Jennifer Hungate, PT, DPT, MS
Co-Owner and Physical Therapist
Board-Certified Specialist in Women's Health Physical Therapy
The co-owner of Vitality, Jennifer brings two decades of advanced experience to the clinic. She is a board certified clinical specialist in women's health physical therapy and has dedicated her career to treating women with complex pelvic and back pain pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and everything in between. She is passionate about helping women restore their health, confidence, and vitality through physical therapy. Jennifer’s clients appreciate her deep understanding of women’s health, her ability to break down complex concepts, and her nurturing approach to treatment.
While working at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now Shirley Ryan Ability Lab), Jennifer developed a special interest in the management of prenatal and postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction and musculoskeletal pain, and she worked closely with Northwestern's Integrated Pelvic Health Program. She also taught courses for various organizations and trained Northwestern obstetrics and gynecology residents.
Jennifer served as an item writer for the national board examination on women's health, served as the Director of Practice, and currently serves as Vice President of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, a Component of the APTA.
Why I practice
women’s health physical therapy
My first women's health patient was a woman in her early 30’s who was unable to have intercourse with her spouse due to a long history of pelvic pain. After seeing the impact PT had on nurturing her relationship with her partner and her success in conceiving, I knew women's health PT was my calling. Over the years, I started treating countless new mothers unable to care for their children and women unable to continue their jobs through pregnancy due to pain. I also treated grandmothers who were nervous to lift their grandchildren due to urinary leakage and marathoners unable to run distances due to urinary urge and frequency.
Helping these women care for and build their families and return to their favorite activities became so much more than rehabbing injury. It became a means to restore the vitality of women. For the past two decades, I advanced my training to specialize in musculoskeletal dysfunction that affects women through the lifespan. My mission is to educate women and health professionals that this level of care should be standard and available to all women from birth to childbearing to advanced years.
Education
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Doctor of Physical Therapy: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 2003
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Master of Science in Kinesiology: University of Colorado, Boulder, 1999
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Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1997
Board Certification
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Women's Health Physical Therapy
Advanced Training
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McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT): Completed all levels of training
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Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic PT (CAPP-Pelvic) following Pelvic Health Physical Therapy: Levels 1, 2, 3 (APTA)
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Fundamental Topics of Pregnancy & Postpartum Physical Therapy (APTA)
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Advanced Topics of Pregnancy & Postpartum Physical Therapy (APTA)
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Intrapartum Topics of Obstetric Physical Therapy (APTA)
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Certificate in Women’s Health: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 2008
Memberships
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American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
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Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA)
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Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, APTA
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Elmhurst Area Moms
Leadership Service
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Vice President (2019-present), Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, APTA
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Director of Practice (2013-2019) of the Section on Women's Health, APTA
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Item Writer for the ABPTS Board-Certified Specialist in Women's Health Physical Therapy Exam (2010-2011)
"When I first met with Jennifer at Vitality, I was so frustrated by my inability to do the activities I loved. For years I had run long distances, had completed multiple marathons, and worked out regularly. By the time I sought out a specialist in women’s physical therapy, I could barely walk without pain let alone exercise. I am a busy working mom, so I did let this go for a very long time. My advice to anyone having this pain is to go to Vitality. Jennifer was able to quickly address the issue and put me on the path to healing. Her understanding of the pain I was experiencing and why helped me to finally see what was happening. Amy spent time with me teaching me to breathe, which also was very helpful in calming my pain. The techniques I have learned at Vitality have allowed me to return to the activities I love pain free. Only a pelvic floor specialist like Jennifer could have helped me to do this. Thank you Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy & Wellness for helping women recover from these injuries with the knowledge and understanding that will allow us to return to busy lives pain free."
- Lori L