Practitioners

The specialists of Advanced Physical Medicine believe wholeheartedly in the gentle approach to healthcare coupled with honest information, in order to give their patients the very best care available. We invite you to learn more about our doctors and their life's work:

Dr. Igor Russo, D.C.
A chiropractic physician and certified acupuncturist, Dr. Russo first attended the Medical School of Kiev. Then, after arriving in the United States in 1989, he received a BA in Biochemistry from Loyola University and went on to graduate from the National College of Chiropractic. Always seeking for ways to further his education and professional skills, Dr. Russo continues to attend numerous seminars. As a health care physician, Dr. Russo recognizes that it is most important to diagnose and treat the entire person and not just a person's disorder. His soft approach leads patients to fully understand their problems and encourage them to reach their goals.

Dr. Russo is proud to share with patients and physicians from all over the country his research on a 95% success rate utilizing spinal decompression that was presented at the American Academy of Pain Management.

Dr. Ryan M. Rosenthal, D.C.
Certified in Manipulation Under Anesthesia, Dr. Rosenthal is committed to providing the best in preventative care. Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Rosenthal came to the Midwest to study medicine at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. A serious car accident, however, changed his mind about practicing the traditional medicine he was studying, leading him to refocus his career path on becoming a specialist in chiropractic medicine. With more than ten years of experience in chiropractic medicine, Dr. Rosenthal guides his patients through gentle protocols to allow a smooth return to optimal health. In addition to published research presented at the American Academy of Pain Management on spinal decompression, he has published numerous articles on health and nutrition and is the chief editor of a bimonthly article in the Austin Voice Newspaper called "Dr. Backs."

Dr. James J. Kopsian, D.C.
Dr. James Kopsian, has over a decade of experience in the field of Chiropractic Medicine. He is a 1998 graduate of National College of Chiropractic, holding a doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine and bachelor's in psychology and human biology. He spent his first three years of practice with several medical firms focusing on sports medicine, and in 2001, he joined Premier Medical Group, a leader in neuro-diagnostic testing in Boca Raton, Florida. Dr. Kopsian has training as a running doctor treating marathon and iron man athletes. He is also a licensed electro diagnostic technician, trained in kinesio-taping, and has new interests in pediatric chiropractic.

Dr. Timothy Butcko, D.C.
Originally from the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, Dr. Tim earned his undergraduate (B.S) degree at Eastern Michigan University before moving to St. Louis, MO to study chiropractic. A graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic, Dr. Tim prides himself on communicating with his patients, educating them not only on their immediate injuries, but also in simple changes they can make to their everyday routine to reduce pain and recurrence of their injuries.

Since moving to the Chicago area in 2008, he has worked primarily in personal injury and workers compensation, specializing in low back, disk and shoulder rehabilitation. He utilizes a variety of chiropractic, soft tissue and rehabilitation modalities including flexion/distraction, Thompson, Diversified, Activator, myofascial release and a range of therapeutic exercises to achieve maximum results for his patients. Like many of his patients, he was involved in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident, where he learned of the healing power that is chiropractic. He does what he does because it has worked on him and he enjoys sharing this healing touch with all of his patients.

Dr. Marcia C Smith, D.C.
Dr Marcia C Smith background originates from Belize but she was raised in Chicago's Englewood community. She attended Chicago State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing.

She worked over 10 years in nursing searching for a medical discipline where she could merge her medical knowledge of diseases and her caring and compassionate ways with helping a person to achieve their optimal health.

This search ended when she found chiropractic. She graduated from National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, where she received her Doctor of Chiropractic, Masters in Oriental Medicine, and a Bachelor's in Human Biology degrees.

However, her quest for knowledge continues with attending a multitude of health related seminars and obtaining her Masters in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Dr Smith is also proficient in the Activator Method which offers a gentler approach to chiropractic manipulation. She looks forward to working with you to achieve your maximal health potential.


