Chicago’s Top Rated Local® Physical Therapy
Staff
Physical therapists (sometimes abbreviated to PTs) are health care professionals primarily concerned with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention. Core Physical Therapy hires only the most skilled and dedicated professionals that will work with their patients to ensure the highest level of quality care.
The Loop – 79 W Monroe St #919 | Chicago, IL 60603
Jason Kart, PT, DPT, Dip. MT, CMTPT/DN, CAFS – Owner/Physical Therapist
Practicing since January 2008
Physical Therapy is the collaborative problem-solving process and Jason enjoys guiding his patients back to their physical best. Outstanding patient outcomes are a product of thorough examination with accurate diagnosis, patient education, and a combination of manual therapy and focused rehabilitative exercise. He believes that restoring the optimal biomechanics through manual therapy expedites the healing process and thoughtful exercise prescription maintains the patient’s improvement. Working together, his patients and him identify, plan, and solve pain and physical limitations.
Jason provides cervical, thoracic and lumbar manipulation, advanced joint mobilizations of the extremities, advanced spinal and core stabilization, dry needling, vestibular ehabilitation, nerve pain, chronic pain solutions, foot & ankle pain relief, headache & neck pain, sorts rehabilitation, and runners injuries
Jason is a Certified Manual Physical Therapist through the North American Institute for Orthopedic Manual Therapy and a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Physical Therapist through Myopain Seminars.
Continuing Education: When the Foot Hits the Ground – Advanced, Shacklock Neurodynamic Tensioning, Management of the Cervical Spine following Motor Vehicle Accident, Dry Needling of the Extremities, Swodeam Manual Therapy series, Physical Therapy Management of the Lumbar Spine, Advanced Manipulation of the Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spine, Maitland Level I – The Extremities
Lauren Fleming, PT, DPT - Physical Therapist/Pelvic Health Therapist
Practicing since January 2022
Lauren is excited to provide individualized care as part of the Core team. Her physical therapy philosophy is centered on listening, encouraging engagement, and empowering patients through understanding. She believes these aspects allow her to build strong relationships and guide patients on their individual paths to betterment.
Lauren graduated from UIUC in 2013 and pursued work in various healthcare settings prior to deciding to return to school to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2022 from Governors State University. In addition to her clinical internships, she has taken continuing education classes from the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and the McKenzie Institute. She plans to continue further training in pelvic, musculoskeletal, and related conditions.
Lauren is a resident of the city of Chicago and currently resides in the Pilsen neighborhood with her partner, cat (Eggo), and dog (Pancake). She enjoys staying active via rock climbing, running, and sometimes golfing. She also loves cooking/baking, reading, and playing video games.
Katie Richcreek, PT, DPT - Physical Therapist/Hypermobility Therapist
Practicing since April 2024
Katie is a compassionate Physical Therapist specializing in hypermobility therapy including the treatment of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and associated comorbidities. Katie graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Baylor University in 2023 and has since then pursued additional training to specialize in hypermobility. She is committed to staying updated on the latest advancements in her field to ensure her patients receive the highest quality care possible.
Katie was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from CSU Fullerton with a bachelor’s in kinesiology. She was drawn to physical therapy after tearing her ACL while playing volleyball in high school and wants help others through their rehabilitation journeys, just like her physical therapist did for her. In physical therapy school she discovered she had EDS and is committed to raising awareness for hypermobility disorders and helping other hypermobile individuals.
Outside of the clinic, Katie enjoys playing volleyball, reading, trying out new restaurants and cafes, making coffee and matcha, and playing with her cat. She looks forward to helping you on your journey to improved physical health and well-being.
Continuing education:
EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals Introduction to EDS and HSD, EDS ECHO Allied Health Professionals Comorbidities in EDS and HSD
The West Loop – 954 West Washington Blvd, Suite 515, Chicago, IL 60607
Anthony Young, PT, DPT, Dip. MT, CMTPT/DN – Physical Therapist/Clinic Manager
Practicing since January 2011
Anthony’s interest in physical therapy was sparked by a debilitating lower back injury during high school track and field training and competition. He had a very positive experience with his physical therapist and was able to return to competing at a high level, pain free. Anthony went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he also was a member of the Men's Track and Field Team. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northwestern University, and as a doctoral research project, he co-authored a study investigating effects of human error on the outcome of patients following computer assisted total hip arthroplasty as it relates to function and rehabilitation.
