Denise made all the difference in the world in my recovery from a broken hip. Her skill and devotion gave me my life back and I will be forever grateful! She’s a marvel!
I met Denise after sustaining a significant SI joint injury and suffering with pain and immobility x 9+ months despite other treatment modalities. I consider her to be a “functional” and “holistic” PT, looking at whole body dysfunctional patterns, not just the injured area. In addition, she considers how current and past trauma, stress, surgeries and scar tissue play into one’s state of musculoskeletral health. Within a few months, I was pain-free and now go in for periodic “tune-ups” to keep me going. She is amazing!
So grateful I had Denise to guide me to improve my core and strength to protect my back from another injury. She carefully looks at each part contributing to the whole, and included strength exercises for my ankles/feet which were adding to my back issues. Her thoughtful pairing of exercises and her app to repeat while at home helps with details you may have missed during the appointment. She helped me develop awareness of better form/movement and she helped me develop a routine that I’ve continued. Such a thoughtful and results-oriented practitioner. Many thanks!!
I’ve had scoliosis for 40 years and increased pain and limitations over the last 25. I’ve tried multiple types of physical therapy but had no improvement or new pains develop from the exercises prescribed. In 2012, I tore my hip labrum. It took 4 years to diagnose and I became even more weak in the one hip. In 2016 I had the labrum repaired. This surgery has a very slow recovery and I never fully recovered. One year ago, at 52 years old, I had a spinal fusion from L4-T10.
Three months after back surgery I came to Denise for Physical Therapy. We worked on tight back muscles but the hip and leg pain needed a lot more work and were the cause of episodes of overuse, pain and tightness. I was a very complex case that could not be treated with standard protocol. Denise listened, observed and created an individual plan. I had never met a therapist before that could think about the body the way she does. Other therapists regurgitate prescribed therapies but Denise truly understands body mechanics in a way that was necessary for my complex situation.If something didn’t work right, she always had a different way I could accomplish a goal. She was patient and kind. She felt like my partner in recovery and I could feel how happy and proud she was when I made progress. I am so grateful to her.
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.”
Denise, owner of The Manual Touch, has been amazing for me and my family. I first began seeing Denise when I herniated my back and did not want surgery. Personal attention, caring and patient are only a few words to describe Denise. She uses a mix of traditional PT with a complete understanding of how your body works to get you back on your feet. She is amazing.”
I injured my shoulder in September 2018, and when it didn’t heal on its own but instead became frozen, I saw a doctor in late November 2018, who started me on PT at another place. They got me back to 80% mobility by January 2019, when my PT ended. However, I never got back to full mobility and also continued with mild pain. On October 21, 2019, I attended a talk by Denise Schwartz on shoulder pain at which she mentioned that such pain could also be caused by injury to the bicep tendon. Her description matched exactly what I was feeling and what I suspected had occurred, even though my previous PT person and the doctor had insisted the only issue was my shoulder. I started PT with Denise in November 2019. Working with her has improved my mobility immensely and my pain is almost completely gone. I can now even wear a stretch fleece pullover shirt I haven’t been able to put on or take off since my injury because I can finally remove it easily without any help!
Denise is a great physical therapist. She helped to heal a back injury that had been bothering me for years. The exercises were simple and effective. It was also great to have an app and videos for reference. I definitely recommend Manual Touch.”
Denise Schwartz is an amazing physical therapist! I work as a cocktail server for 10 hours every shift! And had a lot of lower back pain that was occurring half way during my time at work. After visiting Denise, my back pain at work completely went away! I really loved how she had an app I could use if I forgot the exercises we did. She was professional and you can tell she really cared about her clients. I Would definitely recommended going to her!”
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 amount of time. I really enjoyed your personal and customized approach, and the fact that you treated other issues that were plaguing me to help me improve my movement and function. Every time I unload the dishwasher and use the proper posture to protect my back, I think of you!”
