
Jennifer Hungate, PT, DPT, MS
Co-owner, Physical Therapist
Board-Certified Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy
Professional Background:
Jennifer, co-founder of Vitality, brings over 20 years of specialized experience in women’s health physical therapy. As a board-certified clinical specialist, she is passionate about helping women overcome pelvic pain, back pain, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Jennifer’s goal has always been to empower women to restore their health, confidence, and vitality through compassionate, personalized care.
Having transitioned from direct patient care, Jennifer now focuses on mentoring the women’s and pelvic health team at Vitality. She plays an essential role in guiding her team to provide exceptional care while staying at the forefront of the profession. In addition to her mentorship, Jennifer leads community outreach initiatives, advocating for women’s health and promoting Vitality’s services to help more women in the community access the care they need. Her passion for women’s health extends to professional advocacy, where she actively works to raise awareness about pelvic health and the importance of physical therapy in improving women’s lives.
Jennifer’s extensive background includes time spent at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now Shirley Ryan AbilityLab), where she developed her expertise in managing prenatal and postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction and musculoskeletal pain. Her work with Northwestern’s Integrated Pelvic Health Program, teaching collaborations, and her training of obstetrics and gynecology residents have all helped her refine her approach to patient care.
Jennifer also contributes to the profession through her involvement with the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, a component of the APTA, where she has served in various leadership roles, including Vice President and Treasurer.
Personal Interests:
As a busy mom of three active children, Jennifer understands the demands of family life firsthand. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll find her coaching AYSO girls’ soccer, cheering on the Elmhurst Eagles, or running between her kids’ activities. Her personal experiences enhance her ability to connect with her clients, allowing her to offer both empathy and practical, real-world solutions to the challenges women face.
Connect with Jennifer:
Jennifer is deeply committed to empowering women and advocating for their health through education and personalized care. Whether you’re dealing with pelvic pain, postpartum recovery, or other women’s health concerns, Jennifer and the team at Vitality are here to help you thrive. Reach out today to learn more or schedule an appointment!
My favorite thing about co-founding Vitality:
Creating a space that allows me to be present to nurture my growing family while at the same time affording me the opportunity to support women in my community and foster the advancement of our team who are the future of this amazing profession of Physical therapy.
Why I was drawn to this specialty area in PT:
I randomly fell into the specialty area due to need at the clinic I was working at and immediately realized the profound impact it had on the quality of lives of my patients.


Education
- Doctor of Physical Therapy: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
- Master of Science in Kinesiology: University of Colorado, Boulder
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Board Certification
- Women’s Health Physical Therapy
Advanced Training
- McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT): Completed all levels of training
- Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic PT (CAPP-Pelvic) following Pelvic Health Physical Therapy: Levels 1, 2, 3 (APTA)
- Fundamental Topics of Pregnancy & Postpartum Physical Therapy (APTA)
- Advanced Topics of Pregnancy & Postpartum Physical Therapy (APTA)
- Intrapartum Topics of Obstetric Physical Therapy (APTA)
- Certificate in Women’s Health: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Memberships
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA)
- Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, APTA
- Elmhurst Area Moms
Leadership Service
- Treasurer (2023-present), Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, APTA
- Vice President (2019-2023), Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, APTA
- Director of Practice (2013-2019) of the Section on Women’s Health, APTA
- Item Writer for the ABPTS Board-Certified Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy Exam (2010-2011)