Anthony has worked in the outpatient orthopedic realm since graduating from Northwestern in 2010. He has been a member of the Core Physical Therapy team since March 2015. As a means to continue developing exceptional clinical skills, he has received advanced training, and is certified in manual therapy through the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy. He is also certified in dry needling for treatment of myofascial pain through Myopain Seminars.
Anthony is skilled in the effective treatment of a variety of spinal and peripheral neuro-orthopedic dysfunctions. He strives to provide comprehensive care including manual therapy techniques, neuro-muscular re-education, and functional strengthening specific to each patient’s diagnosis. As a former high level student-athlete, he has a passion for working with the injured athlete at every level and age group. He understands the importance of a speedy and safe return to optimal level of performance, and provides for each patient the positive rehabilitation experience necessary to achieve this ultimate goal.
Outside of work, Anthony enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, staying active through weight training, playing flag football in the spring/summer and snowboarding in the winter.
Continuing Education: Orthopedic and neuro-orthopedic domain aimed at the etiology, examination, and management of movement dysfunction
Anthony is a Certified Manual Physical Therapist through the North American Institute for Orthopedic Manual Therapy and a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Physical Therapist through Myopain Seminars.
Continuing Education: When the Foot Hits the Ground – Advanced, Shacklock Neurodynamic Tensioning, Management of the Cervical Spine following Motor Vehicle Accident, Dry Needling of the Extremities, Swodeam Manual Therapy series, Physical Therapy Management of the Lumbar Spine, Advanced Manipulation of the Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spine, Maitland Level I – The Extremities
Calvin Thai, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist
Practicing since January 2024
Calvin, a recent graduate from Baylor University, embarked on his journey as a dedicated Physical Therapist in 2024. Having recently relocated to the vibrant city of Chicago from Dallas, Texas, Calvin's enthusiasm for physical therapy is deeply rooted in a personal experience that ignited a passion for connecting with patients.
Born and raised in Houston, Calvin earned a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality from the University of Houston, shaping his unique approach to physical therapy with an emphasis on personalized care and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Baylor University, Calvin's journey was sparked by a personal experience – an injury to his shoulder from years of athletics. This transformative event inspired Calvin to delve into the world of physical therapy, where a profound passion for connecting with patients and improving their daily lives.
Now, as a new resident of Chicago, Calvin is eager to bring his fresh perspective to patient care. He takes pride in his patient-centered approach, recognizing the diverse needs of individuals, be it high school athletes, post-operative patients, or those in their golden years. Tailoring treatments to align with their unique goals and lifestyles, Calvin focuses on individualized goal setting and functional progress.
His treatment philosophy revolves around defining clear, personalized goals with patients and guiding them through a comprehensive plan that emphasizes functional improvements. This approach ensures that each step of the journey is purposeful and contributes to overall well-being.
Beyond the clinic, Calvin is excitedly looking forward to exploring the diverse offerings of Chicago. From enjoying a game of volleyball or tennis to discovering new restaurants and cuisines, showcasing culinary skills through cooking, embarking on exciting travel adventures, and building intricate LEGO creations, Calvin is eager to integrate himself into the Windy City.
In connecting with patients on a deeper level, Calvin draws from his personal journey, finding joy in getting to the root of the problem, focusing on the true causes of issues, and working collaboratively to achieve lasting solutions. For Calvin, physical therapy is not just a profession but a commitment to empowering individuals on their unique paths to recovery and well-being.
Lincoln Park – 2940 N. Lincoln Avenue, 1st Floor | Chicago, IL 60657
Anna Hope, PT, DPT, – Physical Therapist/Clinic Manager
Practicing since June 2017
Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, Anna earned her B.S. in Kinesiology & Movement Science and Minor in Psychology from Iowa State University. Following undergraduate, Anna attended Des Moines University where she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2017.
