Chris Ashbeck

Bio

Chris Ashbeck was born and raised in Central Wisconsin and physical therapy is a family tradition as both his step-mother and older brother are physical therapists. Chris attended UW-La Crosse for both his undergraduate degree as well as his doctorate in physical therapy. Since graduating, Chris has made it a personal mission to be as involved in the profession of physical therapy as possible. He holds numerous leadership roles in both his local district; serving first as the vice-chair and recently being elected as the chair of the North Central District; as well as the state chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association. Chris was the chair of the opioid abuse task force and led the group as it transitioned to its current platform as APTA WI’s Pain Special Interest Group where he currently serves as co-chair. This group helps to improve the knowledge of PTs, PTAs, OTs, and COTAs in the management of patients with persistent pain. The group is also leading efforts to improve physical therapist’s position as providers of choice for patients with persistent pain (as well as patients with neuromusculoskeletal pain as a whole!). Chris actively serves on the state chapter’s professional development committee helping to plan and coordinate the state conferences. “I truly want to see our profession continue to move forward. I don’t want to simply stand by and passively hope this would happen but rather be an active force for positive change for both ourselves and our patients.” Through this work, Chris was nominated for, and was a recipient of The American Physical Therapy Association’s Emerging Leader Award for 2023.

Chris is an avid Brewers, Packers, Bucks and Badgers fan. Chris’ favorite recreational activity is running but he enjoys biking as well as traveling and showing his daughters all the beauty that our country has to offer. Chris lives in Wisconsin Rapids with his wife, Danica, and his two daughters, Emma and Amelia.

Experience and Interests

Professional Experience

• Physical Therapist, Owner, Pinnacle Performance Therapy December (2023-present)
• Physical Therapist, Aspirus Health (2020-2023)
• Physical Therapist, Roberts Physical Therapy (2017-2020)
• Chair, APTA-WI Pain Special Interest Group

Involvement

Professional Organizations

• Chair, APTA-WI North Central District (2024-present)
• Co-Chair, APTA WI Pain Special Interest Group (2020-present)
• American Physical Therapy Association (2014-present)
• APTA-Wisconsin Member (2014-present)
• Orthopedic Section Member (2019-present)

Awards

• APTA Emerging Leader Award (2023)

Presentations and Publications

Select Publications

• Klimek C, Ashbeck C, Brook AJ, Durall C. Are Injuries More Common With CrossFit Training Than Other Forms of Exercise? J Sport Rehabil. 2018 May 1;27(3):295-299. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2016-0040. Epub 2018 May 22. PMID: 28253059.

Fun Facts

Last book you read?

1776 by David McCullough