Stephanie Oakes

Stephanie earned her Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from Grand Valley State University in 2001. She has been practicing as a licensed Physical Therapist in West Michigan since 2001, and has worked in the field of Physical Rehabilitation since 1991. She is also an experienced educator. Stephanie began as a guest lecturer with interactive labs for sensory integration at Grand Valley State University in 2005, and she continued on as an adjunct professor in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program for the last 14 years.  She has a love for bringing teaching and clinical perspective together, and joined Evidence in Motion (formerly Kinetacore) as an assistant instructor of Functional Dry Needling in 2015. Stephanie’s experiences and training have led her to work in the following areas of rehabilitation: chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, general orthopedics, spine care, arthritis, and pediatrics. She continues to advance her professional knowledge through continuing education in biomechanical treatment approaches, neuro –developmental techniques, manual therapy – mobilization with movement, Pilates, sensory integration, kinesio taping technique, cupping, Selective Functional Movement Assessment, preventative care, and Functional Dry Needling. She uses a variety of techniques specifically tailored to each patient’s goals and needs when treating conditions such as: CRPS (chronic regional pain syndrome), neck pain, back pain, Fibromyalgia, arthritis, headaches, TMJ, scoliosis and postural dysfunction, and joint dysfunction. Currently, Stephanie is involved in multiple roles within the physical therapy profession: Physical therapy clinician, clinical instructor, and clinical coordinator of clinical education; Grand Valley State University Adjunct Professor, GVSU Pro-Bono Volunteer, guest speaker for professional development, assistant instructor for functional dry needling levels 1 and 2, and an independent consultant and clinician for Ballet and triathletes.

In her free time, Stephanie enjoys running, hiking, water sports, working in her yard, and baking. But most of all, she enjoys spoiling her kids and her pup Oscar!