Expert care. Real results.

Leading the way in physical therapy.

Science-Driven· Locally Owned· No Referral Needed

Building Different.

A team of clinicians who study the science and live by it. Owners who build the systems behind it. All of it, for the patients in front of us.

Forward means Forward.

Stephen T. profile picture
Stephen T.
15:13 04 Mar 26
I have been meeting with Tyler for several weeks. I Initially went to Forward Physical to strenghten my hips and reduce lower back discomfort. Tyler designed an individualized group of exercises to than end and within a few weeks I felt relief.

I swim 10 to 15 thousand yards a week and have had discomfort in my right shoulld and upper arm for many years. He put together a series of exercises that strengthened my shoulder and increased the range of motion. Within weeks these exercises successfully ended my shoulder pain and increased my strength and range of motion. After several weeks we added additionl exercises to maintain my balance and strengthen my core. I have been very pleased with the program Tyler has constructed for me.

He's an excellent instructor; knowlegeble, encouraging, supportive. I like that he teaches specific exercises and alternatives to achieve my goals. He puts together an individual written plan to achieve my goals. He's a good listener and very knowledgeable.
Brenna H. profile picture
Brenna H.
18:24 01 Mar 26
My mom saw Michelle with vertigo symptoms and after just one session they were completely gone. Michelle took the time to explain what causes vertigo in a way that was easy to understand and gave direction on what to do if they come back. She was very personable while maintaining professionalism throughout the appointment. The clinic was clean and welcoming which made for a comfortable environment. I would recommend Forward and Michelle to anyone seeking physical therapy!
Brianna W. profile picture
Brianna W.
00:19 19 Feb 26
Sam is an absolutely amazing physical therapist. I have worked with her for about three months and she has always been so bright and cheerful while helping me with my physical therapy journey. Not only has she been bright and cheerful she has helped me and encouraged me to succeed. I highly recommend if you are looking for a local physical therapy.
Bonnie H. profile picture
Bonnie H.
16:05 12 Feb 26
I’m new to Madison and I arrived with a very sore shoulder. After orthopedic visits and injections and no progress I was desperate for help. I couldn’t get into university PT for a couple of months so I chanced a Google search. And boy am I glad I did! I was seen right away and given explanations and of what was going wrong with my shoulder and a solid plan to work on it and get me back in the gym. I do CrossFit and so do they, so they were able to give me scaled versions of all my workouts while I was healing. I see both Sam and Michelle. They are thorough, thoughtful, and kind, with an obvious deep knowledge of physical therapy. I am no longer in 24/7 pain. When my back flared up they immediately took care of that too. Now I’m pre op for a knee replacement and I am working hard with them to both reduce pain now and get as strong as I can before surgery. I live on east side and they are in Fitchburg but it’s a no brainer to keep doing the drive. I’ve had a lot of PT in my life and this has been my best experience ever.
Amanda J. profile picture
Amanda J.
02:11 12 Feb 26
Sam was amazing! Very knowledgeable and really took the time to ask questions to better understand the problem I was having. Highly recommend!
Jason C. profile picture
Jason C.
21:24 10 Feb 26
I went to Forward Physical Therapy today for the first time. My appointment was with Michelle. My experience was nothing short of remarkable! I really value knowing the “why” behind things and having a clear understanding of expectations. Michelle not only took the time to explain everything to me, but it was clear she thoroughly enjoys this work. My appointment was data driven (measurements and tests), educational, and results oriented. I now have a plan (created specifically for me and my goals) that I can work on with her, and on my own. She gave me full demonstrations on the exercises, guided me in real time to do them myself, and adjusted the exercises based on my current mobility. I learned what to do and what not to do. I learned how to gauge my progress when doing the exercises. She even helped me increase my range of motion dramatically in one session. I left encouraged, supported and optimistic about what’s possible for me. 5 stars. 6 if I could!
Cynthia C. profile picture
Cynthia C.
14:53 27 Jan 26
Forward Physical Therapy’s new location in Fitchburg is a great facility , and they have the same amazing staff as their location in Edgerton. At Forward Physical Therapy you are not just a number, they tailor your care to you. Your therapist spends an hour working with you and sends home with videos of your exercises. FPT brought me back from a major heath issue and I can’t thank them enough!!
Sydney M. profile picture
Sydney M.
21:00 22 Jan 26
Dr. Gabrielle Thomas is a truly caring and knowledgeable physical therapist. She took time to listen, explain, and tailor treatment to my needs. She supported me every step of the way and real improvements were seen. She is also very personable and makes physical therapy appointments fun and entertaining. Highly recommend!
Jessi P. profile picture
Jessi P.
15:58 09 Jan 26
Michelle at Forward PT has been a game changer. After breaking my ankle almost two years ago, she's helping me return to Crossfit movements I thought I'd be limited on forever. She understands athletic movement, progression, and how to push just enough without letting me do something dumb. I'm rebuilding strength AND mobility, along with confidence to return to movements I couldn't do before. If you're active and want a PT who actually understands you - and won't just hand you a resistance band and wish you luck - this is the place and Michelle's your person.
Carrie S. profile picture
Carrie S.
23:26 01 Dec 25
Michelle is an amazing therapist! I have been working with her for many months now and it has been an incredible experience. The treatment plan she developed for my shoulder has helped the pain subside and improved strength and mobility in that joint. Throughout my pt journey, Michelle has shown patience, compassion, and concern for my struggles. I so recommend Michelle to anyone seeking pt for their problems.
Robert T. profile picture
Robert T.
01:57 26 Nov 25
Very happy with results all the way thru.!
Mike M. profile picture
Mike M.
03:59 14 Nov 25
I'm totally thrilled to be working with Michelle LaFave at Forward Therapy! Michelle is highly professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and pragmatic.