I met Denise at a local yoga studio and she became instrumental when it comes to coping with all my aches and pains. She has a holistic approach to physical therapy which many other practitioners seem to lack. I’ve done physical therapy before and a pain in the shoulder would be treated with strengthening the muscles around it. It never worked because shoulder pain can actually originate in other places – like hip stiffness caused by bad posture, shoes, soft chairs, etc. She really cares and educates on the body’s alignment.
I would not go anywhere else and I send all my friends and family to her when they need to see someone for their pain.”
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.”
Denise Schwartz is an exceptional practitioner. My core health and strength have been incredibly improved. Through the weeks of Physical Therapy at Manual Touch she has given me tools to use (exercises) to continue to maintain my strength when these sessions end. My initial symptom was my painful knees but immediately Denise saw that the origin of my problem was in my hips.
The recommendation to Manual Touch was solid, but when it turned out that Denise had trained with my wonderful Physical Therapist from Connecticut where I had not lived for 25 years — our jaws dropped!”
I chose Denise as my physical therapist because I needed a new approach to my chronic low back pain, hip & leg pain, & stiffness. Under Denise’s care, I have improved significantly. Now I’m more stable standing & I’m definitely more flexible. Denise provided various exercises & tools to increase my strength & to manage any pain that might arise. I am able to enjoy more activities like going downtown by train & cab to cultural events, activities that previously caused me pain for several days afterwards, but now I might be just a little bit sore. As a result of my therapy & progress, I am looking forward to enjoying similar outings in the coming months & engaging more fully in my life.”
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 time – on her day off! – to call and counsel me on how to handle the situation that day. She gave me exercises and activities to manage the situation and we agreed to meet first thing the next morning. With three weeks of PT, I was able to travel to Miami and race my planned race. I attribute my success in Miami to Denise and her ability to successfully work with patients, provide them with the therapy and exercises they need to succeed.”
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 by months of physical therapy. I still have “ issues” with my neck, back, hip and knee….which Denise has explained are all related. She is a “ new set of eyes” on an old problem, and has helped me immensely. I have learned new exercises for my neck, back and hip which have made a difference in my pain and mobility. I’ve learned a new way to walk which helps me feel stable and strong. I continue to work on balance which is major to not falling again. Denise is easy to talk to, answers all my questions, and takes time to listen. Regaining my mobility and balance, and keeping strong bones are my goals, and Denise is helping me get there!
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.
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.
Denise is such a talented PT. She is able to evaluate my movements and how I use my body in such detail. Her integrative manual therapy skills are unique and get to the root of my physical problems. Along with her functional movement exercises, her manual skills resolved my pain and made my body move so much more freely. I would highly recommend The Manual Touch therapy clinic if you have alignment issues or orthopedic problems. Included in her services are informative emails with advice for daily movement skills. Additionally, Denise hosts workshops that treat the entire body, including meditation. I was extremely pleased with my treatment. I am a retired physical therapist and Denise has my complete trust!
I am especially grateful for the amazing positive effect Denise has on the days I take my mom to PT. Denise has helped my mom with her knee pain and one day, she noticed something was different. Mom had a misplaced left kneecap and Denise was able to use kinesiology tape to fix it. Denise does amazing work!
I came in with a frozen shoulder 2 months ago. I had trouble putting coats on and had a very limited range of motion, especially to the back. After the first session, I started feeling better, and now, I don’t feel pain any more and the range of motion to the back has improved a lot as well.
Thanks, Denise, for a great work.
I’m very excited because I’m getting stronger, more stable when I’m walking, and more flexible. Yesterday, for the first time in several years, I was able to travel by train downtown and visit the Art Institute. There was lots of walking and sitting, activities which previously caused me to be in pain for several days afterwards. But today, I’m just a little sore. I feel I’ve made very good progress in feeling better, stronger and feel less pain.
I first met Denise at a networking event and began talking with her about my tennis injuries, particularly my right torn meniscus which was giving me trouble. She suggested that I come to her studio and she would have a look and help me with some exercises. So, I did exactly that – scheduled an assessment. Denise looked at my entire body (not just my knee) and explained that my core was weak and I really needed to work on strengthening it. She gave me exercises and also recommended that I work with one of her colleague’s, Roth Structural Integration to help with my alignment. We worked together for several weeks and then I went off to play tennis.
