Plantar Fasciitis is much more than just having sore feet.
One of the most common foot ailments around, it is probably one of the most misunderstood as well. Chicago Bulls All-Star Joaquim Noah has missed several games lately and has been limited when he has played because of this condition. Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols of the Los Angeles Angels has been restricted to just being a DH since he has been suffering from “PF.” Just what is it…and how can we ordinary people avoid its pitfalls? This video explains……
A record number of twenty-nine applications were sent in for the Champion Fitness Physical Therapy/Jill Bane Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to high school seniors planning on entering the field of physical therapy or athletic training in their college careers. Inquireies came from high schools all over the scope of the Champion Fitness Physical Therapy radar, including Urbana, Cumberland, Tri-Valley, El Paso-Gridley, Tuscola, Pontiac, Prairie Central, Newton, Washington, Olympia, Blue Ridge, Delavan, St. Joe-Ogden, Danville Schlarman, Normal Community, Arcola, and Bloomington, with several schools having multiple applicants.
Jill Bane was well known for serving the Pontiac community as an Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist Assistant at Champion Fitness Physical Therapy. Highly regarded by the athletes, parents, and patients she worked with, Jill built her reputation by putting patients first. Jill truly loved her career. And she held close to her heart the family of co-workers and friends that she made during her eleven years at Champion Fitness Physical Therapy. She served as a mentor and inspiration to fellow employees and students interested in the athletic training and physical therapy fields before losing her courageous battle with lymphoma in 2009. In the spirit of her commitment to advancing patient care, Champion Fitness Physical Therapy has joined forces with the Bane family in offering the Jill Bane Memorial Scholarship.
Champion Growth and Development Director Mick Peterson spearheads the event each year. “We are simply thrilled to have this number of seniors not only interested in entering the fields of athletic training and physical therapy as a career, but that they also felt the need to respond to this schoalrship opportunity,” he said. “With the wide range of applicants, this is going to be a very, very competitive situation. Our scholarship committee really has its work cut our for us.”
Students submitted a letter of reference from a non-family member, their transcript (GPA, Class rank, ACT), an email address, and a personal essay answering this prompt—”How have my high school experiences prepared me to enter the physical therapy/athletic training field?” Peterson noted that the essay was critical to determining a winner. “Sometimes, students have a tendency to write off the cuff—our prompt looks for some real specifics, and we hope that they respoond to the question properly,” he said. “At the same time, we heavily weigh the student’s academic record, and the reference letter often is the deciding factor. Somewhere, Jill Bane has to be smiling.”
This is the 4th year the scholarship has been offered. Past recipients have received $1000 awards. The 2013 winners will be announced on May 1.
Check out these testimonials recently received by past patients of Champion Fitness Physical Therapy. It’s great to see that so many have been able to “Get Busy Living!” again.
“I was very pleased with my therapy and I would recommend it to others!”
“They went above what I expected.”
“I really enjoyed going to Champion Fitness. They cared for me and always let me know and feel they wanted me to do my best.”
“The therapists are amazing and very caring. I can’t say enough positive comments. I have told others about the facility, and some have gone with their own pleasant comments too. If I ever have to take therapy again, I will definitely go back.”
“Staff made me therapy a positive experience. I could not have recovered without them and actually miss seeing them.”
“We were very pleased with the therapy given to (our brother) during his sessions at Champion Fitness. He really appreciated the all the help and concern given him towards his healing. The staff was great!!!”
“Thanks for being so flexible to my schedule…you were all very uplifting when I was so depressed that I was told I was just going to have to live with it. Thanks for getting me back on my feet!!!!”
“The therapists are concerned about their patients. They are always concerned about being comfortable…what more they could do for you…and any other concerns.”
“Every staff member I interacted with was wonderful!”
“I am doing very well after my hip replacement and am convinced 95% of it is due to knowledgeable therapists.”
“I was very impressed from start to finish. Everyone was always friendly, professional, and helpful…I cannot say enough good, positive things about them.”
“The staff was very polite and friendly. We felt as though we were all family.”
