The Heart Behind Living Well
At Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance, we treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. Our approach goes beyond isolated issues. We take the time to understand you: your lifestyle, your sport, your stressors, and what you want to keep doing for years to come.
Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance was founded by Stephanie Patek, Doctor of Physical Therapy, with a simple belief:
You should have a physical therapist the same way you have a primary care doctor or dentist.
Traditional, insurance-driven care often limits time, continuity, and outcomes. Living Well was built differently, so patients receive expert-led, uninterrupted care focused on long-term health, performance, and quality of life.
Our Values
Feel Better. Move Better. Live Well. That’s not just our tagline. It’s our gold standard.
Accountable
We follow through and expect the same commitment from you.
Honest
Even when it’s not what you want to hear.
Compassionate
You’re treated like a person, not a diagnosis.
Community-Driven
Actively involved where we live and work.
Committed
To your long-term health, not quick fixes.
Expert-Led
Evidence-based care from highly trained providers.
Meet the Team
Our team comprises Doctors of Physical Therapy, performance specialists, and recovery professionals who collaborate to support active adults, athletes, and families. We don’t hand you off to aides. We don’t rush sessions. And we don’t follow insurance-driven limitations that restrict outcomes.
Instead, we partner with you every step of the way.
Meet Dr. Steph
Founder | Doctor of Physical Therapy
After beginning her career in a large specialty orthopedic hospital and outpatient clinic, Steph quickly realized something was missing: time, autonomy, and true continuity of care.
She founded Living Well to create a patient-first model, one that prioritizes meaningful relationships, long-term outcomes, and honest conversations about what’s best for your body now and in the future.
Steph treats a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain conditions, with a special interest in helping active adults stay active for life. Outside the clinic, you’ll find her running, biking, strength training, and spending time with her family, doing the same things her patients love.
Meet Dr. Gina
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Performance Specialist
Dr. Gina’s background as a lifelong athlete continues to shape both her personal and professional approach to care. A Brookfield native, she was a multi-sport athlete at Brookfield Central High School, earning All-State honors before continuing her athletic and academic career as a Division I soccer player at Western Illinois University. She graduated first in her class in Exercise Science and went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from UW–Milwaukee.
She brings years of clinical experience, including time at Froedtert, along with a passion for helping people stay active and involved in the activities they love. As a coach for the Brookfield Central girls’ soccer team, she is committed to supporting athletes both on and off the field. Her goal is simple: help patients move better, feel stronger, and fully engage in the life they want to live.
Meet Michael, MS, CSCS
Sports Scientist | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Michael is a sports scientist with a background in orthopedic biomechanics and performance training. His work focuses on the return-to-sport process, using data and movement analysis to help athletes safely transition from rehab back to high-level performance.
As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, he has coached athletes at the professional, collegiate, and high school levels. His approach is evidence-guided and highly individualized, bridging the gap between rehabilitation and performance to improve movement quality, reduce re-injury risk, and optimize long-term outcomes.
Meet Dr. Trevor
Doctor of Physical Therapy | Performance Specialist
Trevor’s background as a lifelong athlete shapes the way he treats and trains his patients. He specializes in performance-based physical therapy, running and gait analysis, and sport-specific training, helping athletes move more efficiently while reducing injury risk.
As a TPI-certified golf specialist, Trevor works closely with golfers to improve swing mechanics, mobility, and power, without pain holding them back. His approach blends clinical expertise with real-world athletic experience to help patients return stronger and more confident than before.
Meet Elissa
Massage Therapist | Recovery Specialist
Elissa specializes in therapeutic and sports massage, supporting patients through recovery, pain management, and performance maintenance. Her work complements both physical therapy and training programs, helping clients move better, recover faster, and stay consistent.
She works closely with the PT and performance team to integrate recovery into each patient’s overall plan of care. Her approach is both targeted and intuitive, allowing her to address specific areas of tension while supporting full-body recovery and long-term performance.
Meet Tom
Certified Personal Trainer
Tom is a certified personal trainer with over 11 years of experience in the fitness industry. Prior to joining Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance, he built a strong foundation in performance training and individualized coaching at Trio Health & Wellness in Milwaukee.
He focuses on smart, sustainable strength training and works closely with the physical therapy team to help clients move better, build confidence, and stay active for life. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve performance, Tom emphasizes proper movement, thoughtful programming, and long-term results.
Meet Dr. Rachel, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Performance Specialist
Dr. Rachel’s background as a lifelong athlete continues to shape the way she approaches both patient care and performance. Growing up in Stoughton, Wisconsin, she played sports throughout childhood before continuing her athletic career as a collegiate volleyball player at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. As a three-year team captain and member of the program’s All-Decade Team, her experiences as an athlete and leader helped shape her passion for helping others stay active, overcome injury, and perform at their best.
She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University in 2025 and brings experience across orthopedic rehabilitation, return-to-sport rehabilitation, sports performance, and research. Her work as a sports performance coach, personal trainer, and research assistant has provided experience working with athletes of all ages and abilities—from youth and recreational athletes to collegiate and professional competitors.
At Living Well, Dr. Rachel takes an individualized, evidence-based approach to care, believing physical therapy should go beyond simply relieving pain. Her goal is to help active adults and athletes move with confidence, build resilience, and return to the activities they love stronger than before. Outside the clinic, you’ll usually find her strength training, playing sports, spending time with her corgi, Luna, or cheering on her husband, Max, at his soccer games.
Community Involvement
Living Well is proud to be deeply rooted in the Milwaukee Northshore community. You’ll find our team partnering with local gyms like Burn Boot Camp, Pure Barre - Whitefish Bay, and Breakthru Fitness, supporting youth and adult sports teams, and showing up at community events.
Ready to work with a team that’s invested in your long-term health?
Book your free 15-minute call and let’s create a plan that fits your life.