For many people, physical therapy begins with pain—an aching back, a stubborn knee injury, or lingering discomfort that refuses to resolve on its own. At Clarity Physical Therapy and Wellness Center, however, treatment goes beyond addressing symptoms. The practice focuses on identifying the root cause of movement problems and helping patients return not just to function, but to confident, active living.

Founded by husband-and-wife physical therapists Ellen Welter and Craig Mawdsley, Clarity recently moved into a larger space in downtown Clarendon Hills, allowing the practice to expand its services and community reach. The new clinic, which opened in October just steps from their previous location, reflects the steady growth of a practice built on hands-on care, advanced clinical training, and strong patient relationships.

“We wanted to create a place where people could receive high-quality, individualized physical therapy in a community-based environment,” Mawdsley says. “Because the owners are here every day, providing care alongside our team, it makes the experience much more personal.”

Clarity specializes in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, treating patients across a wide age range—from young athletes to older adults. Many therapists are highly trained in manual therapy, a hands-on approach focused on restoring joint movement, improving tissue mobility, and addressing the underlying mechanics behind pain or injury.

Both Welter and Mawdsley bring extensive training to their work. Welter earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Iowa and completed advanced certification in orthopedic manual therapy. Mawdsley, who studied at Augustana College and Midwestern University, pursued additional residency and fellowship training through the internationally recognized Ola Grimsby Institute. The pair continue to pursue specialized education together, ensuring their treatment approaches remain aligned with the latest clinical research.

One example is Clarity’s work with craniofacial dry needling, a specialized technique used to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, migraines, cervicogenic headaches, and other facial or neck pain disorders.

“Not many clinicians perform dry needling in the head and neck,” Welter notes. “But for the right conditions, it can be incredibly effective.”

Clarity’s team has grown alongside its expertise. Across its Clarendon Hills and Western Springs locations, the practice includes nine physical therapists and assistants, massage therapists, a Pilates instructor, and a dedicated administrative staff. This collaborative environment allows therapists to combine specialties when needed—for example, pairing orthopedic care with pelvic health therapy, vestibular rehabilitation for balance and dizziness, or sports performance training for athletes.

The Clarendon Hills clinic also introduced massage therapy services, further expanding Clarity’s wellness offerings. Together with individualized Pilates instruction and injury-prevention programming, the goal is to support both recovery and long-term physical health.

“We think about both sides of the equation,” Mawdsley explains. “Helping people recover from injury is one part of our work, but helping prevent those injuries in the first place is equally important.”

Clarity’s commitment to community extends beyond the clinic. The practice’s pelvic health therapists, Kate Shay and Bethany LoCicero, launched Clarity Moms Collective this spring, where new mothers can connect, share experiences, and receive guidance on postpartum recovery and physical health, along with gentle yoga. The gatherings reflect Clarity’s belief that healing and wellness often grow from relationships as much as from treatment.

That philosophy also shapes the way Clarity engages with the local community. Rather than relying heavily on physician referral networks, Welter and Mawdsley emphasize personal connection—sponsoring local races, supporting school events, and participating in community activities throughout the year.

“We view our community as our audience,” Mawdsley says. “Being involved and building relationships is at the heart of what we do.”

With a growing team, expanded services, and a new Clarendon Hills home, Clarity continues to build on its founding vision: thoughtful, personalized care delivered by clinicians deeply invested in the community they serve.