About one year later, I had strained my left Achilles tendon and contacted Denise again. I had been playing tennis regularly and she told me I needed to stop. I worked diligently with Denise’s guidance and following 3 months of resting my tendon, doing my exercises, working with a chiropractor, I am back on the tennis courts. I am feeling stronger and know that I am now engaging my core. I continue to do the exercises Denise gave me several times per week and am hoping that I will not need to visit Denise in the future.
After going from a collegiate athlete to a working professional with a desk job, I was surprised when I started having breathing problems after working for a few years. I went to multiple doctors and ran different tests, but there was no straightforward cause. After a few years of continuous issues, it was discovered that my posture was a big part of my breathing issues. My forward head angle caused additional strain on my vocal cords, which influenced my vocal cord dysfunction and dysphonia. My tight hips and inactive glute muscles created a tightness in my diaphragm (and even some diaphragm spasms – fun!), which caused decreased breath support to my lungs resulting in asthmatic symptoms. I assembled my ‘team’ made up of physical therapists (including Denise), a breathing physical therapist, a mindfulness coach, a chiropractor, and an acupuncturist to help me get my posture on track and my body functioning better. Fixing my posture didn’t happen overnight – it took me thinking about it and making small changes everyday. I’m still working on it, but I’m happy that my breathing problems have gotten a lot better!.
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 you feel cared for.
Denise is awesome. I have dealt with lower back pain for the past 20 years. I have seen her twice now when it has been debilitating. Her advice, exercises, and gentle maneuvers really put me back on my feet and allowed me to go back to my normal routine quickly and faster then I had imagined. She looks at your whole body and takes a holistic approach to putting you back together.
I was referred to Denise by Karen Brownlee, my instructor at the Northbrook YMCA. I had a pain in my right biceps muscle, possibly from trying a biceps dip exercise. This was after consulting with my orthopedic doctor, who had prescribed two types of medication, both of which were ineffective. As a result, I continued to have difficulty lifting my right arm beyond shoulder height.
I met with Denise and liked that it was just her and no one else. Having gone through physical therapy many times before with larger practices, this was a nice change. Rather than relying on machines, Denise determined through physical touch that I had a great deal of scar tissue on my right side as a result of several past surgeries. She worked through this tissue, often painfully, until I was able to lift my arm almost over my head! I also was given the usual exercises to supplement this treatment.
I also had pain in my right and left knees, due to the usual wear and tear. Again, through manual touch, Denise helped bring relief to these areas, and I have been diligent in working to strengthen them.
I am very grateful that Karen first told me about Denise, and of course, to Denise for being very understanding and patient with me. I am so glad that I chose The Manual Touch for my treatment.
I’m a pediatric physical therapist and I was taking a yoga teacher training. My left shoulder and neck were getting progressively tighter and eventually pain was keeping me up at night. I knew I wanted treatment from a very knowledgeable PT with good manual skills and someone who excelled at evaluating postural and functional issues. Denise is that person and she corrected my biomechanics with exercises and manual therapy. There are only a few PT’s that possess skills like Denise. I’m happy to report that I am pain free and sleeping through the night, pain free during yoga. I can’t thank Denise enough, she’s awesome.
Denise is an excellent physical therapist. I was referred to her by another therapist, and I’ll be sticking with Denise Schwartz, now. I didn’t know if it would go well, or not but I actually look forward to this physical therapy process with her, after only two sessions. This is the best my elbow has felt in a year.
Denise ‘gets it,’ if you will. You tell her your situation, she truly understands the problem, gets to work, and starts fixing the problem. She has, in fact, exercised herself…so it’s not like she’s (just) running her mouth.
She has excellent people skills, it seems like she’s able to understand, and communicate with different personalities. She looks you in the eye, smiles, and laughs (with you).
