and it immediately improved my comfort and speed. My next run was a 5 miler, and I felt so good that I ran it almost a minute / mile faster. Best run … Read more
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The information provided on The Manual Touch Physical Therapy website is for personal and noncommercial use only. The resources and content provided should be used for educational purposes only and not as a substitute for appropriate medical care. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort please seek medical attention.