Craig E. Stasio PT, MSPT, PRC™, AIA Fellow is a 2004 graduate of Grand Valley State University’s Graduate Physical Therapy program. Craig has worked in the physical therapy field since 1998 and has served as an aide, lead PT, and Director of Clinical Services and clinical educator prior to starting his own private specialty practice in 2008 with the help of his business partner, Rick, their spouses, and this great community.

Q: Where are you from and what experiences influenced your decision to become a PT?

“I attended middle school and high school on the east side of Michigan. Before that, I lived in Massachusetts and was lucky enough to have a ski hill at the end of my road! My grandparents gifted me skiing lessons at a young age and I continued that sport through high school. A ski injury and subsequent surgery while in school opened my eyes to what would be a career choice. My physical therapist at that time noticed that I was curious and offered me an opportunity in his clinic to get hands-on. That soon led to my application to Grand Valley State University with the plan to eventually be accepted into the Physical Therapy graduate program. That plan came together.”

Q: Do you still get involved in any sports or recreation?

“In addition to skiing, I grew up an avid camper, backpacker, and outdoors person. I also hunt, fish, and hike. My family continues that passion of camping (in tents), backpacking (with boots), and what I call ‘campering’ (in our house on wheels). As our children get older, life outdoors seems to be getting more fun. In 2021, my daughter asked if I would take her to Isle Royale for a week of Dad and Daughter backpacking. I did not pass up on that memory making opportunity!”

Q: How long have you been a PT and what are some things that keep you motivated in your profession?

“I’ve been a PT since 2004. Along the journey, I have experienced the gift of great mentorship. I believe that my motivation comes from continued learning. I have made the commitment to myself, my staff, and my clients to be a perpetual student. I tend to seek answers for what I observe. My early mentors taught me to observe everything, judge nothing, and consistently test my interpretation. Those early career opportunities allowed me to build trust in myself and in the results I create. As my clinical education expands deeper into the essential neurosensory, neuromuscular, and autonomic control of the body, the ability to understand even a small doses of how complex the human body is, motivates me more now than ever before.”

Q: Now that we know a little about Craig the PT, what can you share with us about your life outside of the clinic?

“My family lives in Byron Center. My wife, Tonya, is also a physical therapist and practices in a lymphedema specialty center in Grand Rapids. Her specialties include traumatic brain injury rehab, lymphedema management, and being the spouse of a person whose dreams take a little extra time and space. We have two children that keep us busy. Daylin is in middle school and enjoys Girl Scouts, crafting, art, and her iPhone. Miles is in elementary school and loves football, soccer, Minecraft, and Cub Scouts. We are an active family that love to travel, dine-out, and be outdoors.”

5 RANDOM QUESTIONS:

Last books you read?
The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeon and Analyzing the Stomatognathic System by Dr James E Carlson, DDS. I pretty much stick to non-fiction.

Last TV show or movie you saw?
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Miles and I are on an classic movie marathon.

Are you a morning person or night owl?
Morning for sure. I love a cup of coffee and the quiet of things that can only be heard in the AM.

Something that you’ve done that you never thought would be possible?
Met my birth-mother when I was nearly 40!

What are you a collector of?
Where do I start? air-cooled VW’s, cereal boxes, old things in general.

Founded on the continual education of staff and clients, SIMIO has the mission to create a unique center for the study and treatment of human motion, especially as it pertains to compensation strategies that create overuse and dominant patterns of motion. This specialty is how SIMIO differs in approach and treatment style from what most people know of physical therapy treatment. This commitment to education is how Craig was awarded the distinction as a Postural Restoration Certified™ physical therapist. A unique distinction that is only awarded to a few select individuals each year that demonstrate their understanding and treatment proficiency in the management of human movement asymmetry and compensations for orthopedic, neuro-reflexive, and neuro-sensory patterns.

SIMIO Physical Therapy is the only certified Postural Restoration Center® in the State of Michigan.

Testimonials from Craig’s clients: