About

Pedro Zavala, PT, DPT, is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed an APTA credential Sports Physical Therapy Residency at Gundersen Health Systems-Medical Foundation. His sports and orthopedic training allow him to provide individualized, evidence-based patient care by combining the latest research, rehabilitation principles, and strength and conditioning concepts. His background includes working with athletes and active individuals of all ages with varying skill level and musculoskeletal pathologies. In addition to being a clinician, he collaborates with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Institute for Movement Sciences and other institutions in lieu of gaining a deeper understanding of ways to overcome the adverse neuroplasticity effects in athletic populations following an injury, as well as furthering the understanding of orthopedic pathologies in both athletic and recreational populations. Furthermore, he is actively involved within the APTA at the national level, specifically, the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy.

Education

Sports Physical Therapy Resident, Gundersen Health Systems-Medical Education
Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelor of Science, Exercise and Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Professional Certification

Doctor of Physical Therapy
Functional Dry Needling Level 1 by: Evidence in Motion
Emergency Response for the Athlete (ERA) by: Cogent Steps LLC

Professional Affiliations

American Physical Therapy Association
American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy
American Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy
American Physical Therapy Association-Minnesota
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (Researcher)
University of Wisconsin-Madison (Policy and Admissions Committee Member)

Achievements & Awards

2021 APTA-WI Student Emerging Leader Award
2020 Wisconsin Physical Therapy Award Recipient

Publications

Zavala P, Vannatta CN, Rutherford DN, Kernozek T. Dynamic Postural Control in Injured Collegiate Cross-Country Runners is Not Associated with Running-Related Injury. 2022 (In-Preparation)

Zavala P, Conway MR, Vannatta CN, Zebell SJ, Davies GJ.  Rehabilitation and Return to Play following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. In: Physical Therapy Case Files: Orthopaedics.~Currently in Review (2022)

Kliethermes, S. A., Stiffler-Joachim, M. R., Wille, C. M., Sanfilippo, J. L., Zavala, P., & Heiderscheit, B. C. (2021). Lower step rate is associated with a higher risk of bone stress injury: a prospective study of collegiate cross country runners. British journal of sports medicine, bjsports-2020-103833. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-103833

Steinkamp L, Deuel D, Lucre M, Zavala P. The Interplay of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Addressing Health Inequities. WMJ. 2021;120(S1):S54-S58.

Poster Presentations:

Zavala P, Vannatta CN, Rutherford DN, Kernozek T
Examination of Dynamic Postural Control in Injured Collegiate Cross Country Runners
Gundersen Medical Education Academic Day, USA 17 May 2022

Deuel D, Lucre M, Zavala P, Steinkamp L
Applying Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to Address Health Inequities
American Physical Therapy Association-Wisconsin 2021 Virtual Spring Conference, USA 15-16 April 2021

Zavala P, Felming S, Jones M, Oliver J, Jagim A.
The effects of 8 weeks of bio-active peptide supplementation on training adaptations in recreational male weight lifters.
31st National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Memphis, Tennessee, USA 6-8 April 2017

Kreutzer A, Zavala P, Felming S, Jones M, Oliver J, Jagim A.
The effects of 8 weeks of colostrum and bio-active peptide supplementation on body composition in recreational male weight lifters.
Thirteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo, Clearwater Beach, FL, USA 9-11 June 2016