7 Shocking Ways Active PT Rochester MN Is Revolutionizing Physical Therapy With Hyper-Specialized Care
Active PT & Sports in Rochester, MN, is not your typical physical therapy clinic. As of December 23, 2025, this top-rated facility is setting a new standard for movement health by moving beyond general exercise packets to offer hyper-specialized care delivered by an elite team of Board Certified specialists.
Their philosophy centers on a deep understanding of unique patient issues, ensuring treatment plans are not only effective but also highly individualized. With multiple convenient locations and an impressive roster of expert clinicians, Active PT is the go-to resource for athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone seeking to recover fast and get back to the life they love.
Active PT Rochester MN: Clinic Locations and Expert Clinicians
Active PT & Sports has strategically placed clinics throughout Rochester to maximize patient access and convenience. Each location is staffed by a dedicated team of physical therapists and physical therapy assistants, many of whom hold advanced certifications.
- Rochester - South Clinic: Located just off the Salem Road SW exit of Highway 52, next to Edina Realty, this clinic provides comprehensive general and specialized care.
- Rochester Athletic Club (RAC) Location: Situated inside the RAC, this clinic offers a unique blend of specialized and general physical therapy services, leveraging the club's extensive facilities.
- Rochester - North Clinic: Found inside the Haley Comfort Systems Center (formerly Shopko North), this location is known for its specialized care, including jaw pain treatment and lifting performance programs.
- Progression Fitness Location: A newer addition, this clinic offers services inside Progression Fitness, with clinicians like Courtney Hilmanowski, DPT, providing care.
Meet the Board-Certified Specialists
A key differentiator for Active PT is the high level of specialized training held by their staff. Many clinicians are Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialists (OCS), a distinction that speaks to their advanced knowledge in musculoskeletal conditions. Two notable specialists include:
- Jill Tacl, DPT, OCS: Holding a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, Jill is also a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. She is a driving force behind the clinic's specialized running programs.
- Heather Dunfee, DPT, WCS: Also a DPT graduate from the Mayo School of Health Sciences, Heather is a Board Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist (WCS), leading the clinic’s specialized pelvic health services.
- Joan Kopacz, MSPT, OCS, CIMT: Another expert on the team, holding the OCS certification and Certified Integrated Manual Therapist (CIMT) designation.
The 7 Pillars of Active PT’s Hyper-Specialized Treatment
Active PT & Sports focuses on specific, targeted programs that address complex issues far beyond standard physical therapy. This tailored approach is what allows patients to see faster, more sustainable results.
1. Elite Running Performance and Injury Prevention
Active PT is the official physical therapy clinic of the Med City Marathon, giving them unparalleled expertise in treating runners. Their Running Program is a cornerstone of their sports injury physical therapy services and is designed by therapists who are also experienced runners.
- RunScribe Comprehensive Gait Analysis: This advanced technology provides objective data on a runner’s stride mechanics.
- Progressive Loading Plans: Tailored plans to safely build strength and endurance without risking re-injury.
- Individualized Strengthening Routines: Specific exercises to address the unique deficits found in the gait analysis.
2. Advanced Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
Led by specialists like Heather Dunfee, DPT, WCS, the Pelvic Health PT program provides discreet and effective care for pelvic pain or dysfunction. They work to restore normal function by treating trigger points and addressing a wide range of sensitive issues affecting both men and women.
3. Specialized Orofacial and Jaw Pain (TMD/TMJ) Treatment
Jaw pain, often related to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD/TMJ), can be debilitating. Active PT offers specialized care for this unique issue, providing relief that often goes beyond what general practitioners can offer.
4. Cutting-Edge Dry Needling Therapy
Dry Needling is a technique many Active PT clinicians are trained and certified in. This service is highly effective in treating muscle pain, headaches, and tension by targeting myofascial trigger points, offering a fast track to pain relief for conditions like back pain and neck pain.
5. Aquatic Therapy and Back Pain Care
For patients who need a low-impact option, the Aquatic Therapy program provides a buoyant, supportive environment to begin rehabilitation. This is especially beneficial for those with severe back pain, hip pain, or knee pain, allowing for therapeutic movement without the full stress of gravity.
6. Lifting and Sports Performance Enhancement
Beyond injury recovery, Active PT focuses on performance. Their lifting performance programs and sports injury physical therapy services are designed to help athletes—from high school competitors to weekend enthusiasts—achieve their next level of success. They are dedicated to helping patients recover fast so they can get back to what they enjoy most.
7. The No-Packet-of-Exercises Philosophy
A core tenet of their unique treatment philosophy is a commitment to hands-on, personalized care. As they state, they "don't just hand you a packet of exercises and expect you to fix yourself." Instead, treatment involves one-on-one attention, manual therapy, and a focus on the patient's specific goals, whether that's running a marathon or simply being able to lift a grandchild.
Up-to-Date Events and Community Engagement
Active PT & Sports remains deeply involved in the Rochester community, often hosting events to promote health and fitness. A great example of their current engagement is the upcoming "Run Stronger: Strength Training Class for Endurance Runners," scheduled for January 17, 2026, at their 3708 N. Broadway location. This class highlights their commitment to preventative care and performance enhancement.
Their community partnerships are extensive, reinforcing their role as a leader in local physical health. Key partners include the Rochester Athletic Club, MN Treads, ETS, Med City Marathon, and Olive Juice Studios. This network ensures patients have access to a holistic support system for their recovery and long-term wellness.
Taking the Next Step to Active Recovery
Whether you're struggling with chronic headaches, recovering from a sports injury, or looking to improve your running mechanics, the specialized care at Active PT Rochester MN offers a clear path forward. Their commitment to advanced certifications (OCS, WCS), personalized treatment, and state-of-the-art techniques like RunScribe gait analysis and Dry Needling makes them a standout in the Minnesota physical therapy landscape. If you are unsure about your condition, you can schedule a free 15-minute screening to meet with a clinician and discuss your needs before committing to a full treatment plan.
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