Movewell FAQ · Physical Therapy & Performance in Chicago

About

What is your approach to Physical Therapy?

We use a holistic and multimodal approach unique to each individual, with the options of combining manual therapy, dry needling and other pain-sensitization techniques, strong patient education, and exercise prescription to help clients achieve their goals and return to their desired activities with confidence.

What types of conditions do you treat?

We specialize in orthopedic physical therapy, treating neuro-musculoskeletal impairments and pain all the way from a post-surgical state to a return to exercise and sport state.

Services

Why does so much of your program happen between sessions?

Because that is where most of the actual change happens. The hour you spend with us is valuable, but your body adapts to the work you do in the days around it, not just the time you spend in front of a therapist. Traditional rehab tends to stop once you are out of pain, which is a real milestone, but on its own it is closer to a quarter of the picture if you want to stay better and not end up back here in six months.

So we build a plan you follow between visits, keep it progressing as you adapt, and stay reachable when something flares up. That makes your in-person session the high-value checkpoint where we retest, adjust, and push you to the next step, rather than the only thing you are paying for.

What services do you offer?

Injury "prevention" strategies, post-surgical rehab, rehab of common musculoskeletal injuries at all regions of the body (muscle strains, ligament sprains, tendon injuries, joint pain, and more), and return to: exercise, sport, and performance.

What's the difference between Physical Therapy and Performance Training?

Physical Therapy is for pain, injury, or rehab, a hands-on, movement-based process that addresses the root cause and guides you back to the activities you love. Performance Training is 1-on-1 strength & conditioning to build capacity, resilience, and long-term durability once you're ready to push toward bigger goals.

The two aren't separate lanes. We build rehab and performance into every plan, and many clients flow seamlessly from one into the other.

Do you offer dry needling as a standalone service?

Dry needling is integrated into treatment plans based on individual needs and goals discussed during evaluations.

Due to the high skill necessary to perform, it can be offered as a standalone service only for those who have undergone a physical therapy plan of care and thus evaluation.

What is Performance Continuity Programming (PCP)?

Performance Continuity Programming (PCP) is what sets us apart. It blends your in-person rehab with virtual programming to support your progress between sessions. This virtual add-on allows for increased touch points, real-time monitoring, and continued progression throughout your plan, not just when you're in the clinic.

You'll receive individualized guidance, adjustments based on how you're responding, and a clearer path from recovery to performance.

How does virtual performance programming work?

We start with a consultation to discuss your goals and needs. Based on a movement assessment you record and upload, we create a customized program with video instructions and weekly progress tracking using Coach Rx.

Feedback-based progression is utilized, with the program being updated week to week, typically performing a similar routine to carry out a consistent program for 6–8 weeks.

Do I have to be in Chicago, or can we work together remotely?

Both. Our in-person physical therapy and performance training take place at our Chicago location in River North. If you're not local, or you'd rather train on your own schedule, our Online Performance Programming and Online Rehab Coaching are available anywhere.

Treatment & Appointments

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by contacting Movewell through our contact page. You can also call, email, or reach out on socials.

Do I need a doctor's prescription for Physical Therapy services?

No. Illinois law allows direct access to physical therapy services. You can schedule an evaluation directly with us.

What might my first visit look like?

Your initial visit includes a comprehensive evaluation, goal-setting, and personalized treatment planning. Plan on spending 75–90 minutes and wear comfortable gym clothing.

How long will a typical session be?

Follow-up sessions typically last 60 minutes.

How often will I need to come for treatment?

The frequency of your visits will depend on your individual needs and goals. Typically, we may see each other more frequently (~1x/week) at the start of your plan of care and taper sessions (1x every other week → 1x per month) over time. This process is fluid based on your progress and needs.

What's your cancellation policy?

We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Sessions canceled within 24 hours are forfeited and counted as used. This helps us protect the dedicated, one-on-one time we set aside for every client.

Where are you located?

Our in-person clinic is at 820 N Orleans St, Suite 100, in Chicago's River North neighborhood (60610). We also offer online services for clients anywhere.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is "pay to park" available through the Chicago Parking App near our facility.

Payment & Insurance

What is Cash-Based Physical Therapy?

Cash-based physical therapy means that services are paid for directly by the patient at the time of service. This model allows for more personalized and flexible care without the restrictions often imposed by insurance companies.

How much does it cost?

We believe in transparent pricing. If you're genuinely interested in working with us, fill out our short application and we'll share detailed pricing for the service that fits your goals.

Can I use my insurance for your services?

Yes and no. Services must be paid for at the time of service. However, you will be provided with a "SuperBill" at the end of each month which holds all the necessary information for you to independently file a claim for reimbursement with your respective insurance.

Why don't you accept insurance?

Insurance limitations often restrict the quality of care and individualized treatment plans. Cash-based services allow for more personalized treatment without session caps or insurance-mandated treatment protocols. We can treat what we want to treat, when we want to treat it, without bounds.

Are cash-based services more expensive?

Cash-based services can be comparable or even more cost-effective when considering out-of-pocket expenses in traditional insurance-based models. We offer transparent pricing.

Can I use my HSA/FSA funds to pay for services?

You can likely use HSA/FSA funds to pay for physical therapy services, but this has to be confirmed with your insurer. Detailed receipts in the form of a Superbill are provided for reimbursement purposes.

How does insurance reimbursement work?

Out-of-network coverage for Physical Therapy Services varies from plan to plan. It is your responsibility to inquire with your provider about your Out-of-Network benefits and any necessary pre-authorization that may be needed.

Each insurance company reimburses patients differently according to its own fee schedule, and reimbursement may range from 50–80%. Generally, insurance companies reimburse a percentage of the billed amount after any deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance are met.

Please note that only in-person services for Physical Therapy are reimbursable by medical insurance. Performance Continuity Programming during a PT plan of care is a supplemental service that is not reimbursable by medical insurance. Performance Training/Programming services are not reimbursable by medical insurance but may be covered by HSA or FSA dollars.