Welcome to Free Body Physical Therapy
An Expert Knee Specialist Chicago
Free Body Physical Therapy, home of our Knee Specialist in Chicago, was established in 2015 with the intention of breaking the mold of standard physical therapy practices. At Free Body Physical Therapy, your body is treated with individuality and care. No two bodies respond the same way to an injury, and that’s why no two therapy programs should be the same. Free Body Physical Therapy was founded to get you back to your best self. Let’s work together to reach your goals!
Meet Our Knee Specialist Chicago – Dr. Marc Gregory Guillen PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Free Body Physical Therapy is owned and operated by Dr. Marc Gregory Guillen, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT. After receiving a doctorate in physical therapy and working at several PT clinics along the west coast, Dr. Guillen completed a physical therapy fellowship program in Manual Therapy that less than 1% of physical therapists in the U.S. have completed. This expertise in Manual Therapy provides hands-on knowledge to help patients reach their physical therapy goals. Dr. Guillen offers a close one-on-one relationship with patients where his goal is to educate, empower and maximize recovery in as few visits as possible.
Common conditions that Dr. Guillen treats include joint pain, back pain, neck and shoulder pain, knee and ankle injuries, post-surgery rehabilitation, arthritis, chronic pain conditions, sports injuries, and much more. Free Body Physical Therapy accepts most insurance, Medicare, worker’s comp and self-pay patients. Dr. Guillen is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Insurances Accepted for Joint Pain Chicago
We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO/EPO, Humana, Aetna, MedRisk, Corvel, Medicare, Worker’s Comp, Self-Pay.
Please contact us if your health insurance is not listed here or to inquire about your benefits.
Recent Blog Posts From Our Knee Specialist Chicago
Preventing Running Injuries
Incorporating running into your daily exercise routine is one of the easiest ways to stay fit, however, it is also known to be the easiest way of developing an injury. Aches and pains caused by running aren’t just common in beginners but also expert level runners as well. Are you a runner and have been experiencing pain during or afterward? Free Body Physical Therapy offers our Knee Specialist Chicago to help treat your running injuries no matter the severity and also help you prevent new running injuries in the future.
Common Running Injuries
Running injuries usually occur when you push yourself too hard, especially if you are new to running. Additionally, the way your body moves during these actions impacts your overall health as well. Common running injuries and pains may include but are not limited to:
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendinitis
- Blisters
- Heel spur
- Hamstring tear or strain
- Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome
- Muscle pulls and tears
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures
- Ruptured tendon
- Runner’s knee
- Temperature related injuries- sunburn, heat exhaustion, hypothermia and frostbite
How to Prevent These Injuries From Occurring
If you are a seasoned runner or even just starting, there are many methods you can take into consideration when running to help prevent future injuries from occurring. It is important to always put your health and body first, and you should always be your main priority. Here are some helpful tips from our Knee Specialist Chicago and ways to prevent future running injuries from occurring that include but are not limited to:
- Wear proper footwear- When running your shoes should fit properly and made for running specifically. It is also important to replace your sneakers when they become worn out, losing their support over time.
- Warm-up properly- Walking or jogging first is known to loosen up your muscles and joints before increasing your effort.
- Stretching- Dynamic stretching before your run and static stretching after your run.
- Avoid overtraining- As much running daily can seem like the best way to stay as fit as possible, your body needs rest days which are equally as important.
- Cross-train- Running is not used by itself to stay fit and keep a healthy lifestyle. You need to be in good shape overall to run without developing injuries
- Change up your running route- Running the same route daily can begin to become monotonous and boring. To keep your running routine fun and interesting, changing up where you run can help to make the experience more enjoyable.
Looking for a Knee Specialist Chicago?
Look no further! Free Body Physical Therapy, a Knee Specialist Chicago, is here to help! Whether you’ve recently developed a running-related injury and need assistance recovering, or need help preventing further running injuries, our certified physical therapists are here for you. Visit our website or contact us to schedule an appointment today!
The Benefits of Hiking
We all know that regular cardiovascular exercise is good for us, but many of us cannot seem to make it to the gym. How about ditching the treadmill and spending time in nature? Hiking has been shown not only to be great cardio but can also benefit your mental health. Our Knee Specialist Chicago at Free Body Physical Therapy recommends hiking as a great form of exercise.
Physical Health Benefits of Hiking
Hiking carries all of the benefits of cardiovascular exercises such as improving your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of developing heart disease, and helping to control your weight. Hiking can also help keep up your bone density because it is a weight-bearing exercise.
Unlike standard cardio such as walking on a treadmill, hiking covers some uneven terrain, helping to improve your balance and strengthen your lower body and core muscles. Many doctors and health professionals, such as our Knee Specialist Chicago at Free Body Physical Therapy have been recommending hiking in recent years because of the wonderful benefits it has for the body and mind.
Mental Health Benefits of Hiking
Exercise has the potential to increase mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. Spending time outdoors in nature can also do wonderful things for your mental health. Going for a hike gives you time to unplug from technology, as well as taking your mind off of the stresses of daily life.