And maybe our favorite…..“A+ Service all around….Keep up the good work. Without therapists like Champion Fitness, we would not get back at being a Champion with our fitness.”
At Champion Fitness Physical Therapy, the patient comes first – ALWAYS!”
Champion Fitness Physical Therapy announced that its new clinic in St. Joseph, IL is now accepting patients. Located at 109 N. Main St. (Main Street Station) in downtown St. Joseph, the clinic will be under the watchful eyes of PT Elizabeth Bischoff, assisted by PTA Paige Huntington.
Champion Owner and Physical Therapist Jeffery C. Schade is excited about the opportunity to provide services to the St. Joseph-Ogden and surrounding areas. “We are thrilled with the chance to have this clinic in St. Joseph,” Schade said. “This community is exactly the type we look for when we search for areas to possibly expand. The city officials and the townspeople have been exceptionally warm to our arrival, and we look forward to serving the clientele in the area. Our physical therapist for this clinic, Elizabeth Bischoff, is one of the top therapists in our company, so that should make things easy as well,” Schade noted.
Among the services offered by the clinic include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, therapeutic modalities, and recovery exercise programs. Regardless of the situation, whether it be an accident occurring at home, an athletic injury, an industrial rehabilitation case, or just a case of Mother Nature catching up to an individual, Champion Fitness Physical Therapy gives the folks in the St. Joseph-Ogden and surrounding areas an opportunity to receive prompt, convenient, and comforting care. “We would like to be your choice for physical therapy for the rest of your life,” Schade concluded.
The clinic is currently accepting patients by appointment (877-348-8500).
Champion Fitness Team members from the Pontiac squad (L-R)–Owner, PT-ATC Jeff Schade, ATC Luke Thompson, ATC Brittany Armstrong, Coach Mick Peterson (G&D), PT-ATC Michael Bennington, PT-ATC Eric Saxton
In the “Battle of the I’s” held last Saturday at Williamson Field in Pontiac, the Indians from Pontiac defeated the Irish of Seneca 12-6 in a very competitive, hard-fought, physical football contest. The game featured former members of the Seneca Irish who graduated between 1990-2001, while the range of the Pontiac squad was from the early 1980s up to 2006. Proceeds from the day were donated to local food pantries in both towns.
After a scoreless first half, the Indians broke on top on a 25 yard TD pass from QB Tommy Green to WR Travis Miller. Green escaped pressure and found Miller, who made an acrobatic catch in the back part of the end zone. The two teamed up again on a 10-yard Fade pattern for their second TD of the game. Miller once made an outstanding catch. The Irish scored late when QB Mike Davis found a wide-open Chad Caputo on a 20 yard strike for the lone Seneca touchdown.
Organizers and players alike were thrilled with the day’s events. “My guys were disappointed in the loss, but can’t stop talking about how much fun this was. The event / atmosphere that we created was everything my guys were hoping for and the common talk (afterwards) was why have we not been doing this for the past 10-15 years,” Max Sulzberger, Seneca’s organizer remarked.
Pontiac’s Jeff Schade agreed wholeheartedly. “The One More Game idea that we started six years ago…that’s been fun! But this…especially, for a guy like me who never experienced anything like it in high school…this was heaven!” he said. Players on both sides agreed, even to the point of discussing a possible rematch down the road. “In Seneca next time,” Sulzberger smiled.
The overall big winners of the day were the local food pantries of both Seneca and Pontiac who each will receive over $225 from donations collected at the game.
To watch video highlights of the game, press!
Scoreboard tells the final story…but not the real winners!
The LeRoy Panthers football team has been a juggernaut this fall, rolling to an undefeated 11-0 record going into this weekend’s quarterfinal game against Triopia. Cory Eastham led the way to a record setting performance last weekend against HOI Conference foe FCW with 6 TDs, and his supporters carried that momentum into a resounding victory in Week #11 of the Performer of the Week contest. Cory will receive a framed certificate for his honor, and LeRoy HS will receive another check for $100 for the PE department.
