DeKalb gets new physical therapy center

DeKALB – A chain of rehabilitation and fitness centers has opened a new location where DeKalb residents can take their aches and pains.

Athletico Physical Therapy opened Dec. 8 in a 3,900-square-foot space at 2237 Sycamore Road in DeKalb. The center offers a free 30-minute screening for anyone who suspects they might benefit from working with a physical therapist. Services include personalized treatment plans for issues such as back and neck pain, sports-related injuries, muscle strains and sprains, and joint and replacement therapy, physical therapist and facility manager David Kolzow said.

“I can treat a vast majority of diagnoses, but I have specialized training with dealing with the endurance populations like runners, as well as overhead athletes like baseball and volleyball players,” Kolzow said.

In Illinois, physical therapy must be prescribed by a doctor. Athletico accepts all major insurance providers, excluding Medicaid. From there, Athletico staff members will develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient, Kolzow said.

“Their first appointment is a formal evaluation of any biomechanical deficiencies they may have,” he said.

A patient could be asked to perform a number of exercises while Kolzow watches for symptoms such as muscle weakness, compromised balance and joint issues, he said.

Although Athletico has 330 locations in more than nine states, the management at DeKalb’s facility was trained locally.

Kolzow has lived in Sycamore for the past seven years and received his training from Northern Illinois University's undergraduate and graduate programs.

“As an alumnus of NIU and resident of Sycamore, I am eager to foster patient relationships and work with each patient to achieve their individual goals,” Kolzow said. “Athletico has extreme focus on quality customer service, and an ethical business culture that will be practiced at the DeKalb location.”