No referral needed. Online scheduling available. Call (847) 859-6240
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Physical Therapy in Evanston, IL
LED BY
Aime Maranan, PT, Cert. MDT
LOCATION
839 Dodge Ave. Evanston, IL 60202
BUILT AROUND
Advanced Assessment Before Treatment
What We Do:
Physical therapy evaluation and treatment for pain, movement limitations, and recovery.
What to do first:
Start with a PinPoint Evaluation, call 847-859-6240 to secure your 60mins uninterrupted Advanced Assessment.
Who it helps:
Active seniors, adults with recurring pain, athletes, active injuries, post-surgical needs, or unanswered symptoms.
When pain keeps coming back, the painful spot may not be the whole story.
Patient Concerns
- Why does this pain keep coming back?
- Why did previous PT help only temporarily?
- Is the painful area actually the source?
- Do I need imaging, injections, surgery, or better clinical reasoning first?
- Can I trust this clinic to explain what is happening?
Many patients come to Skillz after trying exercises, rest, massage, chiropractic care, injections, imaging, braces, shoe inserts, or previous physical therapy without a clear explanation for why the pain keeps returning.
The Skillz Difference
Skillz is Assessment-First Physical Therapy.
We PinPoint the cause before treating. Because without clarity, treatment is guesswork.
- The painful area is evaluated, not assumed: Pain location matters, but it may not explain the whole problem. Skillz looks at symptoms, movement, history, and mechanical response.
- The plan follows the findings: Exercise, education, manual therapy, dry needling, cupping, IASTM, laser, or shockwave should fit the evaluation, not replace it.
- The goal is a clearer next step: Patients should understand what appears to be driving symptoms and what the first steps in the plan are.
The AIM Method
A simple framework for assessment-first care.
The AIM Method keeps the visit focused on reasoning first and treatment plan & tools second.
Assessment
A thorough review of symptoms, movement, history, mechanical response, strength, mobility, and functional limits. This is a 60mins uninterrupted Advanced Assessment.
Integration
Skillz connects the findings with your pain pattern, prior history, movement limits, and goals.
Modalities & Plan
Only after assessment does Skillz select the right mix of education, exercise, manual therapy, and appropriate treatment tools.
Meet Aime Maranan, PT, Cert. MDT
Aime Maranan, PT, Cert. MDT, is the founder and lead physical therapist of Skillz Physical Therapy in Evanston, IL, an expert-led clinic known for advanced orthopedic care and deeply compassionate treatment. Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy through the McKenzie Institute, Aime brings a highly skilled, problem-solving approach to complex diagnoses and difficult-to-treat conditions. She specializes in back pain, knee pain, neck and shoulder pain, foot/ankle pain, plantar fasciitis post-surgical rehab, balance training, frozen shoulder recovery, dry needling, and TMJ. With a 97% patient graduation rate, Aime has created a clinic where patients feel heard, educated, and empowered to achieve lasting recovery.
Conditions Treated
Each condition starts with the same principle: pain location is not always the source.
Back pain
For low back pain, stiffness, radiating symptoms, or pain that returns with sitting, lifting, walking, or exercise.
Neck pain
For stiffness, desk-related pain, arm symptoms, or headaches connected to neck movement.
Foot & ankle pain
For heel pain, plantar fascia irritation, ankle pain, walking pain, or recurring lower-extremity symptoms.
Knee pain
For pain with stairs, walking, squats, pickleball, running, golf, or post-surgical recovery.
Shoulder pain
For pain with reaching, lifting, sleeping, dressing, sport, or overhead activity.
Balance & dizziness
For dizziness, unsteadiness, vestibular concerns, or fall-risk questions that need careful evaluation.
More Conditions
Patient Questions
Quick answers before you book.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
Many patients can start physical therapy in Illinois without a physician referral. Insurance rules can vary, so call Skillz to confirm what is needed.
Is Aime Maranan MDT certified?
Yes. The McKenzie Institute USA provider directory lists Aime Maranan as PT, Cert. MDT. As of the moment she is the only certified MDT in Evanston, IL
Does Skillz offer dry needling, shockwave, or laser therapy?
Yes. Skillz Physical Therapy offer modalities such as dry needling, shockwave, cupping, laser therapy, and more.
What is MDT or the McKenzie Method?
MDT, also called Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy or the McKenzie Method, is an assessment-based approach that uses symptom behavior and movement response to guide treatment decisions.
What is a PinPoint Evaluation?
It is Skillz Physical Therapy’s assessment-first visit for identifying the likely source and drivers of pain before treatment is selected.
How do I book?
Book a PinPoint Evaluation online or call Skillz Physical Therapy at (847) 859-6240.
Physical Therapy in Evanston, IL
Skillz Physical Therapy is located at 839 Dodge Ave in Evanston, serving Evanston and nearby North Shore communities including Skokie, Wilmette, Glenview, Morton Grove, Rogers Park, and Golf.
