APTA Michigan, A Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association

02/09/2026

🧗‍♀️💦 Climb & Sweat with APTA MI 💦🧗‍♂️

Beat the cold and join APTA MI’s Northern District for a Saturday of fun, movement, and connection!

This family-friendly event is open to physical therapy professionals and their families—and if you live outside the Northern District, you’re still more than welcome to join us 🙌

Saturday, February 21st
11:30 AM - 2:45 pm
Rock climbing at Elev8 Climbing Gym + Sauna & Cold Plunge at Hearth Sauna (Downtown)
Traverse City, Michigan

GREAT DISCOUNTS!

Climbing: Discounted to $20 per climber (includes harness/shoes) for members and non-members (Regular price $34)

Sauna: Members: $10; Non-members: $25 (Regular price $35; Limited to 12)

More info at aptami.org/events

Come climb, sweat, laugh, and hang out with your PT community!

02/09/2026

Calling all PTs & PTAs 👋

Join us for a virtual continuing education program

Parkinson’s Disease 101

🧠💪 Presented by Torrey Davenport, PT, DPT, Northern MI Program Director for the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation.

📅 Thursday, Feb. 19

⏰ 7:00–8:30 PM EST

💻 Virtual

🎓 Presented by the American Physical Therapy Association of Michigan

💸 Free for APTA Michigan members | $35 for non-members

Perfect for clinicians looking to strengthen their understanding and treatment of individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

The event also includes APTA MI updates on legislative and other topics.

Register at aptami.org in the events section. Don’t miss it!

02/09/2026

02/06/2026

What an amazing way end to our week !!
Today we had a collaboration with Um Flint’s DPT students & Baker’s PTA students.

We were able to go through different simulations and work together to create solutions for each! This was such an amazing experience, it was really eye opening to see how important and powerful good communication is between the PT & PTA. Not only for the patient but for families as well!

🩺🤍💪🏼📝

02/05/2026

Joined by the cutest patient this morning!

We are currently in our life span course & had a play lab this morning as we continue to learn about pediatrics! 🛝👧🏼

I see a lot of pediatric PTA’s in this class (even if they don’t know it yet 😉)

Disclaimer : all parents signed consent forms for photos of their children!

02/02/2026

What a MAGICAL afternoon ! 🪄

Our SPTA’s had the honor of having a presentation about including magic into therapy! Not only was this a fun experience we also all learned some amazing magic tricks to bring into our future careers as therapists!!

Huge thank you to for coming & seeing us! Such an amazing experience 😊

02/02/2026

Good morning from some of your 2nd year MCC SPTA’s! 💪🏼🩺🏋️‍♂️

We are so excited to show you more about our amazing program!

Stay tuned for lots of content this week!

Go bears!! 🐻

01/31/2026

📬 APTA Michigan Members — Check Your Inbox!

Our January Newsletter was emailed yesterday and is packed with updates, opportunities, and important information for our PT and PTA community.

Be sure to check your inbox for the link so you don’t miss:
✅ Association updates
✅ Upcoming events & education
✅ Advocacy news
✅ Member highlights

Didn’t see it? Take a quick peek in your spam/junk folder just in case!
Stay informed. Stay connected. 💙

01/30/2026

In our latest Lines blog, Physical Therapist and APTA MI Legislative Director Dustin Karlik highlights the critical role advocacy plays in our profession—and why it matters now more than ever.

https://aptami.org/blogpost/2108486/516826/Why-Advocacy-Matters-for-Physical-Therapy-in-2026

01/27/2026

Attention APTA Members: We have created a template for your use in creating our next
advocacy campaign with BCBSM regarding MPPR.

During our last liaison meeting with BCBSM at the end of July 2025, they requested that we provide specific examples demonstrating the impact of MPPR on their members to whom you provide services. Within the template, you will see a highlighted region in the middle of the letter. Below you will see examples and suggestions of information you may wish to incorporate based on your own experience. Make your information specific to you and your clinics.

To better understand the statewide impact, we respectfully request clarification on the following:

● Have staffing levels (clinical and support) changed as a result of MPPR?

● Have salaries been reduced or wage increases delayed?

● Have hours of operation been reduced, clinics closed, or closures anticipated?

● What plans are in place for 2026 to ensure continued access to high‑quality physical therapy services for BCBSM‑insured members? What are you unable to positively change?

Visit our State Payment and Resources Page (Member Protected) to access the template letter.
https://aptami.org/page/Payment_Member_Resources

01/27/2026

The following is a research participation request from a chapter member and has been vetted by the APTA Michigan Institute.

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗧𝘀 & 𝗣𝗧𝗔𝘀!

Dr. Andy Wicks from the Grand Valley State University DPT Program invites you to participate in a brief, anonymous survey on workplace injuries in physical therapy.

📝 Injuries Sustained by Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants in the Workplace

This survey explores injury prevalence, disclosure decisions, and personal impacts.

👉 Scan the QR code or click the link below to participate. https://gvsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5u85g357bnlgFjo
This research is being conducted by GVSU DPT students Keeli Kornak-Kotarba, SPT, Claire Cronin, SPT, and Lindsay Gould, SPT, and has been approved by the GVSU IRB.

Thank you for helping advance our profession!

01/24/2026

Quick Bill Update: SB 501 just passed the House Health Policy Committee and is moving to the House floor for a vote. Thank you to everyone who reached out and showed support — please stay tuned and contact your representative to voice your stance before the floor vote.