Supporting First Responders & Veterans Through Specialized Physical Therapy
At Ares Physical Therapy, serving Waukesha, Pewaukee, and Brookfield, WI, we have a
deep understanding of the sacrifices made by those who protect and serve our
communities. As a doctor of physical therapy married to a disabled veteran, I’ve seen
firsthand the physical and emotional toll that service, whether in law enforcement,
firefighting, or the military, can take. That’s why our clinic is dedicated to
providing specialized rehab and injury prevention programs tailored to first responders,
tactical athletes, and veterans.
A Holistic Approach to Rehabilitation & Performance
Many first responder rehab programs, like the one pioneered at Ohio State, began as post-injury recovery plans but have evolved to include preventive conditioning, strength training, and mental resilience strategies. At Ares Physical Therapy, we take the same comprehensive approach, offering:
Injury rehab & post-surgical recovery
Tactical athlete conditioning (strength, mobility, endurance)
Pain management & injury prevention
Collaboration with nutritionists, mental health professionals, and orthopedic specialists
Our mission
To ensure that when first responders and veterans return to duty—or to daily life—they do so with full confidence in their bodies.
Injury Prevention
Physical Therapy
Performance Training
Why Trust Matters
in Rehab
First responders and veterans need providers who truly understand their world. Many of our staff have worked alongside police, firefighters, and military personnel, whether through station visits, tactical training observations, or adaptive rehab programs. As a spouse of a disabled veteran, I know how critical it is to have healthcare providers who listen, adapt, and fight for your recovery. That’s why at Ares Physical Therapy, we prioritize:
- One-on-one rehab plans (no cookie-cutter programs)
- On-site conditioning for fire/police departments
- Fast access to specialists when needed
- A focus on long-term resilience, not just short-term fixes
Beyond Physical Recovery:
Mental & Emotional Strength
Healing isn’t just about the body—it’s about the mind and spirit. The stress of the job (or combat) can lead to chronic pain, burnout, and PTSD. Our programs integrate:
• Stress-reducing movement therapies
• Recovery-focused training
• Collaborations with mental health providers
As Fire Chief Frederick Kauser (who worked with a similar program) said:
“We’re seeing healthier, more resilient first responders, this kind of care changes lives.”
We’ve seen the same results right here in Waukesha, Pewaukee, and Brookfield.
The Ares Physical Therapy Difference
We don’t just treat injuries, we rebuild strength, confidence, and readiness. Our phased system includes:
Rehab (reducing pain, restoring movement)
Reconditioning (sport/tactical-specific drills)
Resilience training (preventing future injuries)
One officer we worked with put it perfectly:
“This isn’t your typical physical therapy clinic there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach here. Dr. Ngutse and her team actually listened to my needs and tailored my rehab to get me back to full duty. For the first time in years, I can wear my gear pain free.
That’s the power of personalized, tactical-focused rehab.
A Call to Local Departments, Veterans & Active Responders
If you’re a first responder in Waukesha, Pewaukee, or Brookfield—or a veteran navigating post-service life, we’re here for you. And if you’re a department leader, let’s talk about bringing our injury prevention programs to your team. At Ares Physical Therapy, we’re not just another clinic, we’re advocates, allies, and specialists for those who serve. Because those who protect us deserve the best care possible.
— Dr. Elizabeth Ngutse, PT, DPT, CSCS
Founder, Ares Physical Therapy | Serving Waukesha, Pewaukee & Brookfield, WI Wife of a disabled veteran & fierce supporter of first responders