The FINAL week begins now…..Week #12! Send your entries to mpeterson@champfit.com to be included in the last chance to win $100 this fall!
The Pontiac Indians Croos Country Team survived a late charge by the supporters of the LeRoy Volleyball team to win the 10th Week of the Performer of the Week contest. During the final hour, LeRoy rallied from over 1500 votes behind, cutting the lead down to 400 before the Indians’ fans finished with a strong rush. The win gives the Tribe a framed certificate and the PTHS PE department a check for $100.
Only two more chances! Week #11 will kick off next Thursday. Send all entries to mpeterson@champfit.com before 10 pm on Wednesday, November 7 to be eligible!
You DO have an option when choosing your Physical Therapy…and here’s what our patients have said about choosing Champion Fitness Physical Therapy:
“Received excellent care and treatment.”
“I could never believe how physical therapy could improve one’s well-being and am grateful how positive my experience has been. The staff was genuinely caring and supportive!”
“Your staff was very friendly and helpful, especially getting on and off the machines and tables.”
“I was so comfortable, and the staff really worried and thought of my best interest.”
“…my first physical therapy (experience), and I was pleasantly surprised…and looked forward to my sessions.”
“My experience was more than I could ever have expected… I will certainly choose Champion Fitness (again)!”
“…very nice and helpful. I’d return in a heartbeat!”
“I have been prescribed physical therapy for shoulder pain, and I requested Champion Fitness!”
“…enjoyed coming to PT…. (they) are great and compassionate about truly wanting to help an individual get better.”
“I came in with a painful injury, and I received excellent explanation for how nad why we were treating it. I received excellent treatment and got great results—pain-free running. I was very impressed and happy.”
“I have been to Champion Fitness many times and would never want to change.”
Yes, you DO have a choice….and Champion Fitness Physical Therapy wants to be YOUR choice for Physical Therapy!
Champion Fitness Physical Therapy wants to be your physical therapy provider for the rest of your life!!! Here are some of the comments our patients have sent to us:
“I really appreciate how (you) took the time to understand my specific situation and try different things, rather than (a) cookie-cutter program.”
“Everyone there was concerned, helpful, very friendly, and always called you by name…”
“5 Stars!”
“(The staff members) are worth their weight in gold…Very accommodating, very knowledgeable, and the friendliest!”
“…great experience….everyone at your facility is amazing, very helpful, and very knowledgeable.”
“Top-notch organization.”
“I left the hospital therapy to come here. This place is amazing!”
“Couldn’t have a better experience for therapy.”
“Nothing but good to say…you are a great asset to Newton.”
“Your facility is very nice, but the staff is what sets you apart from other therapy clinics. Everyone works together with mutual respect and patient focus.”
“My experience at CF could not have been better. I have spoken very highly of Champion Fitness to all of my friends. I was extremely impressed with everyone and the facility itself.”
“With my condition, I will need physical therapy in the future, and Champion Fitness will be my choice…(due to the) excellent care.”
“…the best care I could have asked for. They give the best care, and it shows they really care.”
“The entire staff was professional and friendly. I looked forward to going in for treatment.”
“…couldn’t have asked for a better group to work with!”
Let Champion Fitness Physical Therapy help you …”Get Busy Living!”
The remnants of Hurricane Isaac hit central Illinois on September 1. But that didn’t stop the One More Game VI participants from having perhaps the most satisfying game in the history of the event…satisfying in that the day gave the players a chance to experience football through a new light…rain. And while it probably has always been the dream of kids to go play in the mud, these 26 players did so with a purpose…learning the game along the way, picking up new techniques, playing different positions on the field, and, most importantly, developing a camaraderie that can’t be found in other sports.
They came from all over…some faces familiar…some from out of state…some who hadn’t played before….others who hadn’t played in this game in awhile….and when the final whistle blew, the White team, behind two touchdown passes from all-time quarterback Robby Shoenhoft to Joel Schmillen, defeated the Orange squad, who got their TD on a run by Billy Burns, 14-8. Fumbles aplenty, sliding and slipping on almost every play, and wiping of mud from the hands failed to prevent these fun-loving guys from having a day which they can brag about for months to come….until next year when One More Game VII kicks off.
