Business Details
18 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Physical Therapy Solutions
ActivePT & Sports was founded in 2008 with a vision to create a patient-centered physical therapy experience where passion drives exceptional care. Our team of 35+ specialized clinicians delivers hands-on, individualized treatment across 17 convenient Minnesota locations. We prioritize direct therapist-patient interaction over generic exercise packets, ensuring personalized care from initial consultation to recovery completion. Our expertise spans sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, pelvic health, and performance optimization, supported by advanced techniques like dry needling and aquatic therapy.As Minnesota residents ourselves, we understand local healthcare needs and maintain transparent pricing with upfront cost estimates for uninsured patients. Our commitment to community extends through annual charity events and partnerships with organizations like the Med City Marathon. With over 14 years of operation, we combine clinical excellence with compassionate service to help patients achieve pain-free, active lifestyles.
Services
Aquatic Therapy
Dry Needling
Sports Rehabilitation
Pelvic Health
Post-Surgical Recovery
Running Injury Treatment
Neck Pain Solutions
Shoulder Pain Relief
Vestibular Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer hands-on therapy instead of generic exercise packets
- Our 35+ specialized clinicians focus on specific treatment areas
- No referral required for Minnesota patients
- 17 convenient locations across southern Minnesota
- We provide free initial injury assessments
What people say
Excellent care
Knowledgeable staff
Hands-on approach
Personalized treatment
Exceptional results
Services
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy utilizes specialized pool exercises to treat musculoskeletal conditions. This service benefits patients with joint pain, post-surgical recovery needs, and mobility limitations. The buoyancy reduces stress on weight-bearing joints while allowing resistance training. Our facilities feature accessible therapy pools with temperature-controlled water for optimal healing conditions.
Dry Needling
Dry needling targets muscle trigger points to relieve chronic pain and improve mobility. Certified therapists insert fine needles to stimulate healing responses in affected tissues. This technique effectively treats sports injuries, repetitive strain conditions, and postural pain patterns. Patients experience reduced inflammation and accelerated recovery when combined with traditional physical therapy.
Sports Rehabilitation
Sports rehabilitation programs address athletic injuries through sport-specific recovery protocols. Our specialists treat common sports-related conditions including ligament sprains, muscle strains, and overuse injuries. Treatment combines manual therapy with performance training to restore function and prevent re-injury. Runners receive specialized care through our official partnership with the Med City Marathon.
Pelvic Health Therapy
Pelvic health therapy addresses pelvic floor dysfunction for men and women. Certified specialists treat conditions including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery. Treatment combines manual techniques with targeted exercise programs. Prenatal patients receive specialized care to maintain mobility and prepare for childbirth.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Post-surgical recovery programs follow evidence-based protocols for optimal healing. Therapists coordinate care with referring physicians to ensure proper progression through recovery phases. Treatment focuses on restoring mobility, rebuilding strength, and minimizing scar tissue formation. Patients receive home exercise programs to support continued progress between sessions.
People
Brian McQuilkin
Owner & Physical Therapist
Brian McQuilkin co-founded ActivePT in 2008 to create a patient-centered therapy environment. He specializes in dry needling and complex pain management, combining clinical expertise with business leadership to maintain the clinic's founding vision.
Joan Kopacz
Owner & Physical Therapist
Joan Kopacz established ActivePT with Brian McQuilkin to prioritize personalized patient care. She specializes in sports injury treatment and post-surgical rehabilitation, bringing over 20 years of clinical experience to both patient treatment and team development.
Hunter Rau
Physical Therapist
Hunter Rau provides specialized treatment for sports injuries and post-surgical recovery. His approach combines manual therapy with performance training to help patients return to active lifestyles. He maintains multiple advanced certifications in orthopedic physical therapy.
Heather Dunfee
Pelvic Health Specialist
Heather Dunfee directs our pelvic health program with specialized certification in women's health. She develops individualized treatment plans for prenatal and postpartum patients, focusing on restoring mobility and preventing long-term complications from childbirth.
Garrison Jones
Director of Rochester North Clinic
Garrison Jones leads our Rochester North location with expertise in running injury treatment. He combines gait analysis with targeted therapy to address common running-related conditions, helping athletes maintain training while recovering from injuries.
Questions
Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Minnesota?
No referral is required in Minnesota, though some insurance plans may require one for coverage.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most major insurers including BCBS, UHC, Medica, Aetna, Medicare, and Medicaid.
What should I wear to physical therapy sessions?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment area, like shorts for leg issues or tank tops for shoulder conditions.
How long do therapy sessions last?
Initial evaluations take 60-90 minutes, with follow-up sessions typically lasting 45-60 minutes.
What makes ActivePT different from other clinics?
We provide hands-on therapy with specialized clinicians instead of generic exercise programs, focusing on individual patient needs.
Do you offer free injury assessments?
Yes, we provide no-cost, no-obligation injury screenings to determine appropriate treatment options.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Loren Finseth
Jan 06, 2022
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It took me by surprise when I sustained a debilitating lower back injury. Mike and Johnny were extremely helpful working with me to regain my strength and flexibility. They maintain a positive and enthusiastic approach to physical therapy. Working with them was actually a fun challenge to get back to a good and productive place with no back pain! I highly recommend ActivePT to anyone looking to improve their health!
Donna Blade
Jan 05, 2022
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Outstanding! Need more than 5 stars to accurately rate them! From the front desk team to the therapists, they are warm, friendly professionals! Garrison Jones provided expert care - I can move my shoulder again!! This is my first choice should I need any further care!
Hannah
Jan 03, 2022
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ActivePT is like no other PT place! At ActivePT everyone is so genuinely kind and thoughtful. From every single step (calling to arrange a first appointment, the check-in process, and then the actual treatment) everyone is just so friendly and it really made me feel at ease. I have met several of the therapists and they are all wonderful, but Garrison was my main PT provider and he was excellent.
He always took my concerns and ideas into consideration when creating a treatment plan. He is so friendly and personable I always felt comfortable working with him. ActivePT doesnt just give you a million
He always took my concerns and ideas into consideration when creating a treatment plan. He is so friendly and personable I always felt comfortable working with him. ActivePT doesnt just give you a million
Rhonda Sveen
Dec 30, 2021
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Working with Mike and Johnny at the Active PT Preston branch is beyond words! They are kind, caring, empathetic, patient, motivating, reassuring! Always upbeat and wore a warm comforting smile! They are definitely marvelous young men! When I felt I was not progressing they firmly, although kindly pushed for improvement by trying new techniques, making me feel when I left I can do this never belittling or hurtful! These men should receive the Extra Mile Award! I would recommend anyone who needs PT to go work with them! Keep up the wonderful care Mike and Johnny.
Vanessa Munger
Dec 30, 2021
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I worked with Savannah at the North location & Megan at the RAC location -- they were both excellent!! I felt very welcomed & my concerns were addressed. The front desk staff is very helpful & kind. I had an appointment on my birthday & they even made me a birthday sign!! Highly recommend :)
Moo
Dec 22, 2021
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The new north clinic location is really nice and spacious. Everything is clean, and the gym area is well done with good equipment. The staff at ActivePT were all great and helpful! I was working with Savannah Meaike for my hip and lower back pain for a few months. She's honest, very knowledgeable and answered any questions or concerns I had during our PT sessions. She also was open to any suggestions I had about changing some of my at home exercises. She helped with my lifting form and the exercises she prescribed has allowed me to decrease and manage my pain.