It is a 51-point, head-to-toe exam of how your body moves. We look for the root cause of pain and dysfunction, not just the spot that hurts, and show you where to focus to move better and lower your risk of injury.
Functional Evaluation in Chicago
51 Points, Head to Toe. Because Pain Rarely Starts Where It Hurts.
Request Your Evaluation
Pain Is the Receipt. The Cause Is Somewhere Else.
An old injury, or years of sitting at a desk, quietly changes how your body moves. It shifts the load onto joints and tissues that were never built to carry it. Those start to wear down one after another, like dominoes. So the pain often shows up far from where the problem began, sometimes years later.
That is why the massage, the stretching, and the sheet of exercises helped for a week, then stopped. They treated the spot that hurt. The cause was never touched.
Our 51-point functional evaluation is built to find that cause. A physician tests how you move from your feet to your neck, where you are compensating, and where one side is doing more work than the other.
Then we rank what we find, so your time goes where it does the most good: less pain, better performance, and a lower risk of the next injury.
Not in pain? Good. Many people book one to get ahead of problems, train smarter, and stay strong for the long run.
51 Points, Feet to Neck
We test your whole body, not just the spot that hurts. Knee pain can start in your foot or your hip, so a physician checks all of it.
Measured, Not Guessed
A body composition scan shows side-to-side muscle imbalances. Then strength, mobility, and balance are tested and recorded, so you have real numbers to re-test against.
A Map of Where to Work
You leave with a printed summary and a visual body map showing what is driving your pain, and where to work first for the biggest payoff.
Where Your Evaluation Can Lead
Your results decide your plan. Depending on what we find, that may mean one-on-one physical therapy, MedGym training, or other care that fits your goals.
What We Evaluate
Posture and alignment, from feet to head
Foot, ankle, and knee alignment
Pelvic tilt, spinal curves, and scoliosis
Shoulder and head position
Single-leg balance and hip stability
Squat, lunge, and single-leg squat mechanics
Ankle, hip, and shoulder mobility
Muscle length, from hamstrings and hip flexors to chest and lats
Core, glute, and shoulder blade strength and firing order
Hands-on check of tight or tender areas
How the Functional Evaluation Works
Step 1: Scan
We start with a body composition scan. It measures muscle and fat in each arm, leg, and your trunk, which shows side-to-side imbalances you can’t see in the mirror.
Step 2: Evaluate
A physician takes you through the 51-point exam: posture, standing stability, movement patterns, muscle length and strength, and a hands-on check of problem areas. Then we connect the dots back to what is driving your symptoms.
Step 3: Map and Plan
You leave with a printed summary, a visual body map of your results, a written summary, and your body composition report. Plus a ranked plan for where to work first. We re-test as you go, so your progress is measured, not guessed.
Tools We May Use After Your Evaluation
Exercises matter. They’re just not the only tool. We offer more options to reduce pain, lower inflammation, increase strength, and speed healing.
Some of these are add-ons that insurance may not cover. We’ll always tell you before anything is added to your plan.
Book Your Functional Evaluation
One hour with a physician. A body composition scan, a 51-point exam, and a map of exactly where to work. Request your Functional Exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Functional Evaluations in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is just as useful if you feel fine. Many people book one to be proactive: catch weak links before they become injuries, train smarter, and perform at their best.
Plan on about an hour. Wear clothes you can move in, like shorts or leggings and a T-shirt.
Usually, yes. Most of the time the evaluation is covered. We’re in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare, and we verify your benefits before your visit. What you pay depends on your plan: your copay, coinsurance, and how much of your deductible you’ve met.
A physician. Your body composition scan is done first, then the physician runs the full 51-point evaluation and reviews your results with you.
A printed summary and visual body map of your results, a written summary, and your body composition scan. From there we can build your plan, whether that is physical therapy, training, or other care, and re-test as you progress.
No. We are a physician-guided practice. Some insurance plans, such as HMO plans, may still require a referral to cover your visit.
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Jessie C.
“Everything was so tight and so swollen and so inflamed that nothing I was doing at home or anywhere else helped. Truly nothing helped as much as coming [to Balanced Flow]. My life now looks like to be able to do, this literally sounds like a commercial, but all the things I want to do.
