Elizabeth Hickman, PT, MPT
Thrive Therapy (Elmhurst, IL)
A graduate of Northwestern Medical School, Elizabeth is a licensed Physical Therapist (MPT) working primarily in the schools with children. Practicing since 2001, she noticed a growing number of students with no diagnoses but challenged by the school setting. Physical therapy training programs offer explanations only as they relate to hard diagnoses. Without a diagnosis, a normally developing child should be able to throw a ball, skip or stay in their chair. Why was she seeing so many children with challenges that didn’t make sense? Teachers would probe for information that she couldn’t provide. Elizabeth wanted answers.
Determined to help these school children feel more successful and then having a child of her own with regulation challenges and underlying anxiety, Elizabeth dove deeper. While researching, she discovered the importance of primitive reflexes when dealing with the nervous systems’ development. This led to a concentrated study of reflex integration, nutrition and other strategies that has completely transformed her practice to help children and adults.
In 2015, Elizabeth became the founding and sole owner of Thrive Therapy in Elmhurst, Illinois. As a Licensed RMTi Consultant, she currently serves clients privately while continuing as a consultant to area school districts. She has developed a comprehensive movement-based program using various modalities to build stronger neural connections.
Elizabeth is eager to educate others about what she has learned and experienced. As one of only eight RMTi Instructors in the United States, Elizabeth is sharing this knowledge through continuing education courses with her physical therapy colleagues, other health care professionals, educators and parents. In addition, she serves as a Clinical Expert for physical therapists practicing in the school-based setting and in pediatrics. She is passionate about the neuroplasticity of the brain and the opportunity for change.
Many children and adults strive to do the best they can only to become frustrated, disappointed and feel misunderstood by the world around them. Their true potential may be limited by neurological immaturity, which can make daily life harder to handle. It can also contribute to ADD/ADHD, sensory processing disorders, autism, speech and language delays, dyslexia, PTSD, cerebral palsy, depression, anxiety and more. Most therapies treat the symptoms by working to overcome deficiencies. Our approach is different. Learn more about Thrive Therapy.
