Mary South, Founder of Live Better Physical Therapy

With 30 years of experience in the field of physical therapy, Mary South brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and passion to her clients’ journeys toward better health and wellness. As the founder of Live Better Physical Therapy, Mary specializes in 1:1 Manual Physical Therapy and a Functional Approach tailored to each individual’s needs. Exercise isn’t generic and must be specialized and specific for each person. This individualized approach is the gateway to functional growth and strength for longevity. She takes a hands-on, client-centered approach to therapy, integrating the latest research with evidence-based treatments to empower her clients to achieve their goals.

Mary is deeply committed to helping people understand their bodies, from how they move to how they can improve their strength and flexibility. With a background as a movement specialist and expertise in strength and conditioning, she blends these disciplines to create customized treatment plans that leave clients feeling educated and capable of taking charge of their health. Her clients not only receive expert care but also gain the tools they need to maintain their progress and prevent future injuries.

A mother of three, Mary balances her career with a full family life alongside her husband and dog. Her love for physical activity started early, with a competitive volleyball career in college and a passion for rowing. An autoimmune disease diagnosis led Mary to Pilates, and her certification in this field has since become a valuable addition to her approach, providing clients with stability and strength-building exercises.

Mary’s personal and professional journey has fueled her passion for helping others, whether it’s through treating muscle imbalances, re-patterning movement patterns, or offering in-depth education on biomechanics for everyday life. She understands the importance of a holistic approach to wellness and strives to give her clients the knowledge needed to manage, maintain, and improve their overall health.

In addition to working directly with clients, Mary has spent over 20 years mentoring and instructing physical therapy students and managing physical therapists. She’s led numerous training sessions for her peers and developed community education programs to further her commitment to improving physical health on a broader scale.

Mary graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1994 with a Master's degree in Physical Therapy. She has since expanded her expertise across various specialties, including Women's Health, Orthopedics, Post-Op Orthopedics, Manual Therapy, and Fall Prevention.

Certifications:

  • CFMT (Certified Manual Therapist Maitland)

  • CAPP-Pelvic (Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy)

  • PAS (Postural Alignment Specialist)

  • MWM (Mobilization with Movement Lower Extremity Mulligan Concept)

  • GTS (Graston Technique Specialist)

  • CFPS (Certified Fall Prevention Specialist)

Join Mary at Live Better Physical Therapy to experience a personalized, effective approach to achieving lasting health, strength, and mobility. Together, we’ll unlock your full potential!

Testimonials

  • I first started seeing Mary in June of 2024 for physical therapy due to a torn meniscus in my knee. At that time, I had quite a bit of pain and difficulty walking. By late September, I was able to walk all over Italy with no discomfort at all. Since then, I have been doing Pilates with Mary every week and I can honestly say that my flexibility, balance and core strength have greatly improved. Mary takes the time to design an individual program for each of her clients and adjusts it accordingly based on their strengths and weaknesses. She adds new exercises weekly and always checks to make sure that I feel comfortable with what we are doing that day. I am very grateful for her skill, knowledge, and kindness. I highly recommend contacting her if you are in need of a physical therapist and/or a Pilates instructor. You will be very happy you did!

    C

  • Mary is extremely knowledgeable in all the professional aspects of physical therapy- from rehab after surgery to injury therapy and prevention and problem solving for various physical complaints. She brings a unique perspective as an athlete (rower, powerlifter and more), so she really can relate to any issues an athlete might have. Her training as a Pilates instructor helps her combine core strengthening with joint and soft tissue repair. More importantly, Mary is a real healer. She is wise, compassionate, and caring and really listens to her clients to best figure out their needs. She has a wonderful patience with older clients. She’s smart and intuitive and has a great sense of humor! She is the BEST!!

    H

  • Mary is the most skilled, conscientious and empathetic physical therapist that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Not only did she work her magic to get me up and running after three knee replacement surgeries, but she continues to work with me (via FaceTime) several times a week to make sure that my knees stay strong and I stay in good shape. She truly is the best!

    L

  • I've had the pleasure of working with Mary since my first hip replacement in 2019. While Mary was originally affiliated with a Chicago based post surgery rehabilitation provider, I came to rely on her for all things related to my fitness and health maintenance. Since then, Mary has led me through rehabbing post my second hip replacement, just before and during Covid in 2020, and has been my personal trainer to this day. We have twice weekly video sessions that include mobility, flexibility, strength, and endurance training. I've always been impressed with Mary's preparation, creativity, and attention to detail. While she has a plan for each session, she is mindful of my preparedness and mood, and can adapt our sessions accordingly. In summary, Mary is a dedicated professional. She's pursued additional certifications in Pilates, is constantly learning to benefit her clients, and conveys a high degree of emotional intelligence and empathy, all for the benefit of those she serves. I can't recommend her highly enough.

    R

  • Mary South is a highly skilled, kind and compassionate Pilates coach and physical therapist. She has used insight and knowledge to help me by strengthening areas in which I'm weaker and to correct postural issues. After a major car accident my neck was nearly broken and she has helped restore range of motion and function that I haven't had in a long time. She has been a blessing in my life and I can't recommend her enough. Thank you Mary!

    B

  • I've worked with Mary for 12 years, and continue to be impressed by her depth of knowledge of the functioning human body! She has helped me through various sports injuries, two knee replacements and a shoulder reconstruction. I'm back to my athletic endeavors (tennis, golf, biking, hiking mostly), and turn to Mary for tweaking as needed. She is curious, always researching solutions for her clients. Truly the best physical therapist!!!

    B

  • Unfortunately I have a progressive muscle withering disease. Fortunately I have worked with Mary for 13 years, and with her committed instruction and ongoing research into my rare disease, I have avoided being in a wheelchair and am mobile with my walker. I work with Mary in person and by FaceTime. She knows my capabilities and pushes me when appropriate. I hate to think where I'd be if not for Mary!

    J