Don't Let Ankle Pain Keep You on the Sidelines 

Whether it's a recent sprain or chronic instability, ankle pain affects every step you take—and every activity you love.



 Recurring Injuries  

You've 'recovered' before, but the pain keeps coming back every time you increase activity. Generic exercises aren't addressing the root cause of your ankle instability.



 Fear of Movement  

You're constantly worried about rolling your ankle again. You've modified how you walk, run, or play sports—but the compensation is creating new problems elsewhere.



 Losing Ground  

Every week of ankle pain is another week away from your sport, your training goals, or simply moving without discomfort. Time is passing, and you're not getting the results you deserve.



Schedule a Free Consultation

What our Clients Say

"Larry changed my life—after a lower back injury, I ran the circuit of chiropractors, X-rays, and MRIs for more than a year and couldn't find relief. I truly feared it was the end of my exercise journey. In just a handful of sessions, Larry's recovery program had massively improved my issue, and I am now back to working out regularly and am essentially pain free."

— Andoni Dieguez

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Why Choose Our Northbrook Clinic for Ankle Pain Physical Therapy 

At Fuel Sports Physical Therapy, we don't just treat your ankle—we identify why the injury happened and build a plan to keep it from happening again. Our sports-focused approach combines advanced assessment techniques with evidence-based treatment.

 • One-on-one sessions with a Doctor of Physical Therapy every visit—no aides or assistants

• Advanced diagnostic tools including force plate testing, movement screens, and gait analysis to pinpoint the root cause

• Progressive treatment plans that address strength, stability, and sport-specific demands to return you stronger than before 


Your Path to Pain-Free Movement in Three Steps

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1. Comprehensive Movement Assessment

 

We analyze your ankle mobility, strength, balance, and movement patterns to identify exactly what's causing your pain—not just where it hurts.

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2. Personalized Performance Plan

 

Based on your assessment, we build a customized treatment plan using manual therapy, targeted exercises, and sport-specific training tailored to your goals.

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3. Return Stronger Than Before

 

We don't just eliminate pain—we prepare your body to handle the demands of your sport or activity with confidence and reduced reinjury risk.

Google Reviews — What Patients Are Saying

See what athletes and active adults in Northbrook are saying about their experience at Fuel Sports Physical Therapy.

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"Larry Frank was excellent - he helped our son get back into his sport after an injury. Highly recommend Fuel Sports Therapy if you're looking for PT for your student athlete.

Amy Merz, Parent of Student Athlete
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His help and guidance was nothing short of remarkable. His assistance has allowed me to greatly improve my range of motion as well as significantly improve my overall strength.

Thomas Scott, Active Adult
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In just a handful of sessions, Larry's recovery program had massively improved my issue and I am now back to working out regularly and essentially pain free.

Andoni Dieguez, Fitness Enthusiast

Meet Your Northbrook Physical Therapy Experts

Fuel Sports - Dr. Larry Frank Jr

 Dr. Larry Frank, PT, DPT, CSCS, C-PS, CIDN  

Founder & Physical Therapist. Dr. Larry Frank founded Fuel Sports PT with a clear vision—to create the physical therapy experience he wished he had as a young athlete. With a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University, Dr. Frank bridges the critical gap between basic recovery and peak performance. Specialties: Sports rehabilitation, ACL recovery, return to sport preparation, performance enhancement, youth athletes.


Sarah is certified in integrative dry needling and applied functional science, has taken additional coursework in blood flow restriction therapy and running technique analysis, and most recently has completed her Master’s in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Sarah does not just treat the symptoms, but instead utilizes a comprehensive treatment approach evaluating the whole body as a kinetic chain for root cause resolution and long term results. Sarah makes sure that her patients are heard, implementing customized treatment and exercise prescriptions to ensure their specific goals are met for return to sport. Sarah looks forward to working with you to help you achieve your rehabilitation and wellness goals.

Dr. Sarah Meyer, PT

Meet Your Guide: Dr. Sarah Meyer, PT, DPT, CIDN, CAFS, MS 

Received her Doctorate from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in San Marcos, California in 2016 and is thrilled to be joining Fuel Sports Physical Therapy. Sarah has almost a decade of clinical experience treating a wide range of patient populations from post ops and general orthopedic injuries to distance runners and weekend warriors. Throughout her experience, she has developed a passion working with athletes of all ages to help them heal from injuries and improve their performance.
Sarah is certified in integrative dry needling and applied functional science, has taken additional coursework in blood flow restriction therapy and running technique analysis, and most recently has completed her Master’s in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Sarah does not just treat the symptoms, but instead utilizes a comprehensive treatment approach evaluating the whole body as a kinetic chain for root cause resolution and long term results. Sarah makes sure that her patients are heard, implementing customized treatment and exercise prescriptions to ensure their specific goals are met for return to sport. Sarah looks forward to working with you to help you achieve your rehabilitation and wellness goals.

 Visit Us in Northbrook 

RConveniently located near The Glen Town Center and Riverside Plaza.

Email: info@fuelsportspt.com
Phone: (224) 425-4139
Office: 650 Wheeling Road, Wheeling, IL 60090

Just 9 minutes from downtown Northbrook via Walters Ave and Landwehr Rd. We're located near The Glen Town Center (2.8 miles south) and just a short drive from Riverside Plaza Shopping Center (3.5 miles southeast). Take Walters Ave to Landwehr Rd, then turn right onto Academy Dr—you'll find us ready to help you achieve pain-free movement.

Common Questions

About Ankle Pain Physical Therapy

1. Do I need a referral to start ankle pain physical therapy?

Illinois is a direct access state, which means you do not need a physician referral to begin physical therapy. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. We recommend checking with your insurance provider, or contact us at (847) 686-3235 and we'll help you determine the best approach.

2. How long will it take to recover from my ankle injury?

Recovery timelines vary based on the severity of your injury, how long you've had symptoms, and your activity goals. Acute ankle sprains often show significant improvement within 4-6 weeks, while chronic instability or post-surgical cases may take 8-12 weeks. During your initial assessment, we'll provide a personalized timeline based on your specific condition and goals.

3. What makes Fuel Sports Physical Therapy different from other clinics?

Every session at Fuel Sports PT is one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy—no aides or assistants. We combine manual therapy with advanced diagnostic tools like force plate testing and movement screens to identify the root cause of your ankle pain. Our sports-focused approach doesn't just eliminate pain—we prepare you to return to your activities stronger and more resilient than before your injury.

 

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