TMD Specialists

tmj specialist michael karegeannes

Michael Karegeannes

PT, MHSc, LAT, MTC, CFC, CCTT, CMTPT

Location

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C.
6908 N. Santa Monica Blvd.
Fox Point, WI 53217
414-352-2082
Website: FreedomPT.com

Michael Karegeannes is the owner of Freedom Physical Therapy Services and one of his passions is to treat and assist patients who are suffering from TMD (Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder); CFP (Craniofacial Pain), Cervical pain, Headaches and Myofascial and Chronic Pain.

Michael graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy. He then received his Athletic Training License from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and later, Michael completed his Manual Therapy Certification and Master of Health Science from the University of St. Augustine in Florida. In 2005, Michael had the honor of being trained by Dr. Mariano Rocabado, (in conjunction with the University of St. Augustine) who is one of the leading national experts in the field of TMD/CFP. Michael holds a Craniofacial Certification with the University of St. Augustine.

In addition, Michael has attended an Orofacial Pain and TMD residency with the University of Minnesota Dental School. He is a member of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP), and is one of the few physical therapists in the United States recognized as a Certified Cervical and Temporomandibular Therapist with the AAOP and The Physical Therapy Board of Craniofacial and Cervical Therapeutics (PTBCTT). Michael currently sits on the board of the PTBCTT.

In 2011, Michael received thorough and extensive training in the treatment of intramuscular dry needling and is certified through Myopain Seminars, the premier post-graduate medical and physical therapy continuing education company in the United States with a focus on myofascial trigger points. Michael is also a teaching faculty member of Myopain Seminars.

In 2014, Michael became one of only 15 Physical therapists in the USA who has received specialized training from Dr. Harry Von Piekartz, and the Cranio Facial Therapy Academy (CRAFTA).

Michael has worked in multiple healthcare capacities treating a variety of orthopedic related conditions. His diverse experience, knowledge and manual skills allow Michael to be highly effective in the evaluation and treatment of his clientele.

Michael is a member of the APTA, WPTA, NATA, AAOP, PTBCTT, PAMA and IMS.

Michael feels any patient suffering from Temporomandibular Disorders, Craniofacial Pain, cervical pain, and headaches, owes it to themselves to pursue the most conservative, yet comprehensive, means of treatment for their condition. It is with a collaborative approach between Physical Therapy, your Dentist, your Orthodontist, your Oral Surgeon, your ENT, your Primary Doctor, your Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, etc., that together we achieve the greatest success and relief of your symptoms. His number one goal is for you to achieve Freedom from Pain and the Freedom to Function!

tmj specialist Erin Bafunno

Erin Bafunno

DPT, CMTPT

Location

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C.
6908 N. Santa Monica Blvd.
Fox Point, WI 53217
414-352-2082
Website: FreedomPT.com

Erin Bafunno graduated with high honors for her two degrees from Marquette University with Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2014. She has been working for Mike Karegeannes for 5 years. She has gained valuable knowledge from Mike to work with TMJ/TMD patients.

 

While at Marquette, Erin sought additional education in the advanced orthopedics course with an emphasis on manual techniques for treating dysfunctions of the spine. She also has experience in treating a variety of conditions involving the hip, knee, foot and sacroiliac joint. Erin’s treatment approach involves looking at the whole picture of the patient’s problem to determine the true cause of the patient’s pain and then utilize manual techniques to correct the movement dysfunction.

Erin’s interest in physical therapy began in junior high when she attended “Bring Your Daughter to Work Day” with her mother, who also works in the field of physical therapy. She was inspired by how much a physical therapist could help people decrease pain and finding ways that would allow the patient to get back to their daily activities with less pain.

Erin enjoys living in downtown Milwaukee and spends her free time playing tennis, trying out new restaurants, supporting the Marquette basketball team and enjoying all of activities downtown has to offer.

tmj specialist pete balik

Heather Barry

PT

Location

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C.
6908 N. Santa Monica Blvd.
Fox Point, WI 53217
414-352-2082
Website: FreedomPT.com

Heather Barry graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from UW-LaCrosse in 1997. By working in both an outpatient hospital system and private practice, she grew her general orthopedics skills, including knee, ankle, foot, hip, spine, shoulder, post-operative patients, and vestibular rehab.

tmj specialist pete balik

Kaela Beugnet

DPT

Location

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C.
1235 Dakota Dr., Suite L
Grafton, WI 53024
262-376-2085
Website: FreedomPT.com

 Kaela graduated from Marquette University’s direct-admit Physical Therapy program with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

She completed clinical rotations in various settings, giving her a well-rounded clinical experience. Her rotations even took her out to the west coast, where she spent the summer treating orthopedic conditions. Having experienced many orthopedic injuries herself, Kaela has a passion for treating musculoskeletal conditions and knew early on that this was her desired career path.