I've had some minor yet annoying back and hip issues, and Michelle has helped me work through them. After even one session, I noticed a significant improvement. Michelle took time to assess the problem, explain why it might be happening, and provide me an individualized exercise plan. The dry needling and cupping were new to me, so Michelle didn't rush anything. Now I'm a big fan of needling and cupping!

Michelle also took time to analyze my form while lifting weights and offered great tips on improving performance and avoiding injury.

The Forward method is both evidence-based and personalized. I highly recommend them!
Nancy M. profile picture
Nancy M.
21:52 30 Oct 25
Michelle at FWDPT is the best! She has recently helped me with multiple issues, a shoulder strain, knee strain, and now that I’m having carpal tunnel release surgery leaving me one-handed for a few weeks…she adapted my exercises to do post-op. I’ve gained function, strength, and confidence by following her treatment plans.
Diana Z. profile picture
Diana Z.
22:47 29 Oct 25
I just finished up a several month session with Michelle at Forward PT in Edgerton and I am SO impressed. I have had PT for various issues over the years at other facilities but this experience was above and beyond. They are very sports oriented. If there's a sport you love that you've been unable to play due to injury... THIS is the place to go. It's like having a Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer rolled into one! Work with them and they will get you back to doing what you love... and there's nothing better than that! I was dealing with a post op complication after knee replacement surgery in addition to a torn rotator cuff and was unable to play tennis for over a year. But I am BACK, playing 4 days a week and absolutely thrilled! Thank you Forward PT - you gave me back something that is so important to me both physically and mentally!
Lorijean C. profile picture
Lorijean C.
01:48 07 Oct 25
I have been with Tyler from the beginning of my hip replacement rehab - his profound knowledge has had a deep impact on me. He constantly encouraged and challenged me by creating in clinic treatments as well as at home exercises. I am proud of how far I’ve come and much of it has to do with Tyler.
I am very grateful to him and the entire staff at Forward Physical Therapy - they are truly THE BEST!

Conditions & Specialties

Whatever brought you here, we've seen it.

Accepted Insurance

We make it easy to get started

No referral needed. We accept most major insurance plans, HSA/FSA, and competitive self-pay rates.

Meet Our Team

1-on-1 orthopedic physical therapy — rehab that builds resilience.

Dr. Kristen Wellenkotter

Dr. Kristen Wellenkotter

PT, DPT, CF-L1

Owner | Head of Finance, HR & Scheduling

ICE Certified Specialist:
Orthopedics, Fitness Athlete

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Kristen wanted to be a receptionist when she grew up. Instead, she became a Doctor of Physical Therapy, ICE-certified specialist, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, and co-owner of a company she now copilots with her husband. She runs the books, leads HR, manages scheduling, and keeps the entire operation moving.

Kristen also assumes a role as adjunct faculty for the Extremity division under the Institute of Clinical Excellence (ICE). Over weekend courses, she teaches physical therapists around the country on how to improve their skills with treating patients of all kinds.

Outside of the clinic, Kristen can be found training and pushing her own performance at CrossFit 608. She enjoys navigating the challenges of having a family and blending work and life with her husband, Jedd, 2 children and dogs.
Dr. Jedd Wellenkotter

Dr. Jedd Wellenkotter

PT, DPT, MS, EPC

Owner | Head of Clinical Operations & Technology

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Jedd is a physical therapist, exercise scientist, and software developer. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from UW-La Crosse and holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science.