I am a primary care internist and find the therapy at Manual Touch to be professional and targeted to the individual. I have been sending my patients to Denise from The Manual Touch for several years. Most physical therapy services these days have a mass produced feel. Hospital based departments and commercially owned chains of physical therapy centers aim to see as many patients as they can. Therapists typically have two or more patients they are working with at the same time. Denise works one on one. This makes a significant difference in the quality of therapy. Personalized care by a knowledgeable and compassionate provider is a fantastic resource to have. Denise is particularly good with chronic pain patients who have failed multiple previous care modalities.
I saw Denise for ongoing heal pain as well as an athletic back pain injury. My back pain is gone and my heal pain (which I’ve had for several years) is significantly better so that it doesn’t interfere with activity. The exercises Denise gave me have strengthened my core and will prevent future injuries. Not only that, she provides personalized and attentive treatment the entire visit (much more personalized care than traditional PT centers). I highly recommend Denise!
My physician referred me to The Manual Touch and I’ve been going to see Denise there for 5 months now. Initially I went to help me heal from a torn meniscus surgery in my knee. I was also experiencing a great deal of pain in my lower back due to spinal stenosis and a couple herniated discs. I soon learned that all the tightness in my back was not helping my knee heal. Denise taught me exercises that began to loosen up the lower back and hips in general, the knee soon began to heal better and I am impressed with her PT skills and training. She has a great personality and a gentle touch. In fact, I have started calling her the “PT Whisperer”.
She’s worked wonders on my back and I have eliminated most of my pain. My stenosis will never go away, and I’m not a candidate for surgery, but if I do my exercises I do feel much better. Go see her, she’s wonderful !!
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 pleased that the tips and information that she offered fell into line with what I preach to my clients and students. Denise is a conscientious presenter who offers beneficial information
I’ve enjoyed running most of my adult life. Mostly sticking to the short distances such a 5k to 10k. But after having 4 kids and and my increasing age, running was taking a toll on my body. A few years ago, after some pain in my left heel, I discovered I had plantar fasciitis. Shortly after that, a stress fracture was found in my left foot. I rested for two months and went back to running as usual.
Fast forward to last fall when I discovered that I, again, had another stress fracture in the same place in the same foot. I then decided it was probably time to check in with a physical therapist to see what’s going on with my run form. Denise was highly recommended by a good friend and I was so happy to have met her.
First, we videotaped me running and found that my left hip would drop when I’d run. Ah, that was what was causing all the issues! Turns out it wasn’t my foot or feet that were the problem, it was my very weak core (after having babies) that was the culprit! Denise and I worked for a few months on strength and form and now I am free to hit the pavement again.
Having spent several years trying to deal with sciatic nerve problems, I was happy to be referred to Manual Touch Physical Therapy and Denise. Denise is thoughtful, kind, and a helpful person whose exercises are helping me improve. Her on line videos are very useful and helpful as well. It is a pleasure going for therapy sessions and getting relief for my sciatic nerve problems.
When I started to work with Denise I had shoulder and lower back pain. She taught me various exercises along with posture that resulted in significant reduction in the pain. Also, significantly improved my balance. Her massage therapy greatly reduced the sensitivity to pressure that was caused by my open-heart surgery.
Denise has worked on areas of severe pain and has diminished them to a tolerable level.
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 with me I feel young again. Exercises are easy but help a lot. She is my angel.
I have had very significant scoliosis and osteoporosis for many years and I have gone to very “reputable’ physical therapists through the years, but never felt satisfied. A few years ago, I went to my internist for a physical and mentioned I was having back pain. He recommended that I start seeing Denise at The Manual Touch. Due to my past experiences, I was skeptical regarding the success that I could have with another therapist. From my first visit I could tell that Denise had a very unique approach and knew this experience was different. Denise is a very knowledgeable, professional and caring person. She uses both traditional and non- traditional physical therapy in her healing techniques and treats the whole body.
Due to the misalignment of my spine she has taught me exercises to help alleviate my discomfort, increase muscle strength, improve posture and help my overall body mechanics. When I leave her office after a 4-6 course of treatment I feel great and as a result highly recommend Denise at The Manual Touch.
