FREEDOM PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES - Key Persons
Jeffrey Verhagen started his career as a Physical Therapist in 1990 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin -Madison. He furthered his breadth of knowledge by attending several post-graduate continuing education opportunities with a focus on manual therapy for orthopedic, spine and sports injuries. He soon learned that he enjoyed treating spine problems and patients with headaches.
In order to properly assess the etiology of headaches, he expanded his studies to include the evaluation and treatment of TMD/craniofacial pain and in 2013 completed a certification in Intramuscular Dry Needling through Myopain Seminars. Dry Needling treats myofascial trigger points and their affect on localized and referred pain. He soon learned that he could successfully treat TMD and craniofacial pain for patients that had tried other treatment approaches and still were left with pain and loss of function.
Jeff has attended several courses and has reviewed the literature to expand his ability to successfully treat this challenging population. Recently, Freedom Physical Therapy Services, commissioned Steve Kraus PT, a well known TMJ therapist and educator, to come to the Milwaukee area and teach the latest treatment techniques and research on TMD/craniofacial pain to our therapy staff. Jeff looks forward to continuing to expand his knowledge to better serve this patient population.
Jeff has been with Freedom Physical Therapy Service since July of 2000 and currently serves as the Clinical Operations Administrator for the practice. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University in 1999. He also served 21 years in the Army Reserves and is a Desert Storm veteran.
Jeff resides in Brookfield with his wife and two children and enjoys many hobbies to include golf, fishing and reading.
Jeff graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. His practice emphasizes manual therapy. Post-graduate continuing education has focused on further expanding his expertise in evaluation and treatment of orthopedic spine and sports injuries.
Job Titles:
- Owner
- Physical Therapist
- Member of the APTA
- Owner & Therapist - Freedom Physical Therapy Services WI
Michael Karegeannes
Owner & Therapist - Freedom Physical Therapy Services WI
PT, MHSc, LAT, MTC, CFC, CCTT, CMTPT
Michael is passionate about treating and assisting patients who are suffering from TMD (Temporal Mandibular Joint Dysfunction); CFP (Craniofacial Pain), Cervical pain, Headaches and Myofascial and Chronic Pain.
Michael is a member of the APTA, WPTA, NATA, AAOP, PTBCTT, PAMA and IMS.
Nina Olson graduated with honors from Marquette University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. In 2005, Nina graduated with honors from Marquette as a Doctor of Physical Therapy and joined Freedom Physical Therapy Services.
In 2009, she became a Certified Pilates Instructor by completing 750 training hours with Freedom Physical Therapy's Pilates Teacher Training Program.
Nina received her Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy (CAPP) through the American Physical Therapy Associations Section of Women's Health, in 2010. Nina specializes in women's health services including pelvic pain, incontinence, lumbar, pelvic, and hip dysfunction, pre-natal, and post-partum care. Nina also specializes in male pelvic floor dysfunction including pelvic pain, post-prostatectomy, urinary, and bowel incontinence. Nina uses a variety of manual techniques to effectively treat each person as a whole and believes in patient education as a key component in the healing process.
Nina has combined her knowledge of the Pilates Method along with her deep understanding of the needs of the female body after having children by integrating the Pilates Method in the treatment of her everyday clientele. Nina incorporates the Pilates Method into the rehabilitation of her orthopedic and spine patients as this method has proven to be a fun and effective treatment modality.
In June 2012, she was certified through Myopain Seminars as a manual trigger point therapist (CMTPT). Nina is currently effectively utilizing intramuscular dry needling in her practice. This treatment has been proven to be very effective in treating chronic pain conditions, headaches, pelvic pain, TMJ pain and dysfunction, as well as back, neck, and extremity pain. Nina has also received further specialized training in intramuscular dry needling techniques for the pelvic floor musculature.
In 2016 Nina received her Board Certification in Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback. Healthcare professionals who achieve BCIA certification demonstrate commitment to professionalism by completing a degree and educational requirements, endorsing a rigorous code of professional conduct, learning to apply clinical biofeedback skills during mentorship, and passing a written examination.
In 2021 Nina completed coursework in the Integrated System Model for Disability & Pain with Diane Lee, a world-renowned physiotherapist. Through this extensive training program, Nina is better able to identify a driver in pain and dysfunction for complex patients.
