WELCOME TO NEXT STEPS CHICAGO
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Next Steps is a not-for-profit organization which provides innovative treatment for patients afflicted with an array of neurological conditions.
Next Steps offers a unique fusion of physical therapists, occupational therapist and personal trainers working in tandem to provide functional, activity-based and specific locomotor training for people with neurological disorders. Next Steps was the first free standing, non-profit physical therapy and exercise facility devoted to the rehabilitation and overall wellness of people living with some of the most challenging and devastating injuries and disorders – SCI, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and an array of other neurological conditions.
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QUALITY CAREOne-on-One Physical and Occupational Therapy
At NextSteps, we provide one-on-one physical therapy and occupational therapy sessions with a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist. |
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WHY NEXT STEPSNext Steps is devoted to offering patients an exercise/rehabilitation facility that will aid them in taking their next step towards a more functional, independent, and healthy lifestyle. Not only is Next Steps committed to helping patients regain a higher quality of life, but also to support the advancement of scientific research that will aid in the treatment of spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions.
Our staff and facility offer an environment in which clients strive for achievement in meeting functional goals and overall health improvements |
Research, Education and Clinical TrialsA member of the Neuro Recovery Network "NRN"
Developing & providing therapies that promote functional recovery for people living with paralysis. |
OUR STORY
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Jon O’Connor was an entrepreneur, visionary, philanthropist, aviation enthusiast, caring and compassionate person who’s mission allowed him to be a beacon of hope for people with neurological conditions by providing them with a place to continue their journey after their traditional therapy concluded.
At the age of 29, Jon established the O’Connor Foundation to provide financial support to charities such as Maryville Academy, an Illinois orphanage for abused children. His success in the construction business, along with his passion for investing in the markets, afforded him the wherewithal to financially support such charities. Perhaps more importantly, he found time to serve as a mentor to a group that desperately needed one. |
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
We are redefining recovery
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Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injuries can present many different ways depending on the level at which the injury occurs. Physical therapy is tailored to patients’ needs based on their level of function and goals. Physical therapy can help work on things such as wheelchair positioning, compensatory techniques, range of motion, strength training, and ambulation. Stroke
Cerebrovascular Accidents can cause weakness, difficulty with skilled movement, impaired speech, and obstacles while performing activities of daily living. Physical therapy can help improve functional mobility, motor re-education, sensory awareness, and other appropriate therapeutic strategies based on a patient’s specific level of function and goals. Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injuries may result in difficulty with walking, speech, balance, and functional motor tasks. Physical therapy can help with these difficulties, as well as teach compensatory mechanisms to improve activities of daily living. Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy may cause abnormal muscle tone, poor posture control, motor delays, and balance impairments. Physical therapy can help normalize tone, educate patients and caregivers, increase range of motion and strength, improve balance and mobility skills, and work towards functional goals. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis may result in a patient presenting with increased fatigue, decreased balance, impaired coordination, and overall decreased mobility. Physical therapy can help patients that have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis maintain their current level of function, increase their endurance, practice balance activities, and more! Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s Disease can lead to difficulty initiating and stopping movements, shuffling gait patterns, poor posture, and slow movements. Physical therapy will help maximize endurance, strength, and functional mobility for people that have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Balance activities, gait training, and stretching are other important aspects that might be included in a physical therapy treatment session. Developmental Delay
Developmental Delay is defined as a delay, disruption or regression in typical development throughout childhood. Physical and Occupational Therapist can assist children in building their motor skills in order to improve their ability to perform everyday tasks as their bodies continue to grow and change. |
OUR THERAPISTSOur staff and facility offer an environment and culture in which clients and therapists strive together for achievement of functional goals and improved health. Functional goals may include: improved walking and standing, transfer ability, trunk stability, posture, balance, and strength, and sport participation.
Health and wellness goals include: significant gains in cardiovascular and pulmonary function, increased bone density, decreased spasticity, reduction in the risk of skin lesions, and enhanced glucose tolerance. |
FEATURED SERVICES
Next Steps is committed to helping patients regain a higher quality of life
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ONE-ON-ONE PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
At Next Steps, we provide one-on-one physical and occupational therapy sessions with a licensed therapist or therapist assistant. Our therapy sessions are designed for the patient’s specific therapeutic needs and goals and are delivered in a challenging and competitive environment which is safe and structured for our patients.
Our Physical and Occupational Therapists are highly skilled and educated and operate in an environment that is dedicated to rehabilitation excellence for our patients. Physical therapy is an absolute imperative if you are hoping to gain strength and enhanced range of motion with the ultimate goal of living as independently as possible. Occupational Therapy is imperative in improving gross and fine motor skills for developing, recovering, or maintaining meaningful activities, or occupations. We currently accept Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. NEURO-ADAPTIVE FITNESS AND WELLNESS
Neuro-Adaptive Fitness and Wellness (NAFW) is one-on-one personal training with a neuro- exercise specialist. The program is cash-based and allows our clients to come in and receive functional fitness and wellness when insurance is not an option. We work on personal goals and maintenance in order to prevent regression. Our ultimate goal is to continually work towards rehabilitation progression. Our trainers have full access and training in all of the technology and equipment available at Next Steps.
