Root Rehab Sports Physical Therapy may be a relatively new name in the western suburbs, but its founders bring a depth of expertise and intention that sets the practice apart. Opened in April 2025 by physical therapists Morgan Sayre and Jay Ruban, Root Rehab was created to offer a higher standard of care—one grounded in advanced education, one-on-one attention, and a commitment to treating the whole person rather than isolated symptoms.

Morgan and Jay both hold doctoral degrees in physical therapy, the current professional standard in the field. Early in their careers, however, they found themselves constrained by traditional, high-volume clinic models that prioritized efficiency over depth.

“We felt limited by the standard of care in more corporate settings,” Morgan explained. “You’re often treating multiple patients at once, which makes it hard to truly implement everything you’ve learned.”

Determined to practice differently, they each pursued an additional three years of fellowship training—the highest level of medical education available in physical therapy. This advanced training sharpened their diagnostic skills, kept them immersed in current research, and ultimately gave them the confidence to open a practice built around individualized care.

At Root Rehab, patients are treated one-on-one, allowing Morgan and Jay to spend meaningful time listening before treatment begins. Initial visits include an in-depth conversation about a patient’s history, lifestyle, and goals, followed by a comprehensive, hands-on evaluation. Their clinical approach draws heavily from manual orthopedic techniques, emphasizing precise mobilization, nervous system involvement, and a deeper understanding of movement patterns.

“If ten people come in with knee pain, there could be ten different causes,” Jay said. “We don’t want to chase the pain–we want to find the root cause, which is where our name comes from.” 

This philosophy attracts a wide range of patients, from high school athletes and marathon runners to older adults hoping to stay active and independent. Root Rehab also serves individuals dealing with chronic pain—patients who may have tried multiple treatments or even surgery without lasting relief. These cases often require patience, education, and careful reassessment, areas where Morgan and Jay’s advanced diagnostic training can make a meaningful difference.

In addition to orthopedic and sports-related care, Morgan works extensively with pelvic floor clients, including postpartum patients and individuals experiencing incontinence, pain, or difficulty returning to activity. Pelvic floor physical therapy is frequently overlooked or misunderstood, yet it can significantly improve daily function and quality of life. Morgan’s work in this area reflects Root Rehab’s broader mission: addressing complex, often unspoken concerns with clinical expertise, discretion, and clear, evidence-based guidance.

Located directly across from Lyons Township High School’s South Campus, Root Rehab has quickly established a strong local presence. Morgan, who grew up in the area, and Jay value the collaborative nature of the community and are actively building relationships with other health and wellness providers who share their patient-centered outlook.

As they approach Root Rehab’s first anniversary in April, Morgan and Jay remain focused on thoughtful growth—both for the practice and for their growing family, as they prepare to welcome a baby this spring. Professionally, that means expanding carefully and intentionally, adding team members only when they share the same advanced training and patient-first philosophy. For Root Rehab, growth isn’t about volume; it’s about maintaining a level of care that allows them to listen deeply, treat thoroughly, and help patients move forward with confidence.