Sometimes it’s better to let others speak their minds. Here is what patients have been saying about their Champion experience:
“…impressed with the concern, helpfulness, and knowledge…they were very professional and enjoyed their jobs…if I have to return for therapy, I would check with Champion first!”
“I could not be more pleased….class organization filled with class employees!”
“… everyone was friendly and courteous. I would recommend this facility to others. If I ever need therapy again, I would come here.”
“…coming there was the best thing or me…the best I’ve been for a long time.”
“…the girls are incredible…friendliness, great personalities, and knowledge of helping me recover…made each visit a real treat!”
“…the people are wonderful…recommend Champion Fitness to everyone.”
“I now belong to Champion Fitness!”
For the leader in physical therapy in central and southeastern Illinois, just remember Champion Fitness Physical Therapy—-”where the patient comes first- always!”
The pictures pretty much say it all, as the Champion Fitness Physical Therapy clinic in Metamora held its Ribbon-Cutting and Grand Opening on July 10. City dignataries from MABA (Metamora Area Business Association) and Champion Corporate staff combined for the Ribbon-Cutting, while the locals came out in the evening to tour the facility, enjoy a complimnetary dinner provided by Geo’s Pizza in Metamora, and got a chance to visit and discuss therapy with PT Michael Bennington. The Metamora location can be found at 912 W. Mt. Vernon; phone number is 309-367-2651.
You DO have a choice when it comes to physical therapy. Here’s what some of our recent patients said about their experience with Champion Fitness Physical Therapy:
“Wonderful experience! So thankful to have this great facility in town!”
“…great overall experience and what I was taught helped me recover very quickly and fully.”
“What else can I say—a great group of people!”
“Great staff—-very enjoyable experience.”
“I have told many people about Champion…the caring, amazing skill and attention to detail, the welcoming atmosphere…I am thankful for them.”
“…very good experience and would highly recommend them.”
“…always treated courteously and with respect. Everyone I worked with demonstrated a caring and professional attitude!”
“Everyone went above and beyond to be sure I got the treatment I needed.”
“They were so helpful from start to finish. They are truly the best, and I would recommend them to anyone.”
“Staff was absolutely wonderful…very kind and helpful…if the need arises again, I would go to them.”
“I’ve recommend it many times already. Excellent all the way around!”
“Everyone was extremely professional and friendly.”
Here are a couple of letters we’ve received:
To Everyone at Champion Fitness:
The care and professionalism, along with expertise, makes you and your business one of the best around. Without passion for helping people, you would just be another clinic. But I feel I gained not only my left shoulder but also new friends. Thank you so much for getting me back into BETTER shape than I was. – K
Hey Everyone:
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate each one of you and “Thank You” for all your help on my road to recovery. Can’t thank you enough for your patience with changing appointments, tardiness, and grumblings! You are all sensational and have brought happiness to my life! ‘Keep on moving.’ – CZ
Remember—–at Champion Fitness Physical Therapy, the patient comes first always! We want to help you “Get Busy Living!”
Having pain is one thing—understanding it is something else! Champion Fitness Physical Therapy is designed to help you “Get Busy Living!” by helping you find the source of your pain, dealing with it, and coming up with a plan of care that hopefully solves the problem. Here’s some help, though, in sometimes the toughest part of all—-understanding the pain you have.
Back in spring training, a group of diehard “crazy” Cubs fans took it upon themselves to help eliminate the “Curse” that has hung over the Chicago Cubs for over 100 years. Matt, Kyle, PJ, Blake, Phillip, and Wrigley the goat decided to pilgrimage from Mesa, AZ to Wrigley Field in Chicago…on foot… The group is also raising $$$$ for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as well as part of their exploits. The trek began in late February, and three months later, they are on the home stretch. This morning, they continued their march on Route 66 through Pontiac on their way to the Windy City. All kinds of media have interviewed along the way. most notably Johnathan Branmeier of WGN on Monday. The group plans to be in Chicago on Memorial Day, walking around 25 miles per day along their route. They will cntinue on Route 66 all the way to Chicago and plan to walk down Michigan Avenue on Monday on their way to the ball park.