With improved balance by utilizing Denise’s exercises on a daily basis, I now have reduced the risk of falling and possibly fracturing a bone. I am grateful for Denise’s expertise. If you have a balance issue I recommend a visit to Denise.
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.
I have really appreciated the physical therapy services provided by Denise Schwartz for the severe osteoporosis in my spine. I feel the exercises she has taught me have improved my overall strength and balance, and helped minimize pain from certain movements. I also feel more confident that I am moving correctly in my everyday activities to prevent any further problems. Also, Denise’s gentle massage techniques at the end of the sessions help to minimize any discomfort that occasionally can come from a full exercise session.
Before coming to Denise, I felt discouraged when thinking about the possibility that I may soon be quite limited in mobility from my osteoporosis. Now, while I feel I still have a long way to go to become truly strong, I feel much more hopeful that I can maintain a reasonable amount of mobility even with this diagnosis.
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.
When I decided to try the Manual Touch instead of one of the larger therapy companies I was experiencing severe pain in my right arm. My Physician had tried various methods to help me but after it was determined, by the use of a CT Scan, that I had a tear in my Rotator Cuff, he suggested I try P.T. before resorting to surgery.
Because I had heard of very good outcomes from people that had used Denise’s wonderfully healing hands I felt this was the best place for me. I was right. She began by helping me to use my arm in various situations with the least amount of pain. Buckling my seat belt, getting dressed, and opening doors was an almost impossible feat until she helped me navigate my way through.
It took a number of treatments, a lot of doing the homework she prescribed but, sure enough, the pain finally gave way to discomfort instead. What a relief. I have stopped treatment now but if I need to go back, I know that The Manual Touch is the right place for me.
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 strength and pain in lower back decreased from 6-7/10 to 3-4, which is give my normal life back. Thank you very much
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!
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. The exercises focused on building mobility and strength in my glutes and hips and slowly worked towards the injured groin. Step by step we addressed the issue and Denise provided me with must-do exercises before every run. I started a modified training schedule and we worked on proper gait and resolved one issue after another as they arose.
As a result of the efforts and great physical therapy and planned exercises, I was able to pull of Chicago Marathon in astonishing 3:35:13, a PR by over 6 minutes! And after the marathon, I had a strong cyclocross reason racing Category 4. Had it not been Denise’s therapy, my Marathon and cyclocross racing would have not been possible. I strongly recommend working with extremely knowledgeable and experienced Denise Schwartz at The Manual Touch facility and you will never take a step back from your athletic goals!
Denise Schwartz at Manual Touch is a marvelous diagnostician and therapist. During the past few years, I’ve sought out Denise’s care for various physical limitations. I am continually amazed by her ability to determine my discomfort’s cause as well as by the effectiveness of the exercises she recommends to ease my pain. She also knows how to best manipulate my aching joints to bring relief. I can whole-heartedly recommend Denise because she is a skilled, proficient, compassionate professional.
I would like to share an example of her expertise. I had scheduled a session with Denise because I had not been able to fully extend my right arm–the elbow could not form a 180 degree angle. After Denise completed a review of my gait and general movement, she told me that the stiffness in my arm was due to the way I was throwing my left shoulder forward while walking. That shoulder movement was my way of compensating for a problem with my left knee. Her ability to track the source of my elbow problem to my knee was incredible. With the physical manipulation she did during our sessions and by faithfully doing the exercises she taught me over the course of treatment, my elbow extension problem disappeared.
I am a pediatric physical therapist who (unsuccessfully) tried to treat my own shoulder pain for more than 1 year. By the time I started PT with Denise, my pain was significantly impacting both my personal and professional life.
After 2 visits with Denise, the pain lessened and my function improved. After 8 visits, I was nearly painfree. Denise and I continue to work together to improve my overall movement and muscle strength. My body feels better than it has in years. I have no doubt my professional life has been extended and my personal life enhanced, thanks to Denise. She is an excellent clinician!
I had 2 total hip replacements and a knee replaced. I found the exercises to be tremendously helpful. Denise educated me on how I need to move my body to keep it in alignment and she was most helpful and encouraging.
