Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist in Chicago?

No, Illinois is a direct access state, which means you do not need a physician referral to see a physical therapist. You can schedule an appointment directly with Journey Physical Therapy. However, if you're using insurance, some plans may require a referral for coverage, so it's a good idea to check with your insurance provider first.

How long are physical therapy sessions at Journey?

Each session at Journey Physical Therapy lasts approximately 45-60 minutes and is conducted one-on-one with Dr. Purimetla. This personalized approach ensures you receive focused, hands-on treatment tailored to your specific needs and goals.

What should I expect during my first visit?

Your initial evaluation includes a thorough assessment to identify the root cause of your pain or dysfunction. Dr. Purimetla will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and perform movement and strength tests. Together, you'll establish a personalized treatment plan. The first session typically lasts 60-90 minutes and may include some hands-on treatment to begin your recovery immediately.

Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy in Chicago, IL

Get back to the activities you love without surgery, injections, or painkillers. Journey Physical Therapy offers hands-on, one-on-one treatment that addresses the root cause of your shoulder pain—whether it’s a rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder, or post-surgical rehab.

Is Shoulder Pain Holding You Back?

You’re not alone. Shoulder injuries can make everyday tasks painful and frustrating, limiting your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy life.

Struggling with Daily Tasks

Reaching for a coffee cup, lifting your arm to put on a shirt, or carrying groceries feels impossible. Simple movements that used to be automatic now cause sharp, nagging pain.

Missing Out on Your Active Lifestyle

You’ve had to stop playing basketball, lifting weights, or throwing with your kids. The activities that keep you energized and happy feel out of reach.

Worried About Surgery or Injections

You’ve been told surgery might be your only option, but you want to explore alternatives. The thought of a long, painful recovery—or relying on medications—isn’t what you had in mind.

Journey Physical Therapy: A Hands-On Approach to Shoulder Pain Relief

At Journey Physical Therapy, we believe your body has the ability to heal—without surgery or injections. Dr. Praneeth Purimetla uses evidence-based manual therapy techniques combined with targeted exercises to reduce pain, restore mobility, and get you back to what matters most.

You’ll work with the same doctor of physical therapy from start to finish—no rotating through different therapists.
We treat the root cause of your shoulder pain, not just the symptoms.
Our personalized, one-on-one approach is proven to help patients recover faster and avoid costly surgeries.

Whether you’re dealing with a rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, impingement syndrome, or post-surgical rehab, we’ll create a plan tailored to your goals.

"I waited two, three months without improvement and wasn't sure what I should do next. I was pointed to Praneeth. I'm delighted to say the results have been far, far beyond my expectations. I now have much better range of motion and I'm back to a full schedule of swimming. Things that I was struggling with in day to day life, I can do today."

Lain

Early 50s

How We Help You Overcome Shoulder Pain

During your first visit, Dr. Purimetla performs a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain. We’ll discuss your goals, medical history, and what’s been holding you back.

Using manual therapy techniques and targeted exercises, we’ll address soft tissue restrictions, joint dysfunction, and muscle imbalances. Every session is hands-on and tailored to your needs.

We don’t just treat the pain—we teach you how to maintain your results. You’ll leave with a custom home exercise program designed to keep your shoulder strong, mobile, and pain-free.

Shoulder Conditions We Treat in Chicago

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or rehabbing after surgery, Journey Physical Therapy specializes in treating a wide range of shoulder conditions.

Rotator cuff tears and strains
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Labral tears
Post-surgical shoulder rehab (rotator cuff repair, total shoulder replacement)
Shoulder arthritis and bursitis
Sports-related shoulder injuries
Tendinitis and tendinopathy

What Our Chicago Patients Are Saying

I am so happy I found Journey PT! Such a great experience - Praneeth is both knowledgeable and personable! You have his undivided attention and he customizes a collaborative treatment plan with you. If you live in the area, you need to go here for PT. I will be recommending to many others!

Micah Ioffe
February 7, 2022

Praneeth treated my daughter for some knee pain she was having. He was really thorough in diagnosis. He spent tons of time with us, making sure he really understood the problem. He gave her exercises to do at home. After about 8 visits, she was in good shape and hasn't had any pain since. Also, he's a super nice and funny guy. We had a great experience.

