ð–¡¡ Manitowoc, WI
ABOUT
At Juniper Physical Therapy & Fitness, we believe that every midlife woman deserves the strength and vitality to embrace life’s adventures, pain-free and resilient. With expert care, advanced technology, and a supportive community, we empower you to stay active, confident, and strong for life.
How We Can Help
Our mission is simple: to empower you with personalized recovery and strength programs that not only get you out of pain but help you build lasting resilience and vitality.
We understand the unique challenges of staying active as you get older, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our customized therapy and training programs are designed to keep you moving, feeling strong, and full of energy.
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​We envision a future where you continue to thrive, staying active and healthy for years to come. By focusing on your long-term wellness and using advanced technology to accelerate your results, we make sure that your journey with us is both effective and transformative. At Juniper, your strength and independence are our priority.
"Best PTs I have ever been to. That includes every military doctor I have ever seen. They take a holistic, individual approach; would recommend 10/10."
- David Turner, Manitowoc
WHY WE ARE DIFFERENT
Why we stand out as a unique physical therapy clinic and fitness gym in Manitowoc.
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Personable
​We take pride in our ability to ensure that we truly get to know YOU. You can feel confident and comfortable knowing that your therapist is fully engaged in your case because she is not “sharing” you with others.
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Transparency
You will understand your time and financial commitment on day one. Although we can’t be exact every time, we do our best to estimate your needs at the beginning of your care. You will never receive any “surprise” bills.
02
Advancements
We can promise you that your therapist has both the experience and education to provide you with advanced care. Your therapist will have an advanced doctorate degree and you will never be in the hands of therapy aides.
04
Proven Care
Experience a blend of hands-on work and prescriptive exercises. Our up-to-date approach incorporates the latest evidence and time-proven techniques, ensuring you receive the best possible care.
MEET
THE TEAM
Every member of the Juniper team is dedicated to your journey, combining professional expertise with a genuine commitment to your well-being. From physical therapists to personal trainers, we work collaboratively to provide the highest standard of care.
Dr. Elizabeth Wergin
Physical Therapist & Owner
A passionate advocate for women’s health, Elizabeth brings decades of experience and a personal journey of strength training to her role. Her mission is to transform the way women approach aging and wellness, empowering them with knowledge and care that make a lasting impact.
Michelle Barnowsky
Certified Personal Trainer & Nutritionist
With over a decade of experience, Michelle specializing in personalized fitness programs that empower clients through small, consistent actions for lasting change. An avid outdoors enthusiast, she brings her passion for hiking, kayaking, and creating memorable experiences into her training philosophy, helping you stay strong and confident.
Libby Olson
Customer Service Representative
& Youth Apprentice
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Libby is an active and friendly high school senior dedicated to creating a welcoming and organized experience for every client at Juniper. From greeting clients warmly and maintaining an efficient, well-stocked clinic space to managing engaging social media content, she ensures everything runs smoothly and clients feel cared for throughout their visit.
THE STORY OF JUNIPER
"Juniper" is a unique and progressive physical therapy clinic founded by Elizabeth Wergin in memory of her sister, Alyssa. Inspired by Alyssa's love for nature and the Juniper tree.
The short version: Juniper is named after a family dog that is named after a tree.
The Whole Story...
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Juniper Physical Therapy & Fitness was inspired by a deeply personal journey. After nearly 15 years as a physical therapist, Elizabeth Wergin felt the traditional model of physical therapy wasn’t enough to truly help active people thrive. She envisioned a better way—a more meaningful, effective approach to recovery and strength. But it wasn’t until a life-altering event that she found the courage to bring her vision to life.
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In September 2016, Elizabeth’s youngest sister, Alyssa, tragically passed away at the age of 32. Alyssa was an organic farmer in northern California with an incredible zest for life. She had a deep connection to nature, spending her days farming, beekeeping, and collecting rocks with her beloved dog, Juniper. Alyssa’s spirit, kindness, and passion for the earth inspired Elizabeth to move forward and pursue her dream of creating a space where women could heal and grow stronger.
To honor Alyssa’s legacy, Elizabeth named her clinic Juniper, after both Alyssa’s cherished dog and the resilient juniper tree. The tree’s beauty lies in its twisted, weathered trunk, which only becomes more striking as it ages. Its needles soften over time, and it produces berries that have natural healing properties for muscle and joint pain. Like the tree, Juniper Physical Therapy & Fitness is a place where we grow stronger, more adaptable, and softer with age, embracing the wisdom and vitality that come with it. Our goal is to help you be more comfortably active, so you can age with grace and enjoy your best life.
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We envision a future where you continue to thrive, staying active and healthy for years to come. By focusing on your long-term wellness and using advanced technology to accelerate your results, we make sure that your journey with us is both effective and transformative. At Juniper, your strength and independence are our priority.
In honor of Alyssa’s kind spirit, Elizabeth would like to dedicate “Juniper” to the pursuit of kindness. Kindness to our earth and kindness to one another. May Alyssa’s kindness and love for all living creatures flow through you in the way you treat those around you each day. May her story go on.
Hold on to what is good, even if it’s a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe, even if it’s a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do, even if it’s a long way from here.
Hold on to your life, even if it is easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand, even if someday I’ll be gone away from you.
- A Pueblo Indian Prayer