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Patrick S.
Feel Better
Perform Better
Physical Therapy
Read at Patrick’s testimonial about our physical therapy services!
“Why suffer from pain and immobility when the team at Balanced Flow are experts at fixing you. This is not your parents PT, designed hands on treatment, catering to your changing needs. The fun, knowledgeable, and caring team at Balanced Flow are here to fix you!”
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Melanie S.
Feel Better
Perform Better
Physical Therapy
See Melanie’s testimonial on our physical therapy services!
“Balanced Flow far exceeded my expectations. What I thought was chronic pain in my neck/shoulders/back for the past 20 years was relieved quickly by the Balanced Flow team. I had almost immediate results in the first 2 weeks at Balanced Flow which did more for me than the past several years of acupuncture, massages, yoga, cryotherapy, and weekly chiropractic visits. After 2 months of weekly visits, I had zero pain, learned a lot about anatomy, and significantly increased my strength and flexibility. The pain that used to come back within a few days or a week now stays away permanently. I did a month off MIHA training and am looking forward to continuing strength training.”
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Christina M.
“I started my journey at Balanced Flow when I actually just found out I was pregnant, so I started my time here with PT prior to delivery. The team did a really great job helping through that pregnancy journey.”
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Mike Z.
Feel Better
Physical Therapy
Look at Mike’s testimonial on our physical therapy services!
“My partner and I have had several workout related injuries over the years and always find our way back to Balanced Flow. The staff, owners, and even occasional dogs are great. Adrean is also super helpful and always bringing positive energy. In the unfortunate circumstance of getting injured, you’re lucky to have Balanced Flow.”
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Kyu H.
“I had a ton of body issues… My pain is gone now. Why wouldn’t I want my body reacting the way I want it to, performing the way I want it to, having the drive and energy when I want it? There’s no downsides to it!”
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Alexi Z.
Feel Better
Physical Therapy
Check out Alexi’s testimonial on our physical therapy services!
“Balanced Flow Wellness is the best for anything body related. The staff is beyond incredible, so welcoming, friendly and helpful. I’ve continued to go back to Balanced Flow Wellness for all my different body ailments, ranging from a hip issue to a tight back from working out.
Every time I’ve had something come up, they create a plan and outline expected rehab and are transparent about the cost. They also are great for smaller things too I’d need to drop in for like a tight shoulder.
They also take my insurance which is an added benefit. Balanced Flow Wellness has a range of services from PT, chiropractic care, cupping, mija, needling and more. I’ve sent so many friends here and will always be where I go to keep my body working right.”
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Kelly N.
Feel Better
Perform Better
Physical Therapy
Look at Kelly’s testimonial on our physical therapy services!
“I love going to Balanced Flow. It’s a positive environment starting with the front desk personnel to each and every therapist. And, I feel better after every visit and leave with my action plan! It’s definitely a team effort to my path to living pain free and returning to the things that I love to do! Thanks Balanced Flow!”
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Dwayne D.
“I think about how fast we were able to treat my plantar fasciitis! It has not recurred. It’s never too late to start. The best time to start is right now!”
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Kyle Y.
Feel Better
Physical Therapy
Check out Kyle’s testimonial on our physical therapy services!
“I found Balanced Flow after having a few unsuccessful treatment attempts for a long standing injury, and I am glad I did. From my initial visit, it was clear that all the staff were knowledgeable, invested, and caring above all else. Having gotten to know them all, I will say they are great people and an excellent team.
The treatment strategy they presented me was laid out clearly and logically based on my individual needs and expectations, and their pricing was transparent and reasonable. Their methods are all legit as well – no quackery, just solid medicine. Beyond that, everyone is very receptive of feedback and adapts each visit accordingly.
Overall, I have had a great experience coming here, and I feel so much better than I did before I started. If you’re looking for a friendly, supportive, and awesome group of folks to heal with, this is definitely the spot.”
Your Body. Your Goals. Your Life.
Most care treats the spot that hurts or the number on the scale. We find what’s actually driving it, treat that, and build you stronger from there. Doctors, nurses, and trainers work from one plan, so nothing gets missed and nothing gets repeated. You’ll know what we’re doing and why at every step. It works best for people ready to put in the work.
