Dr. Elizabeth Racioppi, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist
Elizabeth earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degrees from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Elizabeth is a Women’s Health Specialist able to help women with a variety of pelvic health issues as well as pre- and postpartum needs. She is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and a passionate CrossFitter herself.
Certifications and Training
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Licensed Physical Therapist by the State of Illinois
- APTA/IPTA Member
- Women’s Health Therapist
- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
- Lincoln Park Clinic Manager
Continuing Education Highlights
Institute of Physical Art:
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation I
- CoreFirst® Strategies
- Functional Mobilization I
Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute:
- Pelvic Floor Level 1
CrossFit:
- Level 1 Training
KinetaCore:
- Functional Dry Needling Level I
Education
University of Southern California
- Doctorate in Physical Therapy, 2012
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, 2008
What Elizabeth Has to Say
Why do you work for Body Gears?
The mentorship, collaboration, and importance we place on continuing education. I was originally introduced to Body Gears as a patient recovering from several injuries following the Chicago Triathlon. The Body Gears philosophy helped me to recover and inspired me to join the team.
Which patients are your favorite to work with?
The patients that are the most driven to get back to their sports or hobbies. I used to be a competitive equestrian show-jumper in high school and an injury is what introduced me to physical therapy. Whether someone wants to get back to their sport or just walk their dog, I believe the pursuit of maximum human performance is for everyone, not just elite athletes.
What catchphrase do most of your patients remember you by?
“Room for improvement!”
Tell me about your PT school experience.
I earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California. Those three years were basically study, party, USC football, repeat!
My favorite clinical rotation though was at the Los Angeles VA hospital. I gained a lot of experience doing vestibular and orthopedic rehab with veterans returning from Afghanistan with blast injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries. It was extremely rewarding.
What certifications do you have?
I am trained in Functional Dry Needling and plan on pursuing Level 2 training later this year. I also recently received my CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate and plan on pursuing Level 2 next year.
What aspect of movement do you find the most fascinating?
How each person has individual and unique compensations that require different cues for optimal movement.
How do you stay active?
CrossFit, walking my rescue mutt, and yoga.
Describe your perfect Saturday.
CrossFit, brunch, walking the rescue mutt, and a fun Chicago bar or restaurant in the evening.
What Patients Have to Say About Elizabeth
“I never thought I would solve my problem until I finally hooked up with Body Gears in Lincoln Park. I am a professional guitar player who developed acute and chronic, neck and shoulder pain where all other manners of in-home and other on-site professional treatments failed to do more than achieve moderate, temporary results. At Body Gears, I was managed by a team of very knowledgeable and experienced staff who “got me” – they customized and modified my treatment regimen along with a path to achieving the best results in the shortest time. Imagine: I had thought I’d never be able to pursue my passion again! It has been 9 months since I completed my regimen with Body Gears and can honestly say I believe the results are dramatic and permanent – I had returned to practicing and playing hard for several hours every single day. In the process, I really enjoyed the relationships with all the location staff who worked with me specifically – thanks Elizabeth, Kathleen, and Ahmie!”
Charles F. (Body Gears Graduate)
“Body Gears rocks! I have used other PT places in the past, and there is simply no comparison. The level of personal attention is remarkable. The therapists are Doctors in their field of Physical Therapy, and they know anatomy inside out. I initially went there for ankle pain, and Elizabeth was able to help me strengthen the surrounding muscles so I could walk pain-free. Shortly after completing this course of therapy, I was back, this time after being hit by a car that ran over my foot and knocked me down. Body Gears treated my foot, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, and the surrounding tissues. While I am not fully recovered, the improvement is remarkable! I would recommend Body Gears to everyone who needs PT!”
Margaret D. (Body Gears Graduate)
“Throughout the years, I have had various physical therapists. Body Gears is a whole new level.
The physical therapists are extremely knowledgeable and why not? They all have doctorates! Elizabeth is working with me to analyze how my body works and how I can improve daily movements to avoid pain in my lower back.
The exercises she prescribed for me focus on strengthening certain muscles to address the issue of “lumbar stabilization.” After consulting with Elizabeth, I go to the exercise room, where I am guided by a technician.
The whole atmosphere is professional, friendly and supportive! I should mention the Body Gears app, which helps me remember the daily exercises, which take only 35 minutes!
I LOVE BODY GEARS!”
Elizabeth S. (Body Gears Graduate)
“I have been recommending Body Gears to my family and friends. I am impressed by the competence of the Body Gears staff and their compassion. Thanks to you, I am better condition today than anyone could have expected. I am 73 years old, but physically, I stand in a high percentile in relation to my peers. I am grateful in particular to Elizabeth and to Dan, and to all the team on Clark Street.”