As the school year kicks off, so does the hustle of after-school practices, weekend games, and bleacher cheering. Whether your child is chasing goals on the soccer field, swimming laps at the pool, or swinging for the fences on the diamond, sports are a great way to stay active, build confidence, and make lasting memories.

But let’s be real: being a sports parent also means keeping an eye out for bumps, bruises, and sometimes more serious concerns.

Everyone deserves to communicate confidently and live life to the fullest. Many think of speech therapy as helping kids pronounce words, while that’s part of it, the truth is far more expansive and impactful.

To shed some light on what speech therapy entails, we sat down with Maci Pfeffer, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist at PTS. She works with clients of all ages across our region, and her insights show how this field truly transforms lives, from infants to seniors.

Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is a highly effective, low-impact treatment that uses the natural properties of water to support healing, reduce pain, and restore mobility. At Professional Therapy Services, Inc. (PTS), we provide state-of-the-art aquatic therapy designed to help individuals of all ages and ability levels get better—faster.

With warmer weather on the horizon, many of us are setting goals for a healthier lifestyle. Whether you want to get stronger, stay active after physical therapy treatment, or ease into a fitness routine, Professional Therapy Services’ Beyond Therapy program will meet you on your wellness journey.

Think about the simple tasks in your daily routine—tying your shoes, taking a shower, or even preparing breakfast. For many of us, these activities happen effortlessly. But when these seemingly ordinary tasks become significant challenges, occupational therapists help you reclaim independence and restore meaning to your daily life.

As the holidays approach, the importance of family takes center stage—but for caregivers, the season can be especially demanding. While most of us celebrate with family and friends, caregivers juggle the festive hustle with their ongoing responsibilities, often without a moment to themselves.

October isn’t just about Halloween, pumpkin spice lattes, or fall foliage—it’s also National Physical Therapy Month! While the season brings plenty of treats, it’s also the perfect time to transform your health with the help of a movement expert. Physical therapy offers real, long-term benefits tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking to boost athletic performance, manage persistent pain, accelerate post-surgery recovery, or simply overcome stiffness, balance issues, or weakness.

Pain is a universal experience, whether from a stubbed toe, a headache, or sore muscles after a workout. It’s the body’s signaling that something is wrong and needs attention. But what happens when the pain doesn’t go away? Or when it lingers for months or even years? This is where chronic pain comes in—a condition that impacts millions globally.

With fall sports underway, there’s one health concern that often gets overlooked but is critically important: concussions. These traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can affect anyone, but student-athletes are particularly at risk. For families with children in sports, understanding concussions and how to manage them can make a significant difference in long-term health.

Did you know July was Disability Pride Month? It’s a time to celebrate diversity, resilience, and the remarkable achievements of people with disabilities. This month not only raises awareness but also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing understanding and promoting effective management of these debilitating conditions. Migraines and headaches can severely impact daily life, making it essential to explore effective treatments.

Whether you’re aiming to excel on the court, field, or track, sports can be your gateway to achieving personal goals and building lifelong connections. But that winning feeling can be sidelined by injury. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a newbie, read on to find out how to stay and play.

Imagine suddenly finding it challenging to grab a cup of coffee, button your shirt, or turn a doorknob. For many, these common tasks become everyday obstacles. April is National Occupational Therapy Month, and it’s the perfect time to spotlight the critical role that occupational therapists play in helping individuals navigate these challenges. 

Imagine a moment of pure relaxation where your stress dissolves as quickly as ice on a sunny day. That’s the power of a good massage, but it is more than just a gateway to relaxation. It’s a journey to wellness, offering a myriad of health benefits that go beyond the serene imagery of spa rooms and aromatic oils.

In 1996, September 8th was designated as World PT Day. Each year on this date, physical therapists unite in solidarity to recognize the work they do with patients and in their communities. Using this day as an opportunity for advocacy, this year’s theme focused on arthritis prevention and management.

From diagnosis and treatment through recovery, physical therapy rehabilitation has proven to be an effective method for maintaining and restoring physical well-being. Consulting with a Physical Therapist can help you reclaim your quality of life before, during, and after cancer treatment.

Obesity has become a global epidemic, posing significant challenges to physical health and overall quality of life. The CDC reports the US obesity prevalence was

Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability, affecting more than 795,000 people in the United States every year. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke and every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of a stroke. Stroke awareness and education are vital to prevention and recognition of this debilitating condition.

As advocates for health, Occupational Therapists are uniquely trained to promote emotional wellness. Read on to learn more about emotional wellness and learn tips from an OT to nurture it.

Do you ever experience discomfort or pain when working at your desk? Or find that you’re not as productive as you could be? If so, it’s time to prioritize workplace ergonomics.