The variations of exercises are great working the entire body to help my problems of balance.
This is better than going to the doctor and taking medicine.
Originally, I had limited right shoulder rotation and pain in low back . After P.T., my shoulder rotation improved and lower back pain is gone.
I felt much better after initial visit and even more so after the second. I would not have believed I could see such an improvement in how I felt after only two sessions.
Many thanks to Denise for PT and gait analysis that has enabled me to successfully run, and run faster than ever before!
And gratitude for Denise’s Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) which has cleared up my chronic, constant stabbing headache. Thanks to Denise, I am now medicine-free and headache-free!
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 was the pain-free freedom of movement I enjoyed, the product of an exercise focus on flexibility, stretching, balance and core strength.
The great change in my workouts came when I approached Denise Schwartz at The Manual Touch in Wheeling to rehabilitate an injured shoulder a year ago.
Denise has a very rational approach to physical therapy: we didn’t focus just on my shoulder, but on my entire body. Because all things are connected, my shoulder injury was the product of how my entire body was reacting to movement and stress, not just the shoulder joint. For example, she diagnosed a lack of flexibility and range of motion in my hips and provided a series of exercises to improve that condition. She also gave me new exercises for enhancing balance and core strength.
The result of my work with Denise was a rehabilitated shoulder, and much more. The chronic stiffness and soreness I’ve had in my lower back for years has disappeared (except when I have a virus). I walk, sit, and jog more comfortably than I have in many years. The pleasure of movement has helped my mental/emotional outlook, too, making it easier for me to lose a few pounds of weight I don’t need and enjoy long walks in the forest preserve and the Botanical Gardens.
I have recommended Denise’s work to my friends without qualification. I’ve dealt with other physical therapists, good ones, but her holistic approach to body health is unique in my range of experience and vastly superior in the long run. I got a good-as-new shoulder out of the deal, but I also got a life-changing improvement in my total body.
I had constant neck pain from a car accident 2 years ago. I went through PT somewhere else without any good results. I then was recommended to come to The Manual Touch PT.
At my first appointment I could tell that Denise was able to get right to the point of my problems. After numerous therapy sessions I felt such a relief of my constant pain. It is better now, I can sleep better and use less pain medication. My goal is to avoid surgery and I feel hopeful that will be possible.
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 was so pleased that my son now sees her for his lower back post-op therapy.
I am so grateful for Denise’s expertise and would highly recommend The Manual Touch for physical therapy.
I came to Denise with pain in my neck and upper back from a fall earlier this year. In addition, I also have chronic low back pain. Denise evaluated me and went right to work giving me exercises and hands on therapy to help me.
Today is my eighth session and I am happy to report that my back pain has been relieved and my neck pain is slight and so much better.
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.”
Before PT: I had difficulty in walking due primarily to knee pain and was dependent on a cane and/or walker and had no confidence with either aid.
After PT: With the expertise of Denise as my physical therapist, I was guided and taught a series of exercises to increase my mobility of the lower extremities. She was able to accurately determine the course of treatment.
Denise instilled in me the importance of a continuing daily routine of exercises to decrease stiffness and increase my ability to walk.
And most importantly, Denise has given me the encouragement and confidence to do the exercises which have improved my walking. She also answers any questions so I understand why I am moving a certain way and what she is trying to accomplish.
As my fibro symptoms flare, my reliance on IMT and other forms of manual therapy Denise uses is crucial for me. I spend time discussing with Denise what is happening, and no matter how weird it may sound to me, she can usually help me and/or explain to me other types of therapy I should look into to help. I know my brain fog is gaining in severity, but it is very apparent to me that it would be much worse if I didn’t receive such good care from Denise at The Manual Touch.
Judy has been living with Rheumatoid arthritis for the past 30+ years and typically uses a wheelchair around her house and a cane or walker outside.
“I seem to be in less pain, can stand longer. I also am walking somewhat straighter and further.”
I walked in to PT with severe back and knee pain, I couldn’t even tie my own shoe. After 45 minutes of Denise’s treatment, I could tie my own shoe with mild discomfort.