While completing her education, Kaela sought additional opportunities to expand her orthopedic knowledge base, including taking a manual-based orthopedics elective course and completing a rotation at Marquette’s outpatient orthopedic clinic. She has worked with various patients, from older adults with fractures from falls to college students with knee, hip, and low back pain, to patients before and after having joint replacement surgery.

Kaela helps her patients meet their functional goals through hands-on interventions, targeted strengthening, and customized home exercise plans to promote confidence and success in their healing process. She ensures each of her patients feels comfortable and cared for from their first session to their last.

tmj specialist Nicole gardner

Nicole Guy

DPT

Location

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C.
6908 N. Santa Monica Blvd.
Fox Point, WI 53217
414-352-2082
Website: FreedomPT.com

Nicole graduated with honors from Carroll University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science. She continued her education at Carroll and received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Nicole strives to provide the highest quality of care and compassion to all patients. She was rigorously involved in her didactic coursework and has completed physical therapy internships across the country in a variety of clinical settings, which has provided her with a well-rounded education and internship experience. She takes time to listen to patients’ concerns and perform thorough examinations to determine the best treatment strategies to improve patient’s conditions.

Nicole’s interest in the physical therapy profession began in high school after her own experience in physical therapy due to a sport-related injury. She soon realized this profession is a wonderful way to help others and is excited to have the opportunity to help patients achieve their goals.

Nicole lives in Milwaukee and enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, exercising, and eating good food.

tmj specialist abigail jurinek

ABIGAIL JURINEK

DPT, CMTPT

Location

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C.
111 Atkinson St., Suite 2
Mukwonago, WI 53149
262-363-3268
Website: FreedomPT.com

Abigail Jurinek graduated with high honors from Bradley University in 2007 with her Bachelors of Science in Health Science with a minor in biology. In 2010 she graduated from Bradley’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Prior to joining Freedom Physical Therapy Services, Abigail worked over 4 ½ years in private practice in Greenfield, WI primarily working with general orthopedics, vestibular and TMD clients.

In 2012 Abigail was certified in dry needling through Myopain Seminars as a manual trigger point therapist (CMTPT). She is able to use trigger point treatments both manually and with the use of dry needling to address muscle pain including but not limited to headaches, jaw pain, pain that seems to radiate into the extremities, back pain, and neck pain.

Abigail has experience treating patients with vestibular conditions. She has taken continuing education to further her skills with this population She also treats and works with balance rehabilitation and training, which often is in conjunction with treatment of vestibular conditions.

Abigail has taken advanced coursework in Temperomandibular Disorders (TMD) and has experience working with patients dealing with general TMD and cranial facial pain symptoms.

Abigail lives in Mukwonago with her husband and their son. In her free time, Abigail enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, mountain biking, and learning new board games.

tmj specialist Nicole gardner

Diane Ping

MPT, CMTPT

Location

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C.
6908 N. Santa Monica Blvd.
Fox Point, WI 53217
414-352-2082
Website: FreedomPT.com

Diane Ping is a graduate of Winona State University of Minnesota. She graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health Sciences. For three years, she worked with high school, amateur, and professional athletes at Gundersen Lutheran Sports Medicine Clinic and coached high school volleyball.

In 2000, Diane graduated from Carroll College of Waukesha, WI with a Masters of Physical Therapy degree. Her personal interest in athletics and sports medicine complements her strong orthopedic/manual approach to treating the whole patient. Diane was a lab assistant for the Physical Therapy department at Carroll College in the area of biomechanics, applied physiology, and patient management.

She is trained in the treatment of osteoporosis and is pursuing continuing education for osteopathic treatment of the spine. Diane has enjoyed working with Freedom’s diverse clientele since 2001.

tmj specialist Mike Ruppel

Trenton Rehman

PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Certified Functional Dry Needling Practitioner
Titleist Performance Institute Certified

Location

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C.
17495 W. Capitol Drive Suite I
Brookfield, WI 53045
262-790-9800
Website: FreedomPT.com

Trenton Rehman is a Wisconsin native, growing up in West Bend and attending West Bend East high school. Trenton went on to attend Marquette University, where he graduated with two Degrees from Marquette University, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. During his time in the Doctorate program, Trenton was awarded the Daniel Strelnick award for his assertiveness, communication, and leadership skills in the clinic. After earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, Trenton went on to complete an Orthopedic Residency through UW-Health and Meriter, where he underwent advanced training to further his manual skills and clinical knowledge in orthopedics.

 Trenton has experience taking advanced orthopedic courses at Marquette University, completing an orthopedic residency, and is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS) all of which have prepared him to treat a wide variety of orthopedic conditions, including those of the head, neck, spine, arms, and legs. Along with these advanced orthopedic skills and certifications, Trenton is also certified in Functional Dry Needling and has been certified through the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) which allows him to address specific biomechanical flaws in his patients who enjoy golfing.