- 839 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
- Free parking available
- Across from Robert Crown Center
VS
Traditional PHYSICAL THERAPY
PinPoint the cause before treating
Treat where it hurts
Private rooms & Open gym
SETTING
Open gym
Hands-on: manual, exercise, and education based
TREATMENTS
Exercise based
SETTING
TREATMENTS
Find The Relief You Need
Pain is often treated before it is understood. At Skillz Physical Therapy, we start with an Advanced Assessment to PinPoint the root cause, then choose the treatment plan that fits the full clinical picture.
The Skillz PT's Recovery Roadmap
PinPoint the cause before treating the pain.
- 1
SCHEDULE A PINPOINT EVALUATION
Skillz Physical Therapy starts with a 60-minute PinPoint Evaluation to understand what is driving your pain
- 2
Clarity before treatment
Find the driver. Build the plan.
- 3
RECOVER & REGAIN INDEPENDENCE
Move like yourself again! Get back to doing the things you love with confidence.
Where’s your pain
Click on the areas highlighted on the body diagram for information on common conditions we treat and how therapy at Skillz Physical Therapy can help you achieve a pain-free life. Our excellent practitioners, helpful support staff and calming environment can both quickly and safely lead you to recovery.
Head Pain
If you suffer from headaches, you are not alone. They are also the third most commonly reported source of pain across the world! Whether they are acute and temporary or constant and chronic (such as migraines), headaches can all be treated by physical therapy. If you are suffering from headaches, contact one of our Illinois physical therapy offices today. At your initial appointment, one of our highly trained physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation and ask you questions about your health history and symptoms, in order to determine what type of headache you are experiencing and where the pain is stemming from. A treatment plan will then be designed specifically for you and your recovery.Neck Pain
Neck pain can be debilitating and extremely uncomfortable, especially if the pain stretches from your neck down to your shoulders. If left untreated the pain can become more severe, and in severe cases, surgical correction may even be necessary. If you are suffering from neck pain, contact one of our Illinois physical therapy offices today. At your initial appointment, one of our highly trained physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation and ask you questions about your health history and symptoms, in order to determine what type of neck pain you are experiencing and where the pain is stemming from. A treatment plan will then be designed specifically for you and your recovery.Shoulder Pain
There are many ways that shoulder pain can present itself. It can develop as a result of an injury, pulled muscle, or arthritis. Whatever the case may be, we are dedicated to offering you natural pain management modalities. If you are suffering from shoulder pain, contact one of our Illinois physical therapy offices today. At your initial appointment, one of our highly trained physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation and ask you questions about your health history and symptoms, in order to determine what type of shoulder pain you are experiencing and where the pain is stemming from. A treatment plan will then be designed specifically for you and your recovery.Elbow, Wrist and Hand Pain
There are numerous reasons why you may experience pain in these parts of your body. Whether your pain is stemming from an injury, ailment, or some other underlying condition, we are here to help. If you are suffering from elbow, wrist, or hand pain, contact one of our Illinois physical therapy offices today. At your initial appointment, one of our highly trained physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation and ask you questions about your health history and symptoms, in order to determine what type of pain you are experiencing and where the pain is stemming from. A treatment plan will then be designed specifically for you and your recovery.Back Pain
Back pain is the most commonly reported pain across the nation. It typically results from an injury or strain. If you are suffering from back pain or sciatica, our highly-trained physical therapists can help relieve the discomfort and restore your health. If you are suffering from back pain or sciatica, contact one of our Illinois physical therapy offices today. At your initial appointment, one of our highly trained physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation and ask you questions about your health history and symptoms, in order to determine what type of back pain you are experiencing and where the pain is stemming from. A treatment plan will then be designed specifically for you and your recovery.Hip Pain
Hip pain can seriously interfere with your life. Physical therapy is a safe, easy, and comfortable way to diagnose and provide relief, without the need for harmful drugs or surgery. If you are suffering from hip pain, contact one of our Illinois physical therapy offices today. At your initial appointment, one of our highly trained physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation and ask you questions about your health history and symptoms, in order to determine what type of hip pain you are experiencing and where the pain is stemming from. A treatment plan will then be designed specifically for you and your recovery.Knee Pain, Balance and Walking
Does your knee pain or balance disorder make you feel as if you may topple or fall over without any warning? If you are suffering from knee pain, contact one of our Illinois physical therapy office today. At your initial appointment, one of our highly trained physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation and ask you questions about your health history and symptoms, in order to determine what type of knee pain or balance issue you are experiencing and where the pain is stemming from. A treatment plan will then be designed specifically for you and your recovery.Foot and Ankle Pain
Your feet and ankles are both very complex structures. In order for your feet and ankles to function properly, everything must work together in harmony. If you are suffering from foot or ankle pain, contact one of our Illinois physical therapy offices today. At your initial appointment, one of our highly trained physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation and ask you questions about your health history and symptoms, in order to determine what type of foot or ankle pain you are experiencing and where the pain is stemming from. A treatment plan will then be designed specifically for you and your recovery.Get the treatment you deserve.
Contact Skillz Physical Therapy Today!
We understand that recovering can be frustrating. It can take time away from an active lifestyle. This is why we provide personalized treatment methods that works best for you. Get the treatment you need and deserve. Schedule your appointment today!