We are incredibly fortunate to have a diverse, well-rounded, highly knowledgeable and expertly trained staff here at the Marquette University Physical Therapy Clinic. Our physical therapists are all graduates of top physical therapy programs and have done extensive postgraduate training. Our staff greatly value their roles not only as clinicians, but clinical instructors and educators to the many Marquette physical therapy students who spend time in the clinic. We are privileged to be able to provide one-on-one, evidenced-based, expert care to the Marquette and greater Milwaukee communities.
The benefit of treatment at Marquette University
Being a part of an academic institution and affiliated with one of the top-ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy programs (3rd by StartClass.com and 12th by U.S. News & World Report). Our clinicians and student interns are up-to-date on best practice, evidenced-based care and emerging research in the world of physical therapy. Our therapists also have access to award-winning researchers and educators throughout the College of Health Sciences and Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Because of this, we are able to provide expert care to all of our patients.
Staff directory
Jeffrey Wilkens, PT, DPT, OCS
Jeff is the clinic director of the Marquette Physical Therapy Clinic. Jeff manages our clinic and a patient caseload. He graduated from the Marquette University Physical Therapy program, receiving his Master's degree in 1999. He received his transitional DPT from EIM in 2015. Jeff teaches courses in the Marquette Physical Therapy program including PT Evaluation, Tests and Measures. Jeff uses his expertise to treat a variety of injuries. He enjoys working with runners, leg injuries and shoulder patients.
Susana Arciga, PT, OCS, CFMT
Susana approaches treatment with a very hands-on style in exercise instruction, postural correction and education. She loves to empower her patients with exercise programs that are suitable and realistic, providing tools to help them self-manage when they are outside of physical therapy or done with treatment. Susana appreciates the variety of patients she sees and loves focusing on their individual goals. Susana is able to provide differing care based on patient needs.
Brent Bode, MPT, OCS,CFMT
Brent graduated with his Masters of Physical Therapy from UW-Madison in 2007, after earning his bachelor's degree in physiology from Marquette University. Brent loves to educate his patients about their bodies incorporating the most current research. His advanced training in manual therapy including dry needling and efficient movement strategies is effective with all types of athletic injuries and other musculoskeletal dysfunction. He has advanced certification in treating individuals who suffer from headaches, neck pain and TMD related issues. His interest in this area stems from the complexity of the body systems involved as well as the interdisciplinary interaction required to best serve this patient population.
Lydia Christianson, PT, DPT, OCS, TPS
Lydia takes a collaborative approach to treatment, integrating current evidence and professional experience with her patients’ preferences and goals to create effective, individualized treatment plans. She is a 2014 Marquette University Physical Therapy graduate and has pursued advanced training in dry needling, manual therapy, scoliosis and therapeutic pain management. As a Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS), she uses a holistic approach to pain management to assist people with chronic pain conditions. She is also certified in the Schroth method for Scoliosis (L1), enabling her to provide valuable support to people of all ages with scoliosis and kyphosis. Lydia has a deep passion for teaching, clinical instruction, and life-long learning, and in 2021 she was honored to receive the Mary Pat Murray Award for Clinical Excellence.
Kate Gintoft, PT, DPT, CSCS, COMT
Kate graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Miami in 2009. She is Residency-trained in orthopedic manual therapy and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She has been trained in dry needling techniques and cupping. Kate recently completed a Yoga Teacher Training and enjoys making yoga more accessible to her patients by catering it to their needs. Kate’s favorite thing about being a PT is thinking outside of the box and helping her parents optimize their routines so they can do what they love for as long as possible.
David Stocker, PT, DPT, TPS
David graduated from Marquette University in 2017 with his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. He specializes in treating patients with chronic pain conditions including chronic low back pain, CRPS, and other persistent pain problems. He utilizes several different techniques including pain neuroscience education and behavioral planning to improve patients' function and decrease their pain. He also teaches two graduate-level courses in the Marquette Physical Therapy school curriculum and assists students on their clinical education experiences.
Patty Przybylka, Patient Account Representative
Patty manages the front desk, providing assistance to our patients with scheduling and paperwork. Patty keeps the clinic running smoothly and is the friendly face you see when you check in for your appointments. Prior to working at Marquette, Patty has years of experience as an office manager both in and out of the medical field.
Working with students
The Marquette Physical Therapy Clinic is privileged to accept student interns from Marquette’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Students complete internships during their second and third years of the three-year doctoral program and their time in the clinic ranges from four to 10 weeks. All student interns treat under direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Patients are always notified before treatment begins if they will have an opportunity to work with students. Contributing to a student’s learning is greatly rewarding, however our therapists are very understanding should a patient request to not work with a student.