Long-time suffering Cub fan, Mick Peterson (Growth & Development Director for Champion), got a chance to pet Wrigley, hoping that some of the vibes would eliminate the losing that the Cubs are going through. The cart is the mode of transportation for Wrigley, who seemed to enjoy his meal of grass at the Pontiac Post Office.
Wrigley gets to ride in style!
The group would love to share their story with one and all, especially anyone who is willing to donate towards their cause of eliminating cancer. Just click on Crack the Curse
Champion Fitness Physical Therapy has announced that Danielle Edens has been named as the new Compliance and Ethics Officer for the company. Eden’s duties will be to design, develop and lead the company-wide compliance and standards of conduct programs. She will also monitor and report results of the compliance/ethics efforts of the company and provide guidance for the Corporate team on matters relating to compliance. Champion Fitness Physical Therapy currently has seventeen clinics in central and southeastern Illinois.
Champion Fitness Physical Therapy owner Jeff Schade is delighted to have Ms. Edens as a member of his Corporate team. “Danielle’s experience with our company was crucial in making this decision,” Schade said. “Regardless of the job she has held, she has always been the type of person who has exceeded the expectations of her co-workers. She is extremely detail-oriented, but she is also a ‘people-person,’ both of which will be critical in this new position.”
With almost thirteen years of experience with Champion Fitness Physical Therapy, Edens has served in several capacities, including Wellness Manager, Administrative Assistant, Facility Management, Marketing Officer, a two-time member of the President’s Council, and a Certified Athletic Trainer. Originally from Carlyle, IL, she graduated from Eureka College in 1999 with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training. She and her husband Kevin live in Flanagan, IL and are parents of Brennan, Kora, and Aubry.
Cumberland High School's Paige Willenborg (L) received her award from Champion PT (and CHS alum) Cory Hanley.
2012 Pontiac winners Kristin Eggenberger (M) and Cailyn Carstens (R) are pictured with Presenters Kris and Junior Lambert, along with Ella Bane, the daughter of the late Jill and Parker Bane.
The 3rd Annual Champion Fitness Physical Therapy/Jill Bane Memorial Scholarship winners were presented recently to the 2012 winners during Awards Ceremonies at their respective high schools. These scholarships were selected from high school entries from all across Illinois where a Champion Fitness Physical Therapy clinic is located. Prospective candidates must meet several criteria, most importantly planning to study either physical therapy or athletic training at the college level, completing a writing prompt, and have a letter of recommendation included from a non-family member.
A pair of recipients was named from Pontiac High School. Calyn Carstens will be attending Western Illinois University to become an athletic trainer while Kristen Eggenberger will be studying physical therapy at St. Ambrose University. Their awards were presented by Kris and Junior Lambert, along with Ella Bane, the daughter of the late Jill and Parker Bane. Paige Willenborg from Cumberland High School, the 2012 Class Valedictorian, will be on the campus of Millikin University in Decatur to study physical therapy as well. Her award was presented by PT Cory Hanley of Champion’s Casey clinic, Cory himself a graduate of Cumberland HS.
Each of the winners will receive $1000 towards their educational pursuits. A total of $9000 has been awarded in the three years the scholarship has existed.
PT Cory Hanley and Referral Director Joan Sporrer visit with a local nurse at the Newton Grand Opening.
Close to 100 people attended the “Grand Opening” of the Newton Clinic for Champion Fitness Physical Therapy on April 27. City officials, area dignitaries, several current and past patients, as well as a goodly number of Jasper County residents stopped by to visit with PT Cory Hanley, PTA Daniel Weiler, and members of the Champion Corporate staff. A big draw was the excellent meal of pork burgers and pulled pork sandwiches prepared by Hartrich Meats. Several door prizes were awarded as well!