Eileen Moran
August 2, 2019
After trying other places I found Journey PT. It's been a great experience. Praneeth is knowledgeable and has good listening skills. The kind of collaborative treatment that he offers is exactly what I was looking for. I highly recommend his services.

Mihaela Campion
February 21, 2022

Dr. Praneeth Purimetla at Journey Physical Therapy at 2250 West Belmont in Chicago, Illinois has helped me rehab from hip replacement. Additionally, he has helped me avoid back surgery and painful injections through his expert analysis of the neuro-mechanical problem afflicting my lumbar spine. His recommended physical regimen has resulted in the disappearance of the painful muscular spasms and arthritic pain afflicting the area of my right femur and knee. Dr. Purimetla understands the complicated inter-relatedness of the muscles, bones, and nerves of the human body. He uses his understanding and experience coupled with logic to guide patients to self-healing through the disciplined use of an appropriate physical regimen. Finally, Dr. Purimetla's professionalism and humanity are a blessing to all. He is truly a good (if not great) man. Sincerely, Ronald Ford Chicago, Illinois

Ronald Ford
March 4, 2020
I highly recommend coming to Dr. Praneeth for your physical Therapy needs. You get the personal dedicated care that you might not receive at one of the "chain" locations located in the city. Not only was he very knowledgeable and helpful in my treatment, but he was also very friendly and easy to chat with during our sessions.

peter haitaian
January 17, 2020

Works wonders for lower back pain. My lower back muscles were pretty twisted and tight. Praneeth brought my back back to life after a handful of sessions. Highly recommend him.

Matt Martucci
November 13, 2019

Meet Our Team

Dr. Praneeth Purimetla
Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT

Dr. Purimetla is a board-certified physical therapist with extensive training in manual therapy and spine rehabilitation. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed advanced fellowship training at Regis University. A former Division I basketball athlete, Dr. Purimetla understands the physical and mental demands of recovery. His patient-centered approach combines hands-on manual therapy with evidence-based exercises to help you achieve lasting results. Credentials & Specialties: Doctor of Physical Therapy, UIC (2013) Fellow in Training, Regis University (2016-2018) American Physical Therapy Association Member Specialties: Spine Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, Manual Therapy, Injury Prevention

Visit Us in Roscoe Village, Chicago

Ready to take the first step toward pain-free shoulders? We’re conveniently located in the heart of Roscoe Village, just minutes from Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Wicker Park.

Hours:

Monday–Thursday: 7:30am–7:00pm

Friday: 7:30am–1:00pm

Saturday–Sunday: Closed

Directions Note:

We’re easy to reach from anywhere in Chicago just off Belmont Avenue near Western Avenue, steps from local coffee shops, parks, and public transit.

Email:

admin@journeyphysicaltherapy.com

Phone:

773-883-2337

Fax:

773-883-2336

Office:

2250 West Belmont Avenue, Suite 1W Chicago, IL 60618

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy in Chicago

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist?

No, you do not need a referral. Illinois law allows direct access to physical therapy, which means you can schedule an appointment without seeing a physician first. If we determine your condition is outside our scope of practice, we’ll refer you to the appropriate specialist.

How many physical therapy sessions will I need for shoulder pain?

This varies based on your diagnosis, severity of impairments, and past medical history. Some patients see significant improvement in just a few visits, while others may need several weeks or months of care. We’ll continually reassess your progress to ensure you’re on track.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we work with all major private insurance plans and Medicare. We also offer self-pay options and payment plans to ensure cost isn’t a barrier to your recovery. Contact us to verify your benefits.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your shoulder. A tank top or sleeveless shirt is ideal so we can perform a thorough evaluation and treatment.

Is physical therapy painful?

Our goal is to reduce your pain, not increase it. However, some hands-on techniques or exercises may cause temporary discomfort as we work to restore mobility and strength. We’ll communicate with you throughout each session to ensure your comfort.

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to answer any questions you have about physical therapy in Chicago. Give us a call or request a free phone consultation to learn more.

Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy in Chicago, IL