One of Anna's favorite aspects of physical therapy is the ability to work with and treat a wide variety of diagnoses and patient populations. Throughout her school years, Anna participated in an assortment of sports which led to her interest in outpatient orthopedics and injury recovery. Aside from outpatient orthopedics, Anna has developed skills in the neuroscience behind chronic pain, treatment of neurological conditions (including balance/fall risk, Parkinson's Disease, Stroke, MS, etc.) and specialized training in Women's Health and Pelvic Floor Therapy (learn more here!).
As a therapist, Anna challenges her patients to play an active role throughout their course of rehabilitation in order to reach their full potential and to provide the best patient outcomes. Anna has always been an avid learner and enjoys educating her patients to have a better understanding of their rehabilitation process, and enjoys attending several continued education courses to keep current on different treatment styles and techniques.
Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, time at Lake Okoboji, Iowa, keeping active with intramural sports, and attending concerts and sporting events (Go Iowa State Cyclones!).
Continuing Education: Women's Health and Pelvic Floor, Background in manual techniques for lumbar spine, hip, and pelvis.
David Vlaich, PT, DPT, OCS
Practicing since June 2019
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, David earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas. David then attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2019. He has recently taken another step to further his education by sitting for the orthopedic clinical specialist board examination.
David’s interest in physical therapy began after suffering a lower back injury while weight lifting in college. With the help of his physical therapist, he not only recovered but was able to return to strength training pain-free. This personal experience made David realize that he wanted to help other people by empowering them to not let pain dictate their life and help them return to the activities they love pain-free.
David prides himself with his ability to work with a wide variety of individuals. David has experience in treating a diverse population ranging from high school to professional athletes, post-operative patients, weekend warriors, older adults, and everything in between. David is a strong believer in a patient-centered approach to therapy in which treatment is a partnership between therapist and patient. For David, the key to a positive therapy experience is understanding his patients’ holistically and considering their life style, work, home environment, and physical activity level in the plan of care. Through the utilization of evidence-informed decision making and a combination of manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education, David will work with you to develop the best possible program that will enable you to meet your goals. Whether those goals are to reduce pain, return to the gym, get back on the bike, or return to your favorite sport, David will ensure they are met.
Outside of the clinic, you can find David watching any sport on TV, calling the Hogs (Woo Pig!), strength training and exercising, hanging out with friends and family, and exploring Chicago's best restaurants and breweries with his fiancé.
Continuing Education: Orthopedic Clinical Specialty Examination Preparation, Pain Science And What You Need to Know, and The Symptomatic SIJ Joint.
Gauri Pawar, PT, DPT, – Physical Therapist/Pelvic Health Therapist
Practicing since June 2018
Gauri hails from Ann Arbor, MI, a university town home to the University of Michigan. She graduated with her BS from U of M in 2013 with a concentration in Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience. With an interest in the connection between the mind and body, and as a chronic pelvic pain survivor herself, she pursued her clinical doctorate in physical therapy at Andrews University, graduating in 2018. Her interests include visceral and osteopathic manual therapies, as well as treatment of chronic abdominopelvic pain, bowel/bladder dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and postpartum rehabilitation.
Gauri is passionate about education and has attended courses through the APTA, Barral Institute, Herman & Wallace, and Great Lakes Seminars. She is training to be an expert in visceral manipulation and is working towards a pregnancy and postpartum exercise specialist certification as well. She is devoted to patient education and empowering patients on their health journeys.
When she's not working, Gauri can be found in the kitchen! She is an avid foodie who enjoys cooking foods from global cuisines and especially enjoys touring cities with her belly.
Things that bring Gauri the most happiness in her day to day life include but are not limited to: listening to NPR, reading Brene Brown and following her on social media, Nina Simone's voice, watching bollywood dancing, the smell of sandalwood (very calming), walking/hiking, farmer's markets, Ethiopian coffee beans, making a successful meal (efficient and tasty!), and sharing.
Continuing Education: Visceral Manipulation, pelvic floor and Women’s health, Muscle Energy Techniques for spine and sacroiliac joint, postpartum exercise specialist certification