Hiking is an activity that combines the benefits of exercise with the benefits of nature to help boost your mood and reduce the negative effects on your mental health, which is why our Knee Specialist Chicago sees hiking as an amazing form of exercise.
Hiking Safety Tips
Before hitting the trails, make sure to keep these safety measures in mind! Start off your hiking journey slowly. You may be eager to hit the long and tough trails, but as a beginner, it is important to keep your ability in mind. You can always work up to a tougher hiking route, but treating an injury can keep you from hiking all together! If an injury does occur, Free Body PT’s Knee Specialist Chicago can help you get back to hiking in no time.
Suggestions From Our Knee Specialist Chicago
It can be dangerous to hike alone, especially at the beginning. You may be on an unfamiliar or secluded trail, and it is best not to risk being stranded. Having a friend or family member hike with you can help you feel safer, and give you some company on your hike! Come prepared for your hike. You should familiarize yourself with the route you will be taking, as well as packing your bag correctly. Wear sunscreen and bring lots of water to make sure you stay hydrated!
Knee Specialist Chicago
If you have suffered an unfortunate injury during one of your hiking trips, don’t hesitate to seek treatment right away. Our team at Free Body Physical Therapy is here to help you recover from your pain so you can get back out on the trail. If you or someone you know needs physical therapy following your hiking injury, contact us today!
Dealing With Patellofemoral Discomfort
How Can Our Knee Specialist in Chicago Help You?
Are you or a loved one suffering from knee pain hindering you from performing your daily activities or movements? More common among people who participate in sports that may involve running or jumping, “runner’s knee,” or patellofemoral pain syndrome, refers to the pain caused by these certain movements. Are looking for a knee specialist in Chicago? Look no further! Free Body Physical Therapy is here to help you get back to playing the sports you love, pain-free. Continue reading to learn more about this specific type of knee discomfort and how it’s treated through physical therapy techniques.
Causes of Patellofemoral Pain
Although doctors are unsure of the exact causes of this condition, it has been found to be associated with the following:
- Overuse- repetitive running and jumping movements can put stress on the kneecaps
- Muscle imbalance or weakness- when the muscles between the hip and knee don’t allow your kneecap to be properly aligned
- Injury- trauma caused by dislocation of fracture may cause pain in the kneecap
- Surgery- knee surgery may increase the risk of this condition over time
Symptoms
This specific type of knee pain is known to become present when the knee is aggravated through certain positions of movements. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is most likely described as a dull, aching pain along the front or side of your kneecap. Movements that may induce this discomfort or pain may include but are not limited to:
- Walking up or down the stairs
- Running
- Kneeling or squatting
- Sitting for long periods
Recommended Treatments
If your knee pain increases during activities such as running, walking upstairs, or kneeling, it is recommended to start with simple treatments of ice and rest. Over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen may be taken if needed as well. However, sometimes the pain might not diminish within a couple of days, and visiting a knee specialist in Chicago may be more beneficial. Physical therapy may be the proper path for you when attempting to decrease your knee pain overall. While guiding you towards a healthy and safe recovery, our physical therapist may suggest:
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Supportive braces
- Taping of the knee
- Ice
- Knee-friendly sports such as bicycling and swimming
Are you looking for a knee specialist in Chicago? For more information, visit our website or schedule an appointment by contacting Free Body Physical Therapy today!
Rehabilitation Following Meniscus Surgery
How Can Our Knee Specialist in Chicago Help You?
Have you recently undergone meniscus surgery and are in search of a knee specialist in Chicago? Our team at Free Body Physical Therapy is here to assist you. Contact us to learn more today!
A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries and leads to a lot of pain and discomfort. The meniscus is a piece of cushion in the knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. A meniscus tear can occur by simply making a sudden pivot. This injury is common in both contact sports such as football and basketball as well as non-contact sports that involve a lot of running and jumping such as volleyball and soccer. Older athletes are much more susceptible to a meniscus tear because the meniscus weakens with age.
Symptoms
A meniscus tear is not only painful but can feel very debilitating. If you are experiencing knee pain these are symptoms that might let you know it is a meniscus tear.
- A popping sensation
- Swelling or Stiffness
- Pain in the knee
- Difficulty bending or straightening your knee
- The feeling of your knee giving way
- Feeling of your knee locking up
Causes
Unfortunately most times a meniscus tear is unavoidable. They are most common in athletes and very active individuals that put a lot of wear and tear on their knees. The tear occurs as a result of an aggressive pivot or turn. Additionally, kneeling, deep squatting, or lifting something heavy can also lead to a meniscus tear.
Athletes are put at the highest risk for this injury especially older ones. While they are at the highest risk people that don’t perform in a sport also experience meniscus tears. One outlying factor that can also put someone at a higher risk is obesity. Whatever the cause may be, our knee specialist in Chicago can help you determine the best course of action moving forward to ensure a healthy recovery.
Treatment
The treatment of a meniscus tear is dependent on the size and location of the tear. If a tear occurs in an area with good blood flow it may be able to heal on its own. If a tear occurs in another area of the knee that doesn’t have a good blood flow the recovery time could be a lot longer. That being said many meniscus tears do require surgery however that is not always the case. Some key treatment methods for a meniscus tear include:
- Rest- it is important to limit physical activity and refrain from putting weight on it
- Ice- icing the knee will help reduce swelling and pain. It is recommended that this is done for 15 to 20 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2 to 3 days.
