Jen Muehr
PT
I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse in 2000. While at UW-L, I competed on the Women’s Gymnastics, Cross Country, and Track & Field teams.
After graduation, I began working for Aurora at St. Luke’s hospital in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. I quickly realized my passion for orthopedics while on an outpatient rotation a year later. There, I learned from amazing mentors who taught me the value of collaboration in the workplace. Observing their treatment style and manual skills sparked my desire for a deeper understanding of orthopedics. I began to immerse myself in a multitude of continuing education courses to expand my knowledge.
For the past 21 years, I have had the pleasure of working alongside an amazing group of orthopedic surgeons in the private practice setting which allowed me to treat countless orthopedic, work and sports-related injuries. My intention is to perpetually build my hands-on skills, integrate the most recent research to expand my “tool box” and offer a vast number of treatment options to my patients. I appreciate both personal wellness and lifelong fitness and, therefore, aim to take a whole-body comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. I focus on high-quality and goal-driven patient care to ensure that we are addressing the root cause of the problem, not simply a “band-aid” approach that is short lived. I ensure that my patients are well educated on their diagnosis, understand their plan of care, and are involved in the goal setting process.
One of the most important things I have learned in my 25 years of practice is that listening to my patients is the most important component to ignite the healing process. My treatment style consists of education of body mechanics, identification of posture deficits, faulty movement patterns and strength deficits in conjunction with manual therapy techniques, including deep tissue trigger point and myofascial therapy, joint mobilizations and dry needling for symptom reduction. Specifically tailored exercises are then added to promote muscle re-education to allow for a gradual return to activity.
See me for: Any orthopedic issue including rotator cuff repair/shoulder pain, knee pain, osteoarthritis, ACL repair, neck and back pain, foot and ankle problems, running injuries, sport specific training and return to sport testing for athletes. I love to help anyone suffering from pain that has sidelined them from doing the things they enjoy in life from the long distance runner trying to get back to participating in marathons to the grandparent wanting to get on the floor to play with their grandchildren.
Why did I become a PT: The truth is, I left for college not knowing exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. I changed my major a few times from biology to psychology to “pre-med”, but then I sustained an elbow dislocation in gymnastics that required prompt medical attention followed by physical therapy which allowed me to successfully return to college athletics. Prior to this injury, I had never been exposed to the field of physical therapy. I realized immediately that this was a profession I had to explore. I changed course, applied to the PT program at UW-L, and the rest is history.
Worst Injury ever suffered: I fell a few years ago while running with my dog causing a complete rupture of the L5/S1 lumbar disc along with intense pain and weakness into my right leg. This was the most humbling injury I’ve ever experienced and it made me respect my profession even more, as well as the diligence required to return to an active lifestyle.
Favorite food to cook/bake: Homemade pesto cavatappi with fresh basil from my garden.
If I could travel anywhere in the world: The Hanalei Bay area on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. I am a sucker for a beach with great waves, swimming in the ocean, long walks on the sand, yoga, and the sunset.
When I am not at work: I enjoy hanging with my husband, walking with our dog, Norman, and traveling up north to family cabins in our camper van. We love anything outdoors including kayaking, golfing, running, biking, hiking, and enjoy traveling the world whenever life allows. I have found a new appreciation for the power of yoga and pilates as well. We have two college-aged children that I adore and who previously kept us very busy with endless sports and activities. We now enjoy a bit more unexpected quiet around our home, but love to visit our children whenever possible. We have sparked their interest in triathlons and enjoy competing as a family.
Fun facts about me: I had the opportunity to be featured in a commercial for Scheels called “she runs” which aired on TV and won multiple awards in the marketing field. The commercial emulates how I feel about lifelong wellness. You can still view it on Youtube. I also love to create my own line of organic skin care products for my friends and family to enjoy.
Best advice: Live authentically with purpose and gratitude.
My quote to live by comes from a sign given to me by my son when he was young and it still hangs proudly in my living room ... “Punch the day in the face.”