Dr. Mary Ann Bender, D.P.M.
Dr. Mary Ann Bender grew up in Indiana and graduated from Butler (B.S.) and Purdue (M.S.) Universities. She trained as a figure skater for nineteen years and after seeing many other skaters suffer with foot and ankle injuries, she decided to enter podiatry school. Dr. Bender graduated from William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and remains affiliated with the college as an Instructor in the Department of Medicine. Dr. Bender and her podiatry students provide foot care at eight uninsured and homeless clinics in Chicago . Dr. Bender has also been in private practice since 2001 and treats all foot and ankle conditions. Recently, Dr. Bender published an article on "Women's Foot Complaints" in the Women's Health Journal Watch.

Dr. Mitchel Bershader, P.T.
With more than 20 years of rehabilitation experience, Dr. Mitch (as everyone calls him) specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation. He moved from the east coast, where he has worked for years in a multidisciplinary atmosphere, treating more than 20,000 individuals with once specific approach; quality care in a warm environment, which is why he chose APM as his new home. Over the years, Dr. Mitch has worked side by side with primary care and pain management doctors, podiatrists, orthopedic specialists and chiropractic physicians, improving patients’ quality of life through a referral system that has been directed by outstanding results. He is certified in Functional Capacity Examinations, Work Hardening, Ergonomics, Biomedical Acupuncture for Pain Management and Manipulation Under Anesthesia. Along with post rehabilitation for the spine, he also has years of experience with shoulder and knee arthroscopy, carpal tunnel syndrome, hand and foot conditions and pain arising from motor vehicle accidents and work injuries. His philosophy and mission statement: to improve quality of life with the most up to date physical therapy techniques, in an environment where one on one attention can be given to the patient.

Dr. Aleksandr Goldvekht, M.D.
"Dr. Sasha", as everyone calls him, is board certified in PMR as well as Pain Management. He specializes in the comprehensive multidisciplinary approach of treating acute and chronic pain in patients of all ages. His areas of special interest and expertise include but not limited to treating degenerative conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine and peripheral joints, musculoskeletal disorders, acute, sub- acute and chronic pain conditions, post-operative and neuropathic pain. He utilizes interventional fluoroscopic and ultrasound guided procedures, opioid and nonopioid pharmacotherapy and performs nerve conduction/ EMG studies. Postgraduate studies included a residency at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital. This broad-based program included in-patient training in Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke at Schwab Hospital as well as out-patient clinic training in Sports Medicine at UIC Musculoskeletal Clinic, U of C Hospitals Pain Clinic, Nortwestern University Hospitals EMG/nerve conduction lab. He also completed a Pain Management Fellowship at the John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County. He is happy to find a new home with APM, where doctors are all working together "under one roof".

Matthew Gallow, MA LPC
Matt grew up in Connecticut and received his BA from St. Lawrence University in New York. After graduating, he came to Chicago and was a grade school teacher as well as speed coach for professional athletes for several year. His interest in the one on one interactions grew, and he returned to school for his Masters In Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Matt prides himself on his extensive work with multiple populations using an identity development model to support and guide his patients to increased self-awareness, ultimately leading to personal growth and healthier lives. In addition to joining the APM team, Matt has two private practices in the northern suburbs.

Peter L. Cook CPT
Peter joined our team in the hopes of educating those who are bettering their lives thru exercise therapy. As a member of the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Peter is a certified personal trainer and is currently studying to become a licensed Physical Therapist. He has developed unique, successful exercise programs, implementing nutritional plans and strengthening protocols. He specializes in endurance tranining, weight training and post-rehabilitative training. His motto..."Move Life Easier!!!"

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Aneta Adamczyk LMT

COLON THERAPIST

Olga Alcaraz MA, CT Elida Gerardo MA, CT

MEET THE STAFF

Jessica Rivas Billing Manager Trinidad Espinosa Records Vanessa Del Valle Billing Manager Claudette Swanigan Records Kasia Skimina-Kopec Patient Care Coordinator, CNA Samantha Diaz de Leon CMA Eliza Irizarry Director of Marketing, CMA Maria Lopez CMA Larenza Showers PTA Re'nee Thompson CMA