Expert Return to Sport Testing in Chicago, IL

At Journey Physical Therapy, we help motivated athletes and active adults in Chicago get back to the sport they love — safely and confidently. Our evidence-based return to sport testing gives you a clear, objective picture of where you stand before you push your limits again.

Patient working with a provider at a performance physical therapy clinic in Chicago, IL

Rushing Back Puts Everything at Risk

Returning to sport too soon — or without a proper clearance — is one of the leading causes of re-injury. If any of these feel familiar, it’s time for a real assessment.

You've Been Cleared, But You Don't Feel Ready

Your doctor said you’re good to go — but something still feels off. Without objective testing, ‘cleared’ doesn’t always mean ‘ready.’

You've Already Re-Injured Yourself Once

Going back too early without addressing strength and movement deficits almost guarantees a setback. The second injury is often worse than the first.

You're Guessing When It's Safe to Push Hard Again

Training at full intensity on an incompletely healed body isn’t toughness — it’s a gamble. You deserve data, not guesswork.

Patient working one-on-one with a physical therapist during a post-surgical rehabilitation session

Chicago's One-On-One Return to Sport Specialist

Journey Physical Therapy is an intentionally small, independent practice near you in Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood. Every session is fully one-on-one with Dr. Praneeth Purimetla — a Doctor of Physical Therapy and former Division I athlete who understands exactly what it takes to return to sport the right way. No aides. No handoffs. Just expert care from start to finish.

  • Objective return to sport testing and movement screen to identify exactly what’s holding you back
  • Plyometrics, sport-specific progressions, and neuromuscular re-education tailored to your sport and position
  • 222 five-star Google reviews from Chicago athletes and active adults who got back to doing what they love
"I came to Journey Physical Therapy with persistent back and hip pain, along with tingling in my leg. Praneeth listened carefully, investigated my symptoms, and was very reassuring. Now, after multiple sessions of his expert hands-on therapy and guidance, I am much improved! Praneeth is friendly, thoughtful, and knowledgeable—and he gives you his complete attention for the full hour."
Video Testimonial: Scott K.
Jeff B., Journey Physical Therapy Patient

Getting Back to Sport Is a 3-Step Process

Step 1: Discovery Call & Evaluation

Start with a free 15-minute call to share your story. Then, Dr. Purimetla performs a thorough one-on-one evaluation — identifying exactly what’s limiting your return to full performance.

Step 2: Your Personalized Return to Sport Plan

Using return to sport testing, movement screens, and hands-on manual therapy, we build a sport-specific plan that addresses root-cause deficits — not just symptoms.

Step 3: Clear the Bar. Get Back in the Game.

Progress through plyometrics, sport-specific strengthening, and objective performance benchmarks until you’re truly ready — mentally and physically — to compete again.

Return to Sport Testing for Chicago Athletes

Whether you’re recovering from ACL reconstruction, a rotator cuff repair, an ankle surgery, or a hamstring strain, our return to sport testing near Chicago gives you the objective data you need to safely make your comeback. We assess strength symmetry, movement quality, and sport-specific performance markers — so nothing is left to chance.

  • ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, and post-surgical knee rehab
  • Rotator cuff repair, shoulder labral tears, and upper extremity injuries
  • Ankle sprains, Achilles tendon repair, hamstring strains, and lower extremity conditions
Return to Sport Testing for Chicago Athletes

222 Five-Star Reviews from Chicago Patients

  • I called Praneeth after tweaking my back skiing. He was very accommodating and got me in almost immediately. After just a few weeks of Praneeths work on my back and completing my homework, I was able to get back on the mountain with a pain free back!

    Reed Niermeyer Avatar Reed Niermeyer
    March 17, 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 Avatar 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 Avatar Mihaela Campion
    February 21, 2022

    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 Avatar Micah Ioffe
    February 7, 2022
  • I am not in the middle of my second session of PT with Praneeth and after about a month of PT, my shoulder is remarkably better than it was and feeling close to 100%. Previously, I came to Praneeth for a pinched nerve and that hasn't resurfaced (in 4 years) after he fixed it... Clearly, Praneeth is quite skilled in what he does. But also, he's a great guy who cares about his patients first. I have another relative who went to him and 'discovered' him before I went my first time and he fixed her up too... It seems that we have found a PT gem in the city. This isn't corporate and Praneeth is the man...!

    Ryan Clery Avatar Ryan Clery
    March 4, 2020

    Had a great experience, I came here I can barely walk and so in pain, after only two visits I started feeling way better and after 6 visits I feel brand new. Absolutely recommend it.

    Rached Kassem Avatar Rached Kassem
    February 18, 2022

Meet Dr. Praneeth Purimetla — Your Chicago Back Pain Physical Therapy Expert

Dr. Praneeth Purimetla, physical therapist and owner of Journey Physical Therapy in Chicago

Dr. Praneeth Purimetla
Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago with advanced fellowship training in Manual Physical Therapy from Regis University. As a former Division I scholarship basketball player, Dr. Purimetla understands the physical and mental demands of recovery. He specializes in hands-on manual therapy techniques that address the root cause of pain, helping patients avoid unnecessary medications, injections, and surgery. With over 200 five-star reviews, Dr. Purimetla's one-on-one approach delivers results that big-box physical therapy clinics simply can't match. 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 Journey PT in Roscoe Village, Chicago

Journey Physical Therapy is located at 2250 W Belmont Ave, Unit 1W, Chicago, IL 60618—in the heart of Roscoe Village, convenient to Lakeview and Logan Square. Just 15 minutes (6.6 miles) from Downtown Chicago via I-90 W / I-94 W—take exit 47A for Fullerton Ave, head north on N Western Ave, then turn right onto W Belmont Ave. We’re easy to find along the W Belmont Ave corridor near Riverpoint Center and Riverview Plaza.

Hours:

Monday–Thursday: 7:30am–7:00pm

Friday: 7:30am–1:00pm

Saturday–Sunday: Closed

Email:

admin@journeyphysicaltherapy.com

Phone:

773-883-2337

Fax:

773-883-2336

Office:

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

Still Have Questions?

We get it — figuring out the right next step after an injury takes more than a quick Google search. That’s exactly why we offer a free, no-pressure 15-minute Discovery Call with Dr. Purimetla before you ever commit to an evaluation. Call us at (773) 883-2337, email admin@journeyphysicaltherapy.com, or click below to book your call. We’re here Mon–Thu 7:30 AM–7:00 PM and Fri 7:30 AM–1:00 PM.

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