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McKenzie Knee Therapy

McKenzie Knee Pain Therapy

Why the McKenzie Method? 

Imagine you have the power to control your pain and the ability to do your work and daily activities. Save time and money with the McKenzie Method. Free yourself from excessive therapy sessions, expensive equipment/testing and, most importantly, surgery! 

1. Are there periods in the day when you have no pain? Even 10 minutes? 

2. Do you have pain when you walk up or down stairs or hills?

3. Have you had several episodes of knee pain over the past months or years? 

4. Is your knee pain-free between episodes? 

5. When the knee is painful, does it feel like you are unable to fully bend or straighten it compared to your pain-free knee? 

6. Are you able to fully bend and straighten your knee without pain between episodes? 

7. Is the pain localized to the area of the knee joint? 

8. Are you generally able to walk without limping between your episodes of knee pain? 

9. Are you generally worse with prolonged sitting, squatting or kneeling? 

10. Is your knee generally more comfortable when you are moving about rather than kneeling, sitting, squatting or standing in one position? 

How It Works

MDT is a comprehensive, evidence-based system of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies aimed at patient education and independence.

 

  • Known to show results in as little as two to three visits

  • Assessment-driven, individualized treatment plans

  • Cost efficient – a management system minimizing the need for expensive tests or procedures: no needles, no injections, no surgery.

 

STEP 1: Assess – Your active involvement in the evaluation process starts with a clinician taking a comprehensive history followed
by repeated movement testing to assist in diagnosis and provide a clear direction for treatment

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STEP 2: Treat – Specific exercises defined in the assessment are active, not passive, therapy strategies that lead to more successful management. Hands-on manual skills of the clinician are used only when necessary.

 

STEP 3: Prevent – By learning how to self- treat your current problem, you gain valuable knowledge and skills to minimize the risk of recurrence.

Take control of your pain, empower yourself and get back to the life you love! 

 Yes  No 

Osteoarthritis, Degeneration or Normal Wear and Tear?

While knee injuries can occur by twisting or falling, recurrent knee pain in adults is commonly diagnosed as “osteoarthritis” and the term “degeneration” is used to describe aging changes on X-rays. The problem is osteoarthritic and degenerative changes are normal wear and tear changes and may not be related to your current pain or disability. Knee pain can be felt in a variety of ways. There may be some pain or stiffness in both knees, although most commonly one knee is more troublesome than the other. Seeking a comprehensive assessment by a certified MDT provider as your first step can help determine if it is a straightforward mechanical problem that can be helped with very specific exercises determined in the MDT evaluation. 

11. Are some days better or worse than others?

If you answered YES to five or more questions, there is a great chance you can benefit from MDT treatment strategies.

 

Self-treatment principles are the ultimate goal, but hands-on manual techniques may be necessary initially to assist with your recovery. It is recommended that a comprehensive assessment by a certified MDT provider be your first step to ensure you are gaining the full benefit of specific therapeutic exercise.

 

You can also learn more from one of McKenzie’s self-help books. Treat Your Own Shoulder and others in the series are available at www.OPTP.com 

Treat your own knee, Rob McKenzie

CONTACT INFORMATION 

CONTACT US

HOURS
MONDAY- 8:00am - 8:00pm

TUESDAY - 7:00am - 7:00pm

WEDNESDAY- 8:00am- 7:00pm 

THURSDAY - 8:00am- 7:00pm
FRIDAY - 8:00am- 5:00pm 

SATURDAY - 8:00am - 3:00pm

ADDRESS

7353 LAKE ST 

RIVER FOREST, IL 60305

INFO@RIVERFORESTHEALTH.COM

P:  708.488.0900

F:  708.620.3092

EXPERIENCE CARE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FAQs​

What is River Forest Health & Wellness?

River Forest Health & Wellness is a multidisciplinary chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy clinic in River Forest, Illinois. Since 2010, our team has provided personalized, evidence-based care designed to improve movement, relieve pain, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy.

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Where is River Forest Health & Wellness located?

Our clinic is located at 7353 Lake Street, River Forest, IL 60305. We regularly serve patients from River Forest, Oak Park, Forest Park, and nearby Chicago communities.

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What services does River Forest Health & Wellness offer?

Our services include chiropractic care, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, acupuncture, massage therapy, McKenzie Therapy (MDT), Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), dry needling, shockwave therapy, myofascial release, cupping, neurodynamic treatment, IASTM/Graston techniques, prenatal and Webster Technique care, and pediatric care.

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What conditions do you commonly treat?

