I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Pilates instructor with 18+ of experience working with patients who suffer from musculoskeletal injuries. I graduated from Northwestern University’s DPT program in the Feinberg School of Medicine in 2005 and began my practice in hospital-based outpatient orthopedics before I transitioned to private practice.
While I received my degree in movement analysis as an adult, my training in that area really started in childhood, when I spent countless hours each week in front of a mirror in the ballet studio. Little did I know at the time, but those skills would serve me well in my future physical therapy career as I work to optimize the movement patterns of my patients.
What We Believe
I believe that we are all a collection of our histories, our injuries, our habits and our misconceptions. These factors accumulate over a lifetime and are manifested in the way we hold ourselves and the way we move.
I believe that we are inadequately educated about how our bodies are constructed, and how they are meant to – and not meant to – be used. We spend our lives in these amazing biologic machines, and unlike our cars, we can’t replace our parts (well mostly).
I believe that many of the healthcare practitioners we go to for help trust us with incomplete information. They either don’t have the time to educate us adequately or they don’t trust us to understand.
Fundamentally, I believe we all have the capacity to understand and care for ourselves better. And sometimes it takes an experienced eye to step back from the tangle of your past and see the forest for the trees. I look forward to being your partner on the journey toward wellness.
I have the privilege of working alongside the experienced team at Northshore Pilates in Evanston, IL. Northshore Pilates, located at 2609 Broadway in Evanston’s Central Street neighborhood, is owned by master Pilates instructor, Janis Luby, and has been stabilizing bodies all across Chicago’s north shore since 2008.
I’m also thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Katharine Coombes, DPT to my practice! Click here for more information on Katharine’s background and treatment philosophy.
Let’s get started!
To schedule or for more information, please contact me directly:
“I have worked with Elsa Gould in physical therapy for a complex problem that involves my hip and back. From the beginning she was encouraging, and focused on my developing strength in both the intrinsic and extrinsic musculature. She is creative in developing exercises that fit my particular situation. She is thoughtful and takes the long view. I am more mobile and have less pain. She is a miracle.”
Sandra U:
“I came to Elsa several years ago for strengthening prior to a knee replacement and have returned again and again for post knee surgery, chronic back pain, pre- and post-hip replacement, and chronic arthritic pain. Were it possible I would never leave! If you are lucky enough to find a place in Elsa’s schedule, you will benefit in ways you cannot imagine. Her knowledge of the body is superb. She easily communicates the purpose of the exercises she suggests, and her humor, patience and support make doing the work both meaningful and fun. Beyond that, Elsa teaches by example the acceptance of what is difficult, along with the changes that bring the best possible quality of life.”
Tom A:
“I have been a client working with Elsa Gould for over 10 years. She is a gem. She has a thorough knowledge of the mechanics of human bodies. She asks relevant questions, listens thoughtfully to the responses, then she designs, and explains, specific exercise regimens targeted to the problem at hand. In addition to all this, she is warm, patient, and sympathetic. As I said, she is a gem.”
Cindy E:
“I have had the true pleasure of being a client of Elsa’s over many years and will never hesitate to call on her expertise in the future. I trust her whole heartedly to evaluate, treat and teach me how to be an active participant in strengthening my own body and encouraging me to adapt to changes. It is amazing to see changes and growth that comes with her expertise, patience, encouragement, understanding, clear communication and detailed evaluation of every last detail of the human physical condition. Elsa is outstanding and has helped me immensely in my physical well -being. I love my time with Elsa and laughter is always a big part of the healing process.”
Eberhard Z:
“Several times in the past decade I was a client/patient of Elsa Gould treating me for ailments of my body’s structure and function. There were problems with my musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Elsa treated me professionally with great knowledge, seeing many aspects of how my body could work smoother and without pain. She definitely found positive impact treatments, making the body function in harmony for my well being. THANK YOU, ELSA !!!”
Elsa Gould Physical Therapy 