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Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center at APO
APO's highly trained team of physical therapists have been committed to providing patients with the finest in comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
Our therapists help restore function and assists patients to achieve maximum use of their limbs and muscles after injury, surgery or illness. Each patient benefits from an individual treatment program developed in coordination with his or her physician.
Our goal at APO's Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center is to help our patient's reach their personal goals in a health, positive, and uplifting atmosphere.
Our Physical Therapists focus on musculoskeletal disorders such as sprains, strains, fractures and muscle imbalance. Treatment may be for problems in the knee, shoulder, back, neck, or any other part of the body.
The approach to treatment always involves a very careful initial evaluation. A treatment plan is then drawn up, consistent with any specific instructions from the referring physician. An exercise program is designed with personalization making home compliance easy. We are able to help you using our state of the art center with multiple treadmills, bikes, Stairmasters, Ellipticals, numerous free weights and Cybex equipment to achieve your goals in the most efficient way possible.
Dysfunction is treated with manual techniques such as strain-counterstrain, muscle energy and direct mobilization. Massage and myofascial release are utilized to facilitate healing. Ultrasound and electrical stimulation are also adjuncts to some treatments.
Our PT and Rehab Center also offers the most up to date Functional Abilities Assessments available also known as FCE Evaluations (Functional Capacity). Our highly trained staff utilizes Matheson's Epic Lift System and Hanuon's ER System and software to achieve the most accurate and safe evidence based working assessments available to ensure the most time effective and safe return to work recommendations.
Melanie, Keith, and John look forward to working with you.
For appointments, please contact Susie Lawrence,
Physical Therapy Coordinator, at (847) 634-0400 Ext 160.
Keith
Stec, PT
Keith graduated from the University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School in 1979 with a Bachelors Degree in Science, and majors in Biology and Physical Therapy.
He was the former Director of Physical Therapy at Humana Hospital, Hoffman Estates, IL. He is the owner and founder of Stec Physical Therapy Services, established in 1988. He was the provider of PT services for Home Care, Hospital and OP Orthopedic Facilities as well as consultant to Nursing Home and Industry Occupational Health.
Keith established Affiliated Physical Therapy in conjunction with Adult & Pediatric Orthopedics in 1991. He was the provider of physical therapy services, administrative and staffing. Affiliated Therapy merged with Adult & Pediatric Orthopedics in 1996.
Keith is the coordinator and clinical educator for the Physical Therapy Program associated with Clarke College, Dubuque, IA since 1997. He has attended numerous continuing education courses emphasizing orthopedics and sports medicine.
Melanie
A. Wokwicz, PT
Melanie graduated from Marquette Physical Therapy program in 1994. She interned and has worked in a variety of different settings including Pediatrics in the Oshkosh School System, Acute Care at Gottlieb Hospital and Outpatient Orthopedics at St. Luke's Medical Center.
Upon graduation, she began her career as a staff physical therapist at St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee. She enjoyed being a part of the multidisciplinary team with MDs, OTs, Speech therapists and nurses. She began to be drawn to outpatient orthopedics within her first year at St. Joseph's hospital. She joined the APO family in 1998. This is where she found her niche she enjoys the gratifying job of rehabilitating a varied patient population. She prides herself on individualized treatment approach drawing on her years of experience and continuing education. On a more personal note, she spends her free time traveling with her family, and keeping fit chasing around her young son.
John
Stelnicki, PT, Facility Manager
John graduated from Physical Therapy school (1999) at the University of Illinois, Chicago. He has an Economics degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign (1988) and studied Exercise Physiology at Northern Illinois University (’88-’90).
He is the former Fitness Director of the Chicago Athletic Association where he enjoyed setting up member’s fitness programs, personalized training, leading group classes, and organizing Running and Triathlon Clubs down on Chicago’s lakefront.
John has done triathlons since 1983 and continues to race in this three sport event. He was a former water polo college athlete, earning the Big Ten MVP award in 1988. He went on to coach water polo at his alma mater, Loyola Academy, in the 90’s. John also currently is the Swim Director for the Chicago Triathlon, the world’s largest triathlon.
John worked at Cary Physical Therapy (’99-’03) working with patients in the orthopedic realm helping them return to their normal lives with improved strength and function.
At Gajda Health Plus, John was Clinic Director and Physical Therapist (’03-’11), working alongside renowned Kinesiotherapist, Bob Gajda.
John emphasizes core strength, internal stability, and postural awareness. John utilizes massage with G5 vibration to reduce muscle spasms, tightness, and swelling to return muscles to normal tone allowing for more effective exercise. John enjoys working with people of all backgrounds whether you are looking to stay in shape, a weekend athlete, keeping up with the grandkids, or a high performance athlete, John will help you attain your goals.