Do you struggle to find time to exercise? Does your job require long hours at a desk? Would you like to get fit while you

Dental cleaning ✔, Eye exam ✔, General practitioner visit ✔… How about your muscles and bones? Are you moving as freely as you have in

We have entered that time of year that is either loved or hated: winter. The weather has turned cold, and the snow is here. With

Falls are sadly the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. For older adults in the U.S., fall death rates went up

Are you finished with home health and ready for more therapy but can’t make it to a clinic? Are you too worn out by travel

Does your teenager complain of joint pain or swelling? The fall season means kids are back on the field or the court. Repetitive movement injuries

Have you noticed your child walking on their toes, tripping up the stairs, or struggling to learn how to skip or jump? Does your baby

It’s back-to-school season! Each new school year brings exciting opportunities for growth. While every child develops and learns differently, sometimes delays become more noticeable when

The heat index is rising and summer is here! To partake in all of the fun the warm weather brings,  stretching each morning can get

There’s nothing better than a sunny day on the green. In Illinois, the golf season is short! Injury prevention and pain management can help you

Are you experiencing PAIN in your HANDS? Pain and stiffness of hand Decreased grip strength Difficulty writing and using keyboards for work or school Driving

Do you experience pain when putting on a shirt or brushing your hair? What about other types of SHOULDER PAIN, such as: Pain on the

Suffering from PAIN?  New Technique Offers Relief! Do you experience pain from any of the following?    If so, you may the perfect candidate for

Lyle Miller is getting back on his feet through LSVT Big – an effective therapy program for people with Parkinson’s offered through Carle Health’s Outpatient Therapy department…

Parkinson’s Disease changes the trajectory of mobility and coordination for those who suffer from this and other similar neurological conditions. This disease causes chemical changes

If you hear your child saying “wed” for “red” or “caw” for “car”, they likely are not able to produce the “R” sound. Did you

As people age, the muscles in the mouth and throat weaken and can cause swallowing to become increasingly more uncomfortable or painful with signs of

As we grow older, our brains start to change and we may start to see changes in our memory, speech, mood, or problem-solving skills.  Some

It’s gardening season! Whether you’re planting, weeding, watering, or tilling, you should be pain-free!  After a long winter, it is easy to accidentally injure yourself

Herniated disc pain is one of the most debilitating ailments affecting individuals from age 30 and up. Herniated discs in the lower back and neck

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that affects more and more individuals each day and, while there is no cure, those who suffer from it can

Arthritis is a common ailment that can drastically impact your quality of life and affect you at any age. Individuals who focus on improving their range

Headaches can have many causes directly tied to other physical ailments which are often ignored and can bring relief when treated. According to Peoria physical therapist Cindy Rankin, a

A typical New Year’s resolution is doomed to fail – that is, if you believe in statistics alone. Research shows that around 80 percent of

From digging out boxes of holiday decor and hauling packages to and from the home, to hiding gifts away on higher shelves at the back

As the days shorten and the weather cools, heralding the approach of another winter, our physical therapy team offers a word of warning:  While hibernation may seem

November is a month when gratitude takes its place in the spotlight of American culture. Yet, with the challenges our country has faced this year,

We still have a lot to learn about the implications of COVID-19 and the long-term health effects of the virus. One of the main wellness

We all know that visiting your physician for an annual physical is important for maintaining long-term health. Similarly, dental exams twice each year help ensure

We typically wish for those we love to live their best, most healthful lives. That’s why it can be both frustrating and worrisome when a

Every September during National Falls Prevention Week, physical therapists join other medical professions across the country in reminding Americans that falls are not just common

As the school year gains momentum during the COVID crisis, more kids and families adjust to various levels of at-home learning. Parents and instructors should

Despite being the largest and perhaps most complicated joints in our bodies, our knees are naturally docile. They’re easily influenced by what’s going on above

After nearly six months of home quarantines, social distancing, gym closures, and cancelled/postponed athletic seasons, it’s been difficult for many to maintain consistent workout routines.  But, as

The past several weeks has proven that most people are not inclined to sit idle at home as the world protects itself from the coronavirus. On the contrary, as people spend more

Is running bad for your knees?  According to Peoria physical therapist Cindy Rankin, this is a common question among both avid runners and those who may start running for

It’s well established that about eight in 10 people in the U.S. will experience back pain at some point in their lives. And while the

Warmer weather means lighter clothing all around, and footwear is no exception. But before you grab the flip-flops for summer outings and activities, Peoria physical therapist Cindy Rankin offers a

Create New, Healthy Habits That Help You Get Through the Pandemic Many of our daily routines have been upended by COVID-19 and the attempts we’ve

It’s said that necessity is the mother of invention. The team at Professional Therapy Services is proving this by offering a new way to see

In an attempt to salvage supplies and resources during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, many U.S. hospitals and medical institutions have opted to postpone elective surgeries.  This includes non-emergency surgeries scheduled to relieve pain

As the country bands together to slow the spread of COVID-19 (a.k.a., the coronavirus) through the practice of social distancing, many have found their regularly

Though it often takes a back seat to strength and cardiovascular fitness, flexibility plays a critical role in ensuring one’s able to maintain a high

February is American Heart Month, a time when health professionals like physical therapists strive to raise awareness about maintaining and improving cardiovascular health. The month