Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Physical Therapy Solutions
Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists is an independent, privately owned practice dedicated to delivering personalized, hands-on physical therapy services. Since 2012, we have prioritized a patient-centered approach, combining the science of healing with compassionate care to restore physical function and enhance quality of life. Our team of licensed physical therapists specializes in treating orthopedic conditions, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, and sports injuries, utilizing evidence-based techniques such as manual therapy, aquatic therapy, and targeted therapeutic exercises. We emphasize early intervention, eliminating the need for physician referrals, and offer complimentary screenings to ensure timely access to care.Our commitment to community wellness is reflected in our partnerships with local organizations and active participation in health fairs, charity events, and educational seminars. With three Illinois locations in DeKalb, Genoa, and Rochelle, we provide flexible scheduling, including early morning and evening hours, to accommodate diverse patient needs. Our therapists reassess progress at every visit, tailoring treatment plans to optimize outcomes while fostering a relaxed, supportive environment. Recognized as a leader in physical therapy through multiple Readers' Choice awards, we remain dedicated to advancing our profession and empowering patients to lead active, pain-free lives through education, prevention, and rehabilitation.
Services
Manual Therapy
Aquatic Physical Therapy
Spine Treatment
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Concussion Rehab
Work Conditioning
Golf Performance Programs
Running Injury Prevention
Pelvic Health Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer direct access to physical therapy with no physician referral required.
- Our therapists provide individualized treatment plans reassessed at every visit.
- We specialize in orthopedic, sports, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
- Our team has received Readers' Choice awards for excellence since 2012.
- We partner with local organizations to support community health and wellness.
What people say
Excellent results
Friendly staff
Personalized care
Knowledgeable therapists
Positive atmosphere
Services
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy involves skilled hand movements to manipulate joints and soft tissues, reducing pain and improving mobility. Our therapists use this technique to treat orthopedic conditions, sports injuries, and chronic pain. Patients benefit from improved range of motion and faster recovery times through targeted, individualized interventions.
Aquatic Physical Therapy
Aquatic therapy utilizes water's buoyancy to reduce joint stress during exercise. This service is ideal for post-surgical recovery, arthritis, and balance disorders. Patients experience enhanced strength and flexibility in a low-impact environment, promoting safer, more comfortable rehabilitation.
Concussion Rehab
Our concussion rehab program addresses symptoms like dizziness and headaches through vestibular therapy and cognitive exercises. Therapists use ImPACT assessments to track progress, ensuring safe return to daily activities. Patients regain focus and physical stability through structured, gradual reintroduction to tasks.
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Pediatric therapy focuses on improving motor skills and mobility in children. We address developmental delays, injuries, and congenital conditions through play-based interventions. Parents receive guidance for home exercises, ensuring consistent progress in a supportive, engaging environment.
Work Conditioning
Work conditioning programs restore physical abilities required for job tasks after injury. Therapists simulate workplace activities to rebuild strength and endurance. Employees return to work confidently, with reduced risk of re-injury through functional capacity evaluations and tailored training.
People
Ken Olson
President
Ken Olson, a licensed physical therapist since 1995, leads Northern Rehab with expertise in orthopedic care. He specializes in spine treatment and has served as a clinical instructor for physical therapy students. Ken integrates his background in music to enhance patient therapy experiences.
Lauren Pinnow
Physical Therapist
Lauren Pinnow, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, focuses on orthopedic and sports rehabilitation at the Genoa clinic. She graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2019 and emphasizes patient education and community engagement through wellness programs.
Todd Vanatta
Physical Therapist
Todd Vanatta specializes in sports and orthopedic therapy at the Genoa clinic. With a focus on golf performance enhancement, he combines piano-playing discipline with therapeutic techniques to improve patient outcomes through personalized care plans.
Melissa Payne Wagner
Lead Physical Therapist
Melissa Payne Wagner leads the Genoa clinic, specializing in kinesio taping and running injury prevention. She has over a decade of experience in outpatient orthopedics and focuses on empowering patients through active lifestyle education.
Kristin Christian
Physical Therapist
Kristin Christian specializes in balance improvement and fall risk assessment. She graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2012 and has extensive experience treating dizziness and vestibular disorders using evidence-based interventions.
Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy?
No, you can schedule directly with Northern Rehab without a physician's prescription.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We work with most major insurance providers and offer cost-effective treatment options.
What conditions do you treat?
We treat orthopedic injuries, chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, concussions, and balance disorders.
Are evening or weekend appointments available?
We offer early morning and evening hours Monday-Friday at our DeKalb location.
Do you offer free initial assessments?
Yes, we provide complimentary 15-minute screenings to determine if physical therapy is right for you.
What makes Northern Rehab different from other clinics?
Our hands-on approach, individualized care, and community-focused wellness programs set us apart.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Peri Ramanathan
Aug 06, 2021
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Office is accessible. Office staff & therapists are always professional & efficient. Thanks, P. Ramanathan
Jane E. Westerby
Apr 30, 2021
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I worked with Aaron Nevdal when I had my first hip replacement, and Im back working in the other side. Aaron hits the right balance, working me just hard enough to progress without doing too much and causing a setback. Id highly recommend him.
Elizabeth Kershisnik
Nov 19, 2020
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Aaron Nevdal is amazing! I have seen him off and on for the last two years for overuse injuries on my shoulder, elbow and knee. He is great to work with and is very knowledgable about orthopedic physical therapy. I would highly recommend! The office staff is very friendly and welcoming. They are so easy to work with. Thanks everyone at Northern Rehab!
Jan-Michael Wyckoff
Jul 05, 2020
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On my third situation where I needed Physical Theropy, 1st time I was rear ended in a car accident, 2nd time as a torn rotator cuff on left shoulder, !nd currently in physical theropy for torn rotator cuff on right shoulder. First two situations resulted in a complete recovery and the current theropy is going extremely well! Why go anywhere else for you physical theropy. Northern Rehab is the best!
Carol Wilson
Dec 17, 2019
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Northern Rehab is in a great location. The staff working there from the PTs to the behind the scene staff are so friendly and kind. They do not double book so your therapist is with you the whole time. Thank you Northern Rehab.
Carl Dan Wilson
Carl Dan Wilson
Peg McMaster
Sep 20, 2019
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All staff are friendly, courteous and professional. The Physical Therapists are caring and gentle. They ask the right questions to be sure their patients receive the therapy required.
Lindsay Varner
Aug 01, 2019
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My son has been going to PT for only 2 weeks with Brandon and we are already seeing great progress! So thankful for His help!