​Trenton grew fond of the Physical Therapy profession through the act of shadowing a family friend and witnessing the incredible influence she had on the lives of her patients. Now, as a therapist himself, Trenton continues to develop a deep appreciation for helping people optimize their movement and quality of life through functional exercise and manual therapies.

tmj specialist Mike Ruppel

Mike Ruppel

PT, CMTPT, CSCS, CPI

Location

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C.
1235 Dakota Dr., Suite L
Grafton, WI 53024
262-376-2085
Website: FreedomPT.com

Mike Ruppel’s physical therapy journey began when he was playing college baseball after having both ankles reconstructed following an injury. It was after his rehab experience where Mike was inspired to eventually pursue a career in the profession. Mike graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with his Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 1995. He went on to receive his Master of Physical Therapy from Concordia University in 1999. In 2000, he earned his certificate from the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. In the following 18 years his continuing education primarily focused on manual skills, sports medicine, orthopedics, and TMJ/TMD treatment.

In 2009, Mike was able to travel to USC and receive his coaching certification as a pitching coach through the National Pitching Association (NPA) and the Rod Dedeaux Research Baseball Institute (RDRBI). He continues to use his expertise in implementing various conditioning and velocity programs in the Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Manitowoc area helping young players reach their full potential. Mike has an interest in the throwing athlete, prevention of injury, and refining proper mechanics.

Mike is looking forward to joining a strong team of therapists in the Grafton area to promote a healthy life style and high quality of living. Mike has a strong background in a variety of manual techniques which include muscle energy, Mulligan concept, and strain counter strain. His 18 years in the profession have allowed him to gain experience in treating all types of patients which include work injuries, MVA, joint replacement, repetitive stress, athletic injuries, and chronic pain.

Mike has many interests which include his family, baseball, general fitness and conditioning, volunteering at his church, and various martial arts.

tmj specialist michael verplancke

MICHAEL VERPLANCKE

DPT, CSCS, CMTPT, CFC

Location

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C.
1235 Dakota Dr., Suite L
Grafton, WI 53024
262-376-2085
Website: FreedomPT.com

Michael Verplancke left his roots of St. Louis, Missouri, to both attend and play ice hockey at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, where Mike graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. He then attended Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School in North Chicago, Illinois, to obtain his physical therapy degree. He graduated in 2001 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Mike has participated in numerous continuing education seminars with a focus on manual therapy techniques, evaluation and treatment of the spine and TMJ/craniofacial pain, mobilization techniques, and intramuscular dry needling.

In 2002, Mike obtained his credentials as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), which has assisted him with exercise prescription, as well as progression of overall health and wellness for patients.

In 2014, Mike completed his certification in Intramuscular Dry Needling through Myopain Seminars. This treatment approach has provided a technique that improves treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points and their affect on localized and referred pain, as well as muscle activation patterns throughout the body. In addition, Michael has attended an Orofacial Pain and TMD residency with the University of Minnesota Dental School.

Mike has been trained in Temporal Mandibular Disorders (TMD) and Craniofacial Pain (CFP) by Dr. Mariano Rocobado, a world renowned leader in the field of TMD and CFP. Mike has his Craniofacial Certification in conjunction with Dr. Rocobado and the University of St. Augustine.

Mike has been an employee at Freedom Physical Therapy since July of 2005, and is currently the Lead Physical Therapist and clinic director of the Grafton location. Mike has a wide range of hobbies and interests, which include playing ice hockey, softball, golf, and basketball. He also enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Marion, their three daughters, Sophia, Liliana, and Emilia, and their Golden Retriever, Stan.

tmj specialist jeffrey verhagen

Jeffrey Verhagen

PT, MBA, CMTPT

Location

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C.
17495 W. Capitol Dr., Suite I
Brookfield, WI 53045
262-790-9800
Website: FreedomPT.com

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.

tmj clinic

Freedom Physical Therapy Services, S.C. is committed to the science of healing and the art of caring.

Owner, Michael Karegeannes,and his staff of professionals are dedicated to offering each client one-on-one care and individualized treatment.

 

Freedom Physical Therapy Services’ experienced team of professionals provides highly skilled therapy with an emphasis on specialized expertise, individual needs and excellent care.

A success formula for Freedom is the ability to attract an experienced well-trained and professional team of Physical and Occupational Therapists, with each one bringing a unique skill set. The specialties include skills in orthopedics, spine and sports injuries, craniofacial certification, temporomandibular disorders, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, neuromuscular therapy, dry needling, hand therapy, massage therapy, athletic performance and rehabilitation techniques, soft tissue mobility, neurological disorders, cancer rehabilitation, lymphedema, mirror therapy, pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation, pilates and sports injuries.

In addition to this vast array of specialties, Freedom also has expertise in the management of the injured worker, ergonomic consulting and work-site evaluations.

Freedom Physical therapy has 4 locations in Wisconsin around the greater Milwaukee area. These include Fox Point, Brookfield, Grafton and Mukwonago.

TMJ Clinic Locations

TMJ Specialists in WI

414-352-2082