Commonly Treated Injuries

Physical therapy treatments, especially the Mettler Release Technique (MRT®), can benefit anyone who has a connective tissue problem, such as those due to scars, immobilization, radiation therapy, postural connective tissue adaptation, joint dysfunction, muscle spasms, trauma, chronic pain, women’s health issues and neuromuscular conditions. Typically, people who have acute or chronic injuries that have not responded to other forms of physical therapy or medical treatments are good candidates for MRT. Conditions such as whiplash, tendonitis, low back pain, groin injuries, swimmers shoulder, work-related injuries, and carpal tunnel are commonly treated at the Mettler Center with excellent long-term results.

A New Form of Therapy

Over the past fifteen years, Paul R. Mettler, PT, DPT has developed a new method to treat a wide variety of acute and chronic injuries with outstanding results. The Mettler Method® allows for the successful identification and treatment of adhesive scar tissue.

Adhesive scar tissue formation is, in most cases, a major contributor of ongoing pain in the musculoskeletal system. Whether inflammation occurs from minor injury such as a mild muscle strain, or as a result of major surgery or trauma, the body develops scar tissue in an effort to heal. According to many experts, scar tissue can act like glue, causing independent tissues to adhere together. Movement that stretches or compresses those tissues causes pain.

Dr. Mettler has developed a unique and effective way to treat this scar tissue, the Mettler Release Technique.® Once the adhesive scar tissue has been treated, pain is often reduced or eliminated, and movement is usually restored. Consequently, normal strength can then be rebuilt. Perhaps the most significant benefits to this form of treatment are the objective, immediate, and long-lasting results. With over 15 years of proven research, the Mettler Method promises to be one of the most fundamental advancements in the rehabilitative field since the origin of physical therapy.

Appointments

To make an appointment, please call the Mettler Center, at 217.398.9800 and ask to speak to Therapy Services. You may also make an online request. Students: Ask about our free transportation service when making your appointment.

Insurance

We bill all health insurance providers. While we won't necessarily belong to the same network as your health insurance provider, we will accept them. Mettler Therapy accepts most insurance plans including Cigna (University of Illinois faculty/staff insurance), UnitedHealthcare (University of Illinois student insurance), and many others.

In-Network Providers

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO
• Health Alliance PPO
• HealthLink Open Access III
• Medicare Part B
• Community Partners Health Plan
• certain Health Alliance HMOs (including the State of Illinois HMO option)
• certain Principal Life and Health Insurance PPO plans
• certain Humana plans and Web TPA

We will gladly bill your insurance company for any charges you incur. For questions about your specific insurance coverage, please contact us or your insurance company directly.

Workers Compensation

Mettler will be happy to take on any cases approved by the Workers' Compensation carrier.

Patient Testimonials

“I wouldn’t be able to do the thing I do now if it weren’t for the Mettler Center.”
–Marilyn Moore

“The care I received was excellent. I am much better and grateful for the great stability I feel now.”
–Betty Ploeger

“The MRT technique allowed freedom from scar tissue adhesions, decreasing pain and increasing flexibility. I will recommend Mettler to others.”
–Dianne Tennant-Rucker

FAQ

How do I schedule an appointment?

To make an appointment, please call the Mettler Center, at 217.398.9800 and ask to speak to Therapy Services.

Am I eligible for physical therapy?

We accept private insurance, private payments, Medicare, and student insurance. Anyone is eligible for physical therapy—it’s just a matter of working out the financial compensation options. If physical therapy would not be an appropriate or necessary solution for you, we will likely determine this early on and refer you to the appropriate health care provider.

What types of treatment may I receive?

You will receive modalities as needed (ultrasound, electrical stimulation, infrared, and forms of these), joint mobilization, a specialized manual therapy technique with MRT, therapeutic exercise in many forms and progressions, structured home exercise plans, and/or client education. These also encompass intervention. All of our treatment sessions are individually tailored to each client, so it’s difficult to create a “standard” treatment list.

Do I have to see a doctor first?

The state of Illinois is currently a “limited direct access” state, which means that we can evaluate you without a referral, but we might not be able to treat you without one. Insurance companies differ regarding doctor referrals; if you have been treated for the same condition within the last six months, treatment is often approved by an insurance provider. Medicare specifically requires a doctor’s referral before treatment can begin.

Why do I have to come in a half hour early for my first appointment?

Because no two injuries are alike, we ask a lot of questions regarding the injury itself and your recovery goals. By learning about your injury (though questionnaires) our physical therapists can better prepare for your initial appointment.

How long will my visits last?

Your visit with one of our physical therapists will vary from 30 to 60 minutes.

Will I see the same physical therapist each time?

We make every concession to have you see the same physical therapist each time. On the rare occasion that this isn’t possible, another one of our trained physical therapists will cover your appointment(s) as needed, until your primary therapist’s schedule opens up. Less than 10% of our clients see more than one physical therapist for their treatments.

How will you communicate with my physician?

After an initial evaluation, the physical therapist will write a note to send to your doctor regarding the findings, rehab potential, and plan of care. Prior to each doctor follow-up visit, we will send a progress note with updates and recommendations, regarding your plan of care. These progress notes are sent every four weeks as needed. We will also make phone calls, write emails, or send faxes as necessary to communicate all the needs in your best interests.

Is it okay to ask my doctor about physical therapy?

All physical therapists at Mettler have intensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, gait training, and functional mobility, with half of the physical therapists having Doctoral level degrees. All physical therapists have had clinical education time in school prior to professional practice, to ensure they can operate as “generalists,” if needed. Our physical therapists are trained in MRT and practice clinical skills with other therapy staff members weekly.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes. If you have a problem with your lower back or below it, bringing a pair of shorts is helpful. For women who have problems with their back (and any area above), a sports bra would be useful. If you forget to bring necessary clothing, or if acquiring the clothing is an issue, we are happy to provide shorts, sports bras, and gowns to accommodate and respect your modesty and privacy.

What should I bring?

Bring your insurance card, a doctor’s referral (if needed), appropriate clothing (see above), and any questions you might have. Also, you should bring any operative reports, diagnostic tests (x-rays, MRI, etc.) or protocols your physician has given you.

What office policies should I be aware of?

It’s important to know that Mettler charges a $50 fee to clients who fail to show up for an appointment without calling ahead. Because of scheduling, if you are late to an appointment, it might not be possible for you to have your full session time. But if for some reason, your physical therapist is late, we will make every effort to allot your full session time.

Why choose Mettler Physical Therapy?

We recommend Mettler for your physical therapy needs because of all the reasons mentioned above, as well as the following: Mettler uses private treatment rooms, we practice our specialized manual therapy technique (MRT), and all of our therapists are members of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association). Mettler physical therapists have a great reputation, and we are committed to providing individualized treatments that meet your needs. Physical therapists at Mettler have access to state-of-the-art wellness facilities and staff, (including massage therapists), a good relationship with referring doctors, and we also cultivate a close working relationship with the University Health Care system.

Will my insurance cover physical therapy?

We accept most insurance carriers, but you are still responsible for obtaining your policy details—knowing what coverage your policy has, and what remainder (if any) you are expected to pay.