Nina is passionate about educating others on pelvic floor dysfunction and teaches local community classes throughout the year on pelvic floor dysfunction. Nina has been the guest lecturer on Pelvic Health for the University Wisconsin- Milwaukee DPT program for several years and is a clinical lab instructor for the undergraduate Kinesiology course at Marquette University.
In her free time, Nina enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, running, traveling, and practicing the Pilates Method.
Pete Balik graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 1992 and then a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy in 1995. He has attended an Orofacial Pain and TMD residency with the University of Minnesota Dental School.
His current practice includes a wide variety of general orthopedic therapies, including extensive experience treating Temporomandibular (jaw and headache) disorders, spinal diagnoses, leg and foot problems and athletic injuries. He has a noted background in biokinetic evaluation that uses slow motion video applications to evaluate running gait and bicycling patients' structural and anatomical issues. These small assymetries of human movement patterns are often undetected without this technology and lead to inefficient energy expenditure during exercise that can cause pain and injuries.
Pete is trained in dry needling therapy which is a treatment option that, when coupled with traditional physical therapy methods has yielded great success. This therapy is conducted with a small, sterile needle that is inserted into an active muscle trigger point in order to elicit a "twitch response" whereby the muscle tightness, pain and dysfunction are relieved.
Pete also designs custom orthotic shoe inserts for patients who suffer from ankle and foot maladies. This computerized evaluation utilizes a three dimensional scanning of the plantar surface of the foot where every contour is evaluated and documented, then relayed to expert prosthetic centers where a custom-fit device is constructed that fits the patient's need. Follow-up consultation is then conducted, as needed, in order to assure proper fitting.
Pete's personal and professional involvement includes: Chairman of the Legislative Committee for the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association; Member of the American Physical Therapy Association; Guest Lecturer at both Concordia University and UWM; Certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and USA Triathlon; as well as earning triathlon (swimming, biking, running) championships in California, Texas, and Wisconsin.
"Helping patients through an injury or diagnosis can be very difficult, but I really enjoy working with a wide variety of patients. I believe that individualized treatment is very important for optimal results in rehabilitation and with the correct program and encouragement, patients can improve or regain their function, activities, livelihood, or athletic performance."
Scott's own experience with physical therapy after suffering a high-school track injury inspired him to become a physical therapist. Scott received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1995.
Spencer is a manually based physical therapist who employs a variety of techniques including joint and soft tissue mobilization, Active Release and Muscle Energy Technique, and trigger point release. He is skilled in functionally based corrective exercises, as taught through Functional Movement Systems. These exercises are oriented towards regaining efficient movement patterns and pain free activities. He is very passionate about helping people of all ages return to the activities they enjoy including programs for runners, bikers, surfers, skiers, high school athletes, collegiate athletes, former pro-athletes, and weekend warriors.
Wesley Kokott graduated from Concordia University in 2007 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. He has received the Orthopedic Certified Specialist and Sports Certified Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Wesley also has certifications through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, completing four years of coursework and examinations to acquire the Certified Manual Physical Therapist and Certified Orthopedic Manipulative Therapist. Wesley directly trained under the founder of NAIOMT, Erl Pettman.
Along with his certifications, Wesley is Level 1 and 2 certified in Dry Needling through Kinetacore. He completed the Emergency Medical Responder for the Athlete for participation on the sideline during sporting events. Beyond treatment, Wesley is involved with research, partnering with Milwaukee Brewer's biomechanist, Janelle Cross, to promote preventative strategies to avoid injury for overhead athletes. He has published in the Journal of Athletic Training "Relationships between Hip Flexibility and Pitching Biomechanics in Adolescent Baseball Pitchers" and has future research articles pending.
Wesley treats patients with a variety of conditions. One of his passions is working with overhead athletes. In addition, Wesley has years of experience treating chronic pain, using skills he has learned from his manual certifications. In addition to working with overhead athletes, he also likes to work with patients experiencing spine and shoulder issues.
Wesley enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids by doing small day trips, exercising, and coaching sports. Wesley is always seeking more education, as he is passionate about treating patients with the highest quality of care.