- Compression- compressing the knee can help ease pain, this can be done with an elastic bandage
- Elevate your knee
- Take anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Allieve, or Motrin
- Use stretching and strengthening exercises
Knee Specialist in Chicago
For many people that experience a meniscus tear surgery is the only option for eliminating pain. The recovery time and process are different for everyone. Rehabilitation can be a key factor in making sure that the knee heals properly. Free Body Physical Therapy has the best knee specialist in Chicago can that provide physical therapy both before and after surgery. At Free Body Physical Therapy our team of doctors know that every body is different which is why they create a plan specified for you. Following your evaluation, they will create a program catered towards you and your injury so that you can get back on your feet!
Treatment Options for Patellofemoral Pain
As we know to know a healthy lifestyle is a way to go when keeping in shape, focusing on our mental health, and potentially living a longer life. But, often we get so caught up and forget the stress our bodies endure when over challenging ourselves and eventually our bodies give in to the pain. Many people who play sports or engage in activities involving running or jumping tend to suffer from “Runner’s Knee”. In medical terms, it is called Patellofemoral Pain, which is the pain in the front and around your knee there are many simple treatments but some require more attention and care from a physical therapy specialist. Come by Free Body Physical Therapy and get a personal consultation from Dr. Marc Gregory Gillian, a great knee specialist in Chicago.
What is Patellofemoral Pain?
Patellofemoral pain is known as the pain at the front of the knee and around the kneecap. It is very common when playing sports or interacting with high resistance activities. The pain usually causes a dull and aching pain. The pain symptoms often arise from:
- Walking up for down the stairs
- Kneeling or squatting
- Sitting with bent knees for long periods
Experts are not entirely sure of what causes this condition but accumulate that it is caused by:
- Overdoing it while exercising
- Muscle imbalances or weaknesses
- Prior injuries
- Post-surgery effects
- Weight
With a problem there always comes a solution and preventative measures:
- Maintaining strength and keeping muscles balanced during activities
- Pay close attention to technique and flexibility training
- Loss of excess weight
- Warmup before any and every activity
- Stretch to promote flexibility and range of motion
- Practice shoe smart- it is very important to have shoes that fit well and are durable
How Can Our Knee Specialist in Chicago Help?
Free Body Physical Therapy is the place to be for all your questions, answers, and concerns. Since 2015, we have been breaking the model of traditional physical therapy practices and treating individuals with individuality and loving care. We understand that no two bodies respond or react in the same manner, So, therefore, no two programs should be the same. We cater specifically to the needs of the patients by taking a holistic approach when it comes to evaluating the root of the problem and its discomfort.
Whether it be chronic pain, past injury, or post-surgical care. We are firm believers in working and understanding the entire body. Each area allows us to pinpoint the cause, come up with a course of action, and all while being beneficial to your entire body. Call us today and book the consultation you have been waiting for! You deserve the best and we are here to give you the best and highly trained knee specialist in Chicago!
What are Causes of PCL Injuries?
Free Body Physical Therapy offers Sports Physical Therapy in Chicago. We specialize in neck and shoulder pain, sports rehabilitation, preventative assessments, and pre and post-surgery rehabilitation. In addition, sports injuries, such as posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries, can be examined and addressed by our knee specialist in Chicago.
What is a PCL Injury?
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) connects your femur to your tibia, keeping the knee joint stable. Unfortunately, a tear, sprain, or strain can occur to the PCL. Although the PCL is the least common ligament in the knee to be injured, it is still possible to be damaged. If you have hurt your PCL, we strongly advise you to see our knee specialist in Chicago.
Causes of PCL Injuries
PCL injuries commonly occur during contact sports, such as football or soccer, or auto accidents. The ligament is injured when there is a strike to the knee while it is bent, you hit your shin bone just below the knee, or by hyperextension. If you injure your PCL, other ligaments in the knee can be affected as well.
Specific examples of these incidents include:
- Impacting the knee against the dashboard during an auto accident
- Falling on the knee while it is bent, possibly during sports
- Pulling or stretching the ligament
- Simple misstep
Preventing a PCL Injury
To prevent an injury to your PCL and having to see a knee specialist in Chicago, follow the advice below:
- Use proper technique and alignment during physical activities
- Stretch regularly
- Strengthen leg muscles to stabilize the joint
- Use caution when playing sports where knee injuries are common
Symptoms of a PCL Injury
Depending on the extent of the PCL injury, pain can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of a torn, sprained, or strained PCL may include:
- Swelling in the knee
- Pain in the knee joint
- Instability in the knee
- Difficulty walking
If you have injured your PCL and are experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment to see our knee specialist in Chicago at Free Body Physical Therapy. You’ll receive personalized care and attention at each session and be educated based on your needs.
Contact Free Body Physical Therapy for Our Knee Specialist Chicago
2618 W Division ST Ste B
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 773-599-3393
Fax: 773-227-3309