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THERAPEUTIC TECHNOLOGY
Next Steps offers a myriad of equipment options to provide active therapy to achieve goals of reversing muscle atrophy, encouraging neuroplasticity and regaining function.
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UNIVERSAL EXERCISE CAGE
RT 300 FES CYCLE
XCITE & XCITE2
LOKOMAT
ESKO INDEGO: ROBOTIC WALKING SYSTEM
BITS: BALANCE SYSTEM
VISUAL EYES 505b: VIDEO FRENZEL GOGGLES
NEXT STEPS KIDS: Pediatric PT/OT Suite
STROLLL: Augmented Reality Goggles
ONWARD ARC-EX: Spinal Cord Stimulation
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RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND CLINICAL TRIALS
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At Next Steps we are committed to fostering an environment in which research remains our driving ambition and we strongly encourage our physical therapists to engage in research and publication. We are also fundamentally a teaching facility through our partnership and collaboration with one of the leading academic institutions for professionals pursuing masters and doctoral degrees in the rehabilitation arena.
Next Steps is also a member of the NeuroRecovery Network (“NRN”) through our affiliation with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The NRN is a network of rehabilitation centers charged with developing and providing therapies that promote functional recovery for people living with paralysis. 
Next Steps is a not-for-profit organization with the mission of helping people living with disability. Next Steps provides the highest quality therapy with the most advanced therapeutic technology at the lowest possible cost to people who would otherwise not have access. Your generosity helps people living with severe neurological disorders fight to recover – by helping Next Steps, you give them an opportunity to maximize their recovery.
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EVENTS CALENDAR
In the News
PRESS RELEASE: January 9, 2025
ONWARD Medical Announces First Commercial Sales of ARC-EX System
UW Medicine and Next Steps Chicago both purchased systems in late December 2024 ARC-EX is the first and only FDA approved technology indicated to improve hand strength and sensation in people with spinal cord injury...
"The first commercial sales of our ARC-EX System are a pivotal moment in our mission to help people with spinal cord injury, demonstrating our ability to successfully translate scientific discovery into real-world impact for people with spinal cord injury," said Dave Marver, CEO of ONWARD Medical...
In addition to UW Medicine, one of the initial ARC-EX Systems was sold to Next Steps Chicago, aligned with the Company’s objective to provide access to this breakthrough technology in community rehabilitation clinics as well as major academic research centers. "Partnering with ONWARD Medical marks a significant milestone in our mission to redefine recovery, and to innovatively provide the best possible care for those with spinal cord injuries," said Maryleen K. Jones, PT, DHS, NCS, Executive Director of Clinical Operations at Next Steps of Chicago. "This technology could change lives by offering new avenues for recovery that were previously unimaginable."
See full press release below:
ONWARD Medical Announces First Commercial Sales of ARC-EX System
UW Medicine and Next Steps Chicago both purchased systems in late December 2024 ARC-EX is the first and only FDA approved technology indicated to improve hand strength and sensation in people with spinal cord injury...
"The first commercial sales of our ARC-EX System are a pivotal moment in our mission to help people with spinal cord injury, demonstrating our ability to successfully translate scientific discovery into real-world impact for people with spinal cord injury," said Dave Marver, CEO of ONWARD Medical...
In addition to UW Medicine, one of the initial ARC-EX Systems was sold to Next Steps Chicago, aligned with the Company’s objective to provide access to this breakthrough technology in community rehabilitation clinics as well as major academic research centers. "Partnering with ONWARD Medical marks a significant milestone in our mission to redefine recovery, and to innovatively provide the best possible care for those with spinal cord injuries," said Maryleen K. Jones, PT, DHS, NCS, Executive Director of Clinical Operations at Next Steps of Chicago. "This technology could change lives by offering new avenues for recovery that were previously unimaginable."
See full press release below:
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In October we were happy to showcase our newest piece of technology: Strolll's Augmented Reality goggles. Watch Bruce's story demonstrating the integrating this new technology into his therapy and the impact that Next Steps- Chicago has made on his recovery.
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We were proud to host Congressmen Sean Casten at next Steps Chicago as a recipient of the 2023 Congressional Community Spending Initiative. We are excited to announce that this grant has afforded us the opportunity to purchase NEW technology and create improve access to these devices within the community!
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HOW CAN YOU HELP?Next Steps is a not-for-profit organization which provides top-notch treatment for patients with different neurological conditions. However, what makes it possible for us to assist in the recovery, is the generosity of people like you! Help NextSteps continue to provide the very best in treatment and recovery by donating today!.
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RESOURCES FOR SCI PATIENTS AND FAMILIES
GRANT PROGRAMS AND OTHER FUNDING RESOURCES
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