Dr. Marissa Anderson, PT, DPT

Dr. Marissa originally grew up living in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, but has now moved to the Madison area to establish herself as a practicing physical therapist here in Lake Mills

Why did you want to be a physical therapist?

Dr. Marissa was inspired to pursue a career in physical therapy through personal experience with injury and recovery. As an athlete, she faced a significant setback that tested both physical endurance and mental strength. During that time, the compassionate care and expert guidance received from a physical therapist had a lasting impact, igniting a passion to help others in similar situations. What drives Dr. Marissa in this profession is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients and support them in regaining their strength, confidence, and independence. Being part of each patient’s journey—helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals—is a source of deep fulfillment and purpose.

What can the patient expect when they have Dr. Marissa Anderson, PT, DPT as their physical therapist?

Dr. Marissa is dedicated to delivering individualized, patient-centered care aimed at maximizing function, with a strong focus on enhancing sports performance for athletes. Her approach combines evidence-based techniques with a deep understanding of the physical and mental demands faced by individuals recovering from injury. Dr. Marissa is committed to creating a compassionate and empowering environment as well as helping patients navigate their rehabilitation journey with confidence. By developing personalized rehabilitation plans and providing consistent motivation, she strives to support each patient in overcoming challenges and returning to the activities they love with freedom and assurance.

What is the most important factor in the therapist-patient relationship and why?

For Dr. Marissa, the most important factor in the therapist-patient relationship is trust. Trust forms the foundation of effective, patient-centered care and is essential for creating a collaborative environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Whether she is working with athletes aiming to return to peak performance or members of the general population striving to regain their prior level of function, Dr. Marissa believes that trust enables open communication, mutual goal-setting, and consistent