RUSH Physical Therapy

At RUSH Physical Therapy, we know that injuries are never scheduled, but relief can be. If you're injured, tired of having less mobility or experiencing aches and pains, let our licensed clinical experts help. We believe movement is medicine and are committed to helping you get back to work, athletics and daily life. The road to recovery starts with RUSH!We are proud to serve your community and are committed to providing each person an exceptional experience that promotes healing and recovery in a safe, compassionate environment. Call to request an appointment and experience the power of physical therapy today. Sarah earned a bachelor's degree in 2008 from St. Xavier University and doctorate of physical therapy in 2012 from Midwestern University. She is a certified manual therapist and certified in dry needling and active release technique. Sarah is involved in community outreach, attending local health fairs, races to stretch runners and providing injury prevention as well as general conditioning presentations to local high schools and colleges. She has achieved success in the treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunctions, low back pain, general orthopedics and athletic injuries. Sarah believes in a "patient first" philosophy, collaborating with patients to achieve self-directed goals in order to return to their previous level of function as quickly as possible. Melissa Stoch earned her bachelor's in psychology from Benedictine University in 2016 and her doctor of physical therapy from Rosalind Franklin University in 2019. She is passionate about helping patients restore health and wellness, as well as promote injury prevention. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, Melissa played NCAA DIII softball at Benedictine University and worked as an athletic training aide for Benedictine’s sports medicine program. Her diversity in work experience and education has helped her to become a more versatile clinician. Connor Ganzer earned his doctorate of physical therapy from Carroll University. Connor offers encouraging support and compassion for his patients while simultaneously pushing them to get better. Connor has furthered his clinical knowledge with courses in dry needling, manual therapy and functional capacity evaluations. Barbara Shoemaker is an occupational therapist and a certified hand therapist at our Oak Lawn 95th Street center. Barbara enjoys continuing education to make certain her interventions are most advanced in orthotic fabrication and exercise. Utilizing specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, Barbara provides therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction and restore function in the upper limb in order to enhance an individual's ability to execute work tasks and fully participate in life situations. Barbara particularly enjoys treating fractures after surgical intervention. Natalie earned a bachelor's degree in biomedical science in 2018 from Grand Valley State University and associate's degree in physical therapy assistant in 2021 from Fox College. She is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. Natalie is experienced in aquatic therapy and aims to promote overall wellness and injury prevention in all patients she treats. She is LSVT BIG certified, which helps individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Hayley earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science in 2013 from Illinois State University and associate's degree in applied science, physical therapy assistant in 2017 from College of DuPage. She is experienced in treating orthopedic and surgical and non-surgical conditions. Hayley has continued her knowledge and experience by becoming certified in Worksteps. She strives to help patients reach personal goals and improve self-confidence. Alex earned a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and master's degree in occupational therapy from Saint Louis University. She is a certified hand therapist. Alex has attended multiple courses related to upper extremity rehabilitation, traumatic hand injuries and orthotic fabrication. She is a member of Chicago Metro Hand Study Group. Alex has worked in multiple centers across the Chicagoland area and brings her various experiences to RUSH Physical Therapy in order to best help patients' achieve success.

R T
5 Star
Just finished my PT with Natalie and Sarah.. They were awesome! Started with Sarah did first visit evaluation,she passed me off to Natalie after first visit😅 just joking. On my last day she missed me and took me back😅 Worked me out!! Seriously though they were very good at what they do. I felt better and wouldn't go anywhere else! All staff were friendly and caring! 👍 Thank You Guys! Much Appreciated
Wednesday 9th March 2022

Kellee Van Buren
5 Star
I recently completed the program at Rush Physical Therapy for my knee and everything was amazing! My mobility and strength has completely improved. I can definitely feel and see the difference in the strength of not only my knee but my whole body. Everyone is so positive, patient, encouraging, gentle, and energetic. It's evident that the staff genuinely cares about each and every patient. I wish I could keep going back!
Wednesday 16th March 2022

Michael Sowa
5 Star
Everything about operation is first class. Everyone is professional and determined to give you the best care possible. They listen to what you say and act accordingly. My core is stronger and I am able to move much better. Thank goodness I chose RUSH at this location. A member of my bowling team recommended you and he was right! I am bowling 25 pins over my average. My last game was a 236!
Wednesday 9th February 2022

Jim Yerkes
5 Star
Great place to go for therapy. The ladies at the front desk are super friendly and welcoming. Alex, my hand therapist was awesome. She is very knowledgeable and explained my situation in ways I could understand. She made therapy enjoyable!
Friday 18th March 2022

Dave Landgraf
5 Star
I was referred to Sarah after my brother’s physical therapy experience. I worked with primarily with Sarah, but also with Haley if Sarah wasn’t available. Both were very results focused, but also made it fun and enjoyable to be there. Additionally, they took the time to make sure I was happy with my progress and that my needs were being met. I will absolutely recommend this facility, as well as Sarah and Haley, to anyone who needs physical therapy or for an evaluation.
Friday 25th March 2022