Running Physical Therapy in Chicago
One-on-one running evaluations in Chicago with Emily O’Connor, PT, DPT — a former Division 1 cross country runner.
Whether you are training for a race, coming back from an injury, or just want to run without something hurting, Emily will look at how you actually move and build a plan around it.
When you book, choose Ortho & Post-Op Physical Therapy and mention running in the intake form.
Or call or text us at 773-729-2551.
Is This Right For Me?
A running evaluation is a good fit if:
- Your knees, shins, hips, or Achilles start bothering you partway through a run.
- You have been told to rest, and the pain came back as soon as you started running again.
- You are training for a race and want to reach the start line healthy.
- You are coming back from an injury and are not sure how to rebuild your mileage.
- You are newer to running and want to build up without getting hurt.
- You are curious what your running form actually looks like, and whether anything in it could be setting you up for an injury.
What Is Included in a Running Evaluation
Every evaluation is 45 minutes of one-on-one time with your physical therapist. The full evaluation, including the video gait analysis, is done by Emily at our Roscoe Village clinic.
Running Gait Analysis
An in-depth video analysis with a slow-motion breakdown of your running form, and the movement patterns that may be contributing to your pain.
Strength Analysis
Squat form, single-leg squat, and drop squat assessment to find where your strength and control break down under load.
Individualized Rehab Program
A comprehensive assessment of your strength and mobility, with exercises tailored to your specific pain or injury and a clear return-to-running timeline.
Comprehensive Guide to Running and Racing
A packet you take home: a warm-up and cool-down routine, a cross-training and strengthening guide to help prevent injury, and guidance on hydration, clothing, and nutrition for running and racing.
Why See Emily?
Former Division 1 athlete
Emily was a competitive runner for nine years, including competing on the Division 1 cross country team at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Direct running clinical experience
During her final year of physical therapy school, Emily trained at Fit For Life, a PT clinic inside a Fleet Feet shoe store, working with marathoners, ultramarathoners, high school and collegiate runners, and people running purely for health and fitness. She was mentored there by two physical therapists who specialize in endurance athletes.
Endurance-specific training
Her final classroom semester included a sport-specific course centered on endurance athletes and running gait analysis. She also completed an in-service on return to sport for triathletes following tendon-specific injury.
Credentials
Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The Ohio State University, an undergraduate degree in exercise science from Florida Gulf Coast University, and training in dry needling. Read Emily’s full bio.
One Team, Two Locations
We treat runners at both of our Chicago clinics. Which one you choose depends on what you are looking for.
When you book: choose Ortho & Post-Op Physical Therapy, then mention running in the intake form. Tell us what you are training for and what has been bothering you — that is how we know to build the visit around your running.
Roscoe Village — with Emily
The full running evaluation, including the video gait analysis with a slow-motion breakdown of your running form.
1900 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
West Town
Runner-focused physical therapy: a strength and mobility assessment, an individualized rehab program, and a return-to-running plan.
1023 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Not sure which to pick? If you want your running form analyzed on video, book with Emily in Roscoe Village. If you are working through a specific injury and want to get back to running, either clinic can help — choose whichever is easier to get to.
Questions? Call or text us at 773-729-2551, or email info@westtownpt.com. We accept BCBS PPOs and self-pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a running evaluation?
In our online scheduler, choose Ortho & Post-Op Physical Therapy, then mention running in the intake form. Tell us what you are training for and what has been bothering you, and we will build the visit around it. If you would rather sort it out over the phone, call or text us at 773-729-2551.
Do I have to be injured to come in?
No. Plenty of runners come in healthy, wanting to understand their form, build a strength routine, or prepare for a race without picking up an injury along the way.
What should I bring and wear?
Bring the running shoes you actually train in, and wear shorts or fitted clothing so Emily can see your knees and hips clearly on video. If you have older pairs of running shoes, bring those too. Wear patterns tell a story.
How long does the evaluation take?
Your evaluation is 45 minutes of full one-on-one time with your physical therapist. Follow-up sessions are a full 45 minutes as well. You work with your PT for the whole appointment — that one-on-one model is how we treat every patient here.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No. Illinois is a direct access state, so you can come straight to physical therapy without a referral from a doctor. If there is a physician you would like us to keep in the loop, just let us know and we are happy to do that.
Do you take insurance?
We accept BCBS PPOs and self-pay. If you have questions about your coverage, call or text us at 773-729-2551 before you book.
Ready to Get Started?
Book at whichever of our Chicago clinics is easier for you. Choose Ortho & Post-Op Physical Therapy, and mention running in the intake form.
Questions? Call or text us at 773-729-2551.