The Manual Touch Physical Therapy

The Manual Touch Physical Therapy THE MANUAL TOUCH PT STORY
As a new PT over 25 years ago, I was drawn to deep tissue work, a direct, traditional manual physical therapy technique.

We use a Whole Body Approach to create unique traditional and non-traditional manual therapy and exercise plans for patients to reclaim function, life, movement, and enjoyment of the activities they love. Patients would come to me in pain; I would find the tender areas and “fix” them with deep pressure and force. For the majority of my patients, the deep tissue therapy worked wonders, but for some patients the deep tissue work either didn’t help or more often than not, made them feel worse (negative treatment reaction). In 1997, I began studying Integrative Manual Therapy, (IMT), an indirect, non-traditional manual therapy using gentle touch to facilitate the body’s healing process. Patients are evaluated holistically using advanced manual and visual diagnostics to determine which tissue layer or body system may be limiting their healing process. IMT therapy gently moves tissue layers or body systems indirectly into a more healthy alignment over time. After several years of IMT study, I realized I rarely used deep tissue therapy, but was using mostly IMT and getting great results with all my patients, including the patients that didn’t respond to direct deep tissue therapy. In order to re-educate patients to use their new body alignment, as well as optimize their function, therapeutic exercise and education is needed. So, as a complement to my manual skills, I became certified in Applied Functional Science. This is a holistic therapeutic exercise approach I use to discover what area of the body led to a patient’s injury or symptoms and to show patients how to prevent new or further injury. In addition, after I opened The Manual Touch PT in 2010, I brought my passion for running into my practice, by creating services for runners and triathletes to improve their performance and prevent injury. Now I brought all these pieces together, to create The Manual Touch PT philosophy. 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.

One of my favorite moments is when someone says, “I can finally move without pain.” For one client, learning how to sit,...
11/18/2025

One of my favorite moments is when someone says, “I can finally move without pain.”

For one client, learning how to sit, stand, and move mindfully made all the difference.

Sometimes small changes in movement lead to big changes in comfort.

When the weather turns colder, your joints might start to feel a little stiffer. That’s because cooler temps can reduce ...
11/10/2025

When the weather turns colder, your joints might start to feel a little stiffer.

That’s because cooler temps can reduce blood flow and make muscles tighten more easily.

Try gentle movement first thing in the morning, like ankle circles, shoulder rolls, or a short walk, to warm up your body before your day begins.

Download your free guide today!

https://themanualtouch.com/mindful-tips/

Ever notice how balance feels trickier in fall and winter? Between heavier shoes, uneven ground, and less outdoor activi...
11/06/2025

Ever notice how balance feels trickier in fall and winter?

Between heavier shoes, uneven ground, and less outdoor activity, your stabilizing muscles don’t get as much practice.

Add 30 seconds of single-leg standing into your daily routine. It’s a simple way to keep your balance and confidence strong.

Happy Halloween! Here’s to keeping your spirits high, your body moving, and your joints feeling boo-tiful! 👻🎃
11/01/2025

Happy Halloween! Here’s to keeping your spirits high, your body moving, and your joints feeling boo-tiful! 👻🎃

Catch me if you Can a bright, lively show with an exceptional cast especially the lead . Check it out
10/04/2025

Catch me if you Can a bright, lively show with an exceptional cast especially the lead . Check it out

Back-to-school often means back to busy routines... and sometimes back pain. Small changes in your daily movement habits...
09/25/2025

Back-to-school often means back to busy routines... and sometimes back pain. Small changes in your daily movement habits can make a big difference for your spine.

https://themanualtouch.com/mindful-tips/

September is National Yoga Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to think about your body’s overall mobility. Yoga ...
09/09/2025

September is National Yoga Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to think about your body’s overall mobility. Yoga builds flexibility, strength, and balance—but sometimes, limitations in your joints or soft tissue can hold you back.

That’s where manual therapy comes in. By releasing restrictions and improving alignment, we make it easier for your body to move into poses safely and effectively.

https://themanualtouch.com/core-stability-exercises/

Your next run could feel better—without changing your mileage.Join me tomorrow for a FREE Healthy Running Workshop and l...
08/14/2025

Your next run could feel better—without changing your mileage.

Join me tomorrow for a FREE Healthy Running Workshop and learn:

- How to run without pain
- Injury prevention tips for all ages
- Strength and mobility strategies that work

Join from your couch, your desk, or wherever you are. We’ll help you run stronger, safer, longer.

👉 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7we45fk

🚨 Tomorrow – Free Healthy Running Workshop 🚨Love running but hate the aches and pains?Join me tomorrow for a free sessio...
08/14/2025

🚨 Tomorrow – Free Healthy Running Workshop 🚨

Love running but hate the aches and pains?

Join me tomorrow for a free session that will help you run smarter, avoid injury, and keep your body strong—no matter your age.

💻 Attend from anywhere
🗓 August 14th at Noon (12 CT)
✅ Register now: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7we45fk

Address

325 N Milwaukee Avenue, Ste D
Wheeling, IL
60090

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+18475417600

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Our Story

THE MANUAL TOUCH PT STORY As a new PT over 25 years ago, I was drawn to deep tissue work, a direct, traditional manual physical therapy technique. Patients would come to me in pain; I would find the tender areas and “fix” them with deep pressure and force. For the majority of my patients, the deep tissue therapy worked wonders, but for some patients the deep tissue work either didn’t help or more often than not, made them feel worse (negative treatment reaction).

In 1997, I began studying Integrative Manual Therapy, (IMT), an indirect, non-traditional manual therapy using gentle touch to facilitate the body’s healing process. Patients are evaluated holistically using advanced manual and visual diagnostics to determine which tissue layer or body system may be limiting their healing process. IMT therapy gently moves tissue layers or body systems indirectly into a more healthy alignment over time. After several years of IMT study, I realized I rarely used deep tissue therapy, but was using mostly IMT and getting great results with all my patients, including the patients that didn’t respond to direct deep tissue therapy.

In order to re-educate patients to use their new body alignment, as well as optimize their function, therapeutic exercise and education is needed. So, as a complement to my manual skills, I became certified in Applied Functional Science. This is a holistic therapeutic exercise approach I use to discover what area of the body led to a patient’s injury or symptoms and to show patients how to prevent new or further injury. In addition, after I opened The Manual Touch PT in 2010, I brought my passion for running into my practice, by creating services for runners and triathletes to improve their performance and prevent injury.

Now I brought all these pieces together, to create The Manual Touch PT philosophy. We use a Whole Body Approach to create unique traditional and non-traditional manual therapy and exercise plans for patients to reclaim function, life, movement, and enjoyment of the activities they love. 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.