Jedd built Lune and Return+ out of a conviction that physical therapists deserve tools that let them treat the way they were trained. Lune is a clinical operating system he built from the ground up that powers every note, every visit, and every outcome measure at Forward PT. Return+ is a proprietary testing platform built on nearly 100 peer-reviewed articles that gives clinicians and surgeons objective, data-driven proof of where a patient stands. For decades, the profession has lacked the technology to standardize what the best clinicians already know — that outcomes should be measurable, care should be individualized, and exercise science should drive every decision. He set out to change that by giving clinicians the platform to excel as individuals while holding the entire profession to a higher standard.

Before building full-time, Jedd competed at the highest level of endurance sport — multiple Ironman triathlons and marathons, including a top-100 finish at the Ironman World Championships in 2015. That same drive now goes into creating an environment built on professionalism, precision, and pushing the field forward.

Outside of work, Jedd spends his time with his wife Kristen, their two kids, and two dogs.
Dr. Michelle LaFave

Dr. Michelle LaFave

PT, DPT, MBA

ICE Certified Specialist: Orthopedics

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Michelle completed her undergraduate studies at Michigan Tech — where she also received her MBA and played on the basketball team. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin — Madison.

Michelle has a special interest in treating fitness athletes of all ages. Outside of the clinic, you can find her mountain biking, hiking, playing basketball, and doing CrossFit.
Dr. Thomas Felstead

Dr. Thomas Felstead

PT, DPT

ICE Certified Specialist: Orthopedics

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Thomas is a Janesville native and competed in Olympic Weightlifting while attending Northern Michigan University. He received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin Madison.

Thomas loves treating across the age spectrum to help individuals get out of pain and return to the activities they love and stay active.

Outside of the clinic Thomas enjoys spending time with his wife, three children and their dog Caesar. His hobbies include bass fishing, golfing and CrossFit.
Dr. Samantha Dawes

Dr. Samantha Dawes

PT, DPT

ICE Certified Specialist: Orthopedics

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Sam completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin Madison.

She loves creating a positive impact for athletes at the high school level and beyond with a newly developing passion for empowering those in need of pelvic health to improve quality of life in a fitness forward holistic approach.

Outside of the clinic you’ll find Sam participating in Hybrid athletics/racing and CrossFit. She loves exploring with her husband, Mitch, running with her dog, Hallie, reading and sourdough bread making.
Dr. Gabrielle Thomas

Dr. Gabrielle Thomas

PT, DPT

Clinical Interest: Pelvic Health, Organizational Health, Extremities

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Gabby played volleyball and attended University of Wisconsin — Stevens Point. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the College of St. Scholastica.

Her clinical interests cover a broad spectrum of ages and stages with special interests in extremities, pelvic health and organizational health.

Outside of the clinic you’ll find Gabby playing volleyball, weight lifting, spending time with her husband, Cory, hiking and fishing.
Dr. Tyler Wendt

Dr. Tyler Wendt

PT, DPT, CF-L2

Clinical Interest: Older Adult, Fitness Athlete, Upper Extremity

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Tyler is a physical therapist and CrossFit Level 2 Trainer. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received his degree in Exercise Science. He received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Mayo Clinic.

Tyler enjoys working alongside individuals of all ages to help them return to the activities they love. Additionally, he has a clinical interest in working with fitness athletes.

Outside of the clinic, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife Carly as well as friends and family. His hobbies include backpacking, camping, CrossFit, and playing sports.
Dr. Melissa Castillo

Dr. Melissa Castillo

PT, DPT

Clinical Interest: Adolescent Dancers/Athletes, Lower Extremity

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Mel is a physical therapist who grew up in California and earned her BA at Loyola Marymount University. She was a ballerina in San Diego before attending PT School. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at UW-Madison.

Her clinical interests lie with pediatric sports and performing arts!

Outside of the clinic she enjoys ballet, golf, pickleball, hiking, paddle boarding, and really anything to get moving and outdoors.
Shannon Coombs

Shannon Coombs

Office Administrator

 

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Shannon has been with Forward Physical Therapy since 2023 performing office administrative tasks and patient care coordination.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Eau Claire — Elementary Education K-9, Learning Disabilities K-12 and Masters of Science in Education from UW-Whitewater — Curriculum and Instruction.

Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family (husband Mark and her 3 sons Connor, Drew and Mitchell), in addition to reading, knitting and hiking.
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Our Standard

Jedd and Kristen Wellenkotter built Forward around one idea: every patient deserves better than what most people think physical therapy is. Thorough evaluation. Evidence-based treatment. Objective testing. Real time with a Doctor of Physical Therapy who knows your name, your history, and your goals.

Whether you’re rehabbing a torn ACL, managing chronic low back pain, recovering from shoulder surgery, or getting back to work after an injury — the standard doesn’t change. That’s why people drive past a dozen clinics to get here.

Ask anyone who’s been through it.