In the four months I’ve been going to PT at The Manual Touch my life has changed for the better. I was in a lot of pain in my back and right leg – Denise gave me a regiment of exercises to do. In doing my exercises I have reduced my pain level from 9+ to a 2/3 — I truly believe a miracle happened here. I believe the name should be changed to The Magic Touch.
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 of treatments with her I became very aware that the depth of her skills was not simply rooted in the study of the physical body and therapeutic exercises, but that she offered a deeper, more comprehensive opportunity to heal.
As a clinical massage therapist, I am so happy to have Denise as a PT to refer my own clients to and am deeply grateful I can trust that they are always in good hands. Referring my clients to Denise has proven itself to be an invaluable addition to their recovery time and scope of understanding their problems.
I have integrated alternative ways of healing into my own practice for over 12 years and I can honestly say that Denise has made one of the most significant impressions upon me as a healer and not just as a PT. So, why is this so important one may ask? Well, anyone can read a text book and go through a methodical routine of what to do, but this can get you only so far. It takes INTUITION and EXPERIENCE to truly know how to use all the vast material and be able to integrate this education into a very unique healing plan for each and every body that comes through the door.
For me, I have benefited immensely from Denise’s integrative approach combining healing touch modalities and physical therapy. Her care, insight and therapeutic exercises have helped in the recovery of many stresses and pains in my life, including but not limited to helping a knee injury heal so I could continue to run and cycle, abating symptoms of IBS when I was in pain, strengthening optimal function of weakened organs and glands, reducing emotional stressors, and overall detoxing.
Most importantly though, her treatments have helped me de-stress in many personal ways that truly create balance in the spectrum of mind, body and spirit. I immediately responded to Denise’s therapies because she’s not only great at what she does but because she sincerely cares. I don’t hesitate to say that I will forever be changed in a positive way because of the work that we have done together. It is a blessing to know another healer who invests such a strong interest and heart into their profession.
In 6 visits Denise has taught and evaluated me properly on issues of walking, sitting, bending, reaching and shoulder placement in order to prevent further spinal damage, unlike the previous PT I went to. She also gave me appropriate exercises which factored in my spinal issues.
I started to have less chronic pain doing normal activities throughout my day. Her attention to my individual spine and daily needs has changed the way I stand, walk, etc.
I have begun an aerobic exercise program which I have been doing for about a week. I had not been able to do this before seeing Denise. In addition, Denise is a very bright therapist, wonderful teacher and very kind. I will highly recommend her to anyone who needs PT.
I’ve been to several other PT’s but have never had as effective and long-lasting results as I experienced through Denise.
While training for a 70.3 Ironman this year, I developed some debilitating hip and leg pains that made me question whether I would be able to race. Denise quickly identified the problems and treated me over several sessions, which included going over exercises until I really understood what to do. Her patient, intuitive and knowledgeable style made a huge difference in my training. I’m sure I would not have finished the race if it were not for her effective treatments. I would recommend her to any athlete that is concerned about injuries or correcting their form while engaged in physical activity.
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 all year. My dreaded 20 miler training run was yesterday, and I ran 15-30 seconds/mile faster, and stayed consistent the whole 20 miles. It gives me quite the confidence boost leading into the marathon. Thanks Denise!
Awesome!!! Healing work!!!
I can honestly say that Denise was the first physical therapist to listen to my story. She has demonstrated more patience and compassion than any other therapist that I’ve ever met.
For the past 8 years, I have been symptomatic with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare genetic condition which affects the connective tissue throughout my body. As a result of this disorder I deal with ongoing severe acute and chronic pain and a variety of other rare overlapping conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome, mast cell activation syndrome, and dysautonomia. I have struggled for years in finding the right professionals to help with the extensive symptoms I deal with on a daily basis.
Previous rounds of PT left me with multiple injuries and little progress. So when a colleague of mine told me about IMT, I quickly looked into IMT and found Denise Schwartz at The Manual Touch. This past year I have made progress in physical therapy for the first time since being symptomatic with EDS, and I know that in the positive and uplifting environment in which Denise provides I can continue to make gains.
