Patricia Staszak, PT, PYT
Pat founded Andersonville Physical Therapy in 2000 with a clear vision: to create an environment where patients not only heal, but also learn how to care for their bodies so they can continue doing the activities they love.
Before founding APT, Pat developed her clinical skills at the University of Illinois Hospital and the University of Chicago Hospitals. Her broad experience in physical therapy has shaped an eclectic yet practical approach to rehabilitation tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Pat has a special interest in lower-body biomechanics and the relationship between the foot, ankle, knee, and hip. She helps patients develop balanced, efficient movement patterns for everyday activities as well as yoga, Pilates, cycling, and walking. Her treatments may incorporate a variety of hands-on techniques, including dry needling, joint mobilization, Graston Technique, muscle energy techniques, and deep-tissue mobilization.
Education is central to Pat’s approach. She wants patients to understand how the body’s systems work together so they can take an active role in their health. She emphasizes centered, balanced, and mindful movement – both during exercise and throughout daily life – to help patients build strength, move with confidence, and reduce the risk of injury. Pat is inspired by the growing body of evidence showing how self-care can support health and healing. She enjoys helping patients understand how nutrition, lifestyle, posture, movement, and especially breathing can influence the body’s ability to recover and thrive. Although she has stepped away from her role as owner and has retired from full-time practice, she plans to return next summer to treat patients on a limited, part time basis.
Education/Certifications:
- Graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1994 with a B.S. in Physical Therapy (PT)
- Certified Professional Yoga Therapist (PYT) in the Medical Therapeutic Yoga Program, a form of integrative medicine that combines yoga and evidence-based rehabilitation
- STOTT Pilates® instructor and instructor-trainer in its rehabilitation program
- Nordic Walking instructor through the American Nordic Walking Association
- Level 1 and 2 in functional dry needling through KinetaCore
- Certified in the Graston Technique for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
- Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Instructor
- Level 1 and 2 Selective Functional Movement Assessment
- Titleist Professional Institute Level 1 Certified.
Out of the office
Pat has been involved in sports her whole life. These days, she exercises to stay fit and have fun. She enjoys biking, cross-country skiing, golfing, hiking, nordic walking, yoga, and stand-up paddleboarding.
When Pat is not working or exercising, she enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and traveling. She is a member of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, where she sat on the Board of Directors from 2005–2013 and now serves as a general member of the chamber of commerce.