Smith Physical Therapy+

01/30/2026

“Normal” symptoms aren’t always normal.

- Feeling unsteady or off-balance shouldn’t be written off as aging
- Daily headaches are not something you should have to push through
- Talking and eating shouldn’t be limited by a painful, popping jaw

A physical therapy checkup helps identify the underlying drivers and create a plan that’s specific to you.
www.smithptplus.com

01/29/2026

I set a goal last year to do an unassisted pull-up by the end of 2025.
Spoiler alert: I’m not there yet, and that’s okay.

What I did gain? More strength, better posture, and a whole new appreciation for progress over perfection.

The biggest lesson? Missing a day doesn’t mean you failed. It just means you start again tomorrow. Groceries feel lighter. Flipping the mattress is easier. And my daughter is now working on pull-ups too.
That’s a win in my book.

If your New Year’s goals didn’t go exactly as planned, keep jumping back in. - Jen

Read more on the blog: https://smithptplus.com/how-to-train-for-a-pull-up/

01/28/2026

New year. New goals. Same love for dance.

This year, make strength, mobility, and injury prevention part of your training, not an afterthought.
A dance-specific PT check-in can help you jump higher, turn cleaner, and dance longer.

01/26/2026

Brrrrrr! Temperatures here have reached -30°F with the wind. This is a great time to practice being safe walking outside on those slippery, icy surfaces!

Remember to walk like a penguin!🐧

1️⃣ Hold arms out wider than normal
2️⃣ Lower your base of support by bending your knees
3️⃣ Take shorter steps, making sure to not pick your feet up too high (shuffle them if needed!)

Stay safe and warm friends!!!

01/24/2026

5 Star Saturday!

01/22/2026

Winter isn’t the time to pause, it’s the time to run smarter. Waiting until spring often leads to rushed mileage, skipped strength work, and injuries that derail training fast.

Why winter training wins:
• Strength now = fewer injuries + better performance later
• The off-season is ideal for dialing in your running form

That’s why we created our 4-Session Running Academy: a structured program focused on running mechanics, strength, and efficiency so you’re ready when race training ramps up.

Train smarter now. Reap the miles later.
https://smithptplus.com/running-academy

February 14th, check out our running technique workshop:
https://smithptplus.com/events/running-technique-workshop-6

01/22/2026

Not only did our patient, Pat, graduate last night from physical therapy, but he also wanted to help us promote that we are a drop off site for My Sister's Dress!

My Sister’s Dress is a fundraiser for McHenry County College’s Education to Empowerment scholarship and Holiday Heros. Gently used prom/homecoming dresses and accessories (purses, shoes, jewelry) can be dropped off at our clinic until February 18.

The sale of the dresses will be at MCC on Sunday, February 22 from 12-3PM at MCC. Dresses will be $30 and accessories will be $5.

01/21/2026

When you get a full hour of one-on-one care, everything changes.

No rushing. No juggling multiple patients. Just you, your goals, and a specialist focused entirely on helping you move, heal, and perform your best.

https://smithptplus.com/visit-appointment/

01/20/2026

We had a great time hosting “Keep Up With Your Dog: A Handler Warm-Up Workshop” with members of the Northwest Obedience Club this past weekend.

This was a fun and unique opportunity to focus on handlers, sharing how warming up your own body can improve movement, performance, and injury prevention before training or competition. The group was engaged, asked great questions, and the session fit perfectly alongside the dog warm-up that followed. Win-win!

Huge thank you to Northwest Obedience Club for inviting us and to everyone who participated. We loved being part of your workshop and would absolutely do it again!

01/16/2026

Dizziness & Post-Concussion Symptoms Do Not Have to Be Your Normal

Dizziness that is caused by neck or inner ear dysfunction, and lingering post-concussion symptoms can be helped by physical therapy as well! When you work with a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular and concussion treatments, you can reduce or even eliminate those nagging symptoms.

Vestibular problems can interfere with your balance and stability and make day to day movements like rolling over in bed or bending down to tie you shoes difficult. And post-concussion symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, and imbalance can make getting through your day a regular challenge. Why continue to “deal with” these problems when there is something you can do about them instead?

01/15/2026

We’re excited to add a NEW workshop to our schedule—just in time for Valentine’s Day! 💘

Running Technique Workshop
Feb 14, 2026 | ⏰ 8:30–10:00 AM

This 90-minute, hands-on workshop with Denise is designed for runners and triathletes of all levels. Using individualized video analysis, targeted drills, and practical strengthening tips, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Improve running efficiency
✔ Reduce injury risk
✔ Run faster, longer, and with confidence

Whether you’re training for your first 5K or gearing up for a marathon, this workshop helps you run with better mechanics and less pain.

Spots are limited.
Register now and grab your spot—we can’t wait to run this one with you!

Website Copy: Running Technique Workshop: Improve Efficiency • Reduce Injury Risk • Run with Confidence - Led by Denise Smith