I feel very fortunate to have Denise in my life as a physical therapist who listens to me, is patient, compassionate, and who continuously strives to provide the best care possible for my condition.
Excellent, professional assessment and treatment for an older woman who’s had lots of failed therapy.
Kind and compassionate and caring! Thanks.
I have been receiving PT therapy for pain and autoimmune disorders for over 18 months at The Manual Touch. This also affects my kidneys and my lungs and other organs as I swell with fluid that my lymph system doesn’t seem to handle well. I depend on the regular IMT tissue therapy I receive from Denise to help me function as normally as possible. This therapy seems to work synergistically with the acupuncture and medication I also receive. There are no cures for these disorders and as new symptoms arise and old symptoms worsen, I’m glad I can count on getting some relief from regular IMT therapy
Just a note to thank you for the time you spent with me Saturday in evaluating my running technique and body alignment. Your suggestions are already making sense and having an early impact. After our meeting, I went out for a 5K run and found your suggestions “to shorten my stride” and “being conscious of not overlapping my steps” to be helpful.
Thanks Denise
The physical therapy I received at The Manual Touch PT helped reduce my sciatica pain to a manageable level in just a few sessions. The exercises I was given strengthened and trained my muscles to prevent further back problems allowing me to return to playing basketball.
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 on its own since she was well over a year old, and there was no harm in waiting a little longer before SURGERY.
My husband and I did not want our little girl’s eye probed, and we definitely did not want her to have a general anesthetic, so we brought to see Denise Schwartz at The Manual Touch PT. Denise, had been treating our son Ben for almost a year for Autism Spectrum using an IMT approach. She suggested using a non-invasive IMT approach to treat Maddie also.
As Maddie could only handle an hour of treatment at a time, it took multiple sessions to work through the eye issues surrounding the plugged tear duct until Denise said it had resolved,. Sure enough, it went away and has not come back.
Maddie is so incredibly happy now. She laughs and sings much more, cries much less, and loves to be hugged more now.
The other point I would like to make is that the duct would not have opened on its own. This is my evidence that IMT was the only factor in the positive changes that occurred.
As a young elite athlete I was involved in numerous accidents resulting in scar tissue causing loss of flexibility and restrictions as an adult. After each treatment I feel so much less restriction and experience greater range of motion.
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 helped with my back, exercise regimen, and overall health. She is a holistic practitioner expert in PT techniques and knows how to teach her clients how to fit her techniques easily into their lives. She relates with her clients about as well as anyone I have ever seen, especially in the health care community. She also has full insurance billing support. Absolutely nothing is missing in her full range of professional PT care. In my judgement, you can’t go wrong with her!
I was in Florida for vacation and developed an upper respiratory infection. I had annoying coughing and congestion in my chest. This went on for several days, and it was not getting better. It felt like I had a mucous plug stuck in my chest that would not break up. One night I remembered the self-treatment that Denise taught me at The Manual Touch where I had received PT, putting one hand over the afflicted area, and one hand near my abdomen where mucous could drain out. After about 5-10 minutes, I felt the “plug” lift away, and it was completely gone—no more respiratory distress.
I saw Denise at The Manual Touch recently for sciatic pain, that only the day before I saw Denise kept me from walking; I could only hobble for short distances before I would sit down and collapse. After some tissue work and gentle exercise with Denise, she put Kinesiotape around the affected area. I immediately noticed stability and pain improvement and could walk so much better that I was able to complete shopping trips to 4 stores I had been planning but did not think I could do. To me, the tape felt like a gentle finger tip massage until I was used to the sensation and no longer consciously noticed it.
I’ve only had to ice a few times since then & the tape continued to help me for days afterwards. I really appreciated getting my mobility back. I mentioned this taping to my sister who frequently suffers from sciatic pain. She has also received this taping but told me she doesn’t always get relief because she has found that not all PTs know how to use the tape appropriately. I feel fortunate that Denise is really skilled and that I found significant relief immediately. She can really help people suffering from sciatic pain.