We commonly help patients experiencing low back pain, neck pain, sciatica and other nerve pain, headaches, shoulder pain, hip and pelvic pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, sports injuries, repetitive-strain problems, pregnancy-related discomfort, and movement limitations. Your provider will evaluate your condition before recommending treatment.

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How is River Forest Health & Wellness different from a typical chiropractic and Physical therapy clinics?

We combine chiropractic care with movement assessment, rehabilitation, acupuncture, massage therapy, and other evidence-based treatments. Patients receive one-on-one care and an individualized plan based on their examination, daily activities, movement patterns, and goals.

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Do you offer physical therapy or physiotherapy?

We provide physiotherapy-based rehabilitation focused on restoring mobility, reducing pain, improving strength, and helping patients function more confidently. Treatment may include corrective exercise, movement retraining, manual therapy, education, and self-management strategies.

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What is McKenzie Therapy?

The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, commonly called MDT, is an assessment-based approach for spinal and extremity problems. The provider evaluates how repeated movements and positions affect your symptoms, then uses those findings to develop an individualized treatment and self-management plan.

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What is Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization?

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, or DNS, is a rehabilitation approach based on developmental movement patterns. It is used to improve breathing mechanics, core stability, joint control, posture, and coordinated movement.

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Do you provide acupuncture and dry needling?

Yes. River Forest Health & Wellness offers acupuncture and dry needling as part of its treatment options. Your provider will determine whether either technique is appropriate for your symptoms, health history, and treatment goals.

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Do you offer prenatal chiropractic care?

Yes. We provide gentle prenatal chiropractic care, including the Webster Technique. Treatment is intended to support pelvic and musculoskeletal function and help manage pregnancy-related discomfort. It is not a substitute for prenatal medical care from an obstetric provider or midwife.

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Do you treat children and teenagers?

Yes. River Forest Health & Wellness provides gentle, age-appropriate  care for infants, children, and teenagers. Care may support healthy movement, development, and recovery from injuries.

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Is care available in Spanish?

Yes. Spanish-speaking care is available to help patients communicate clearly with their provider and better understand their evaluation, treatment plan, and home-care recommendations. Contact the office when scheduling to confirm availability.

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Does River Forest Health & Wellness accept insurance?

We are in-network with many PPO plans, including Aetna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Choice PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare PPO, UMR, and Golden Rule plans. Coverage varies by plan, so patients should contact the clinic and their insurer to verify current benefits before treatment.

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River Forest Health & Wellness does not accept Medicare and most medical supplemental plans. Its providers are non-participating with Medicare and cannot bill Medicare or Medicare supplemental plans. Cigna may be billed out of network when permitted by the patient’s plan. Massage therapy is private pay and is not billed to insurance.

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Do you offer self-pay treatment?

Yes. Private-pay options are available, including for massage therapy and services that may not be covered by insurance. Contact the office for current pricing and information about your specific treatment.

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Do I have to receive chiropractic manipulation?

No. Chiropractic manipulation is only one of many treatment options available at River Forest Health & Wellness. If manipulation is not appropriate for you—or you simply prefer not to receive it—that is completely fine. Your comfort and preferences are important to us.

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Our team has many other tools to help reduce pain, improve movement, and support your overall health. Depending on your needs, your care may include physiotherapy-based rehabilitation, corrective exercise, gentle mobilization, soft-tissue therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, massage therapy, McKenzie Therapy, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, shockwave therapy, or other techniques. We will discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan with you.

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What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your first appointment generally begins with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, daily activities, and goals. Your provider will perform an appropriate examination and movement assessment, explain the findings, and recommend a personalized care plan. The exact evaluation and treatment will depend on your condition and the service you schedule.

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How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule through the appointment link on riverforesthealth.com or call River Forest Health & Wellness at 708-488-0900. You may also email info@riverforesthealth.com with general questions. Please do not use email for urgent medical concerns.

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What are your office hours?

River Forest Health & Wellness is open Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hours may change, so confirm availability when scheduling.

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What is your cancellation policy?

The clinic requests at least 24 hours’ notice when canceling or rescheduling. A missed appointment or late cancellation may result in a charge. If an emergency prevents you from attending, contact the office as soon as possible.

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When should I seek emergency medical care instead of scheduling an office visit?

Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, loss of consciousness, a severe or rapidly worsening headache, major trauma, sudden loss of strength, or loss of bowel or bladder control. River Forest Health & Wellness does not replace emergency medical services.

© 2010 - 2026 by River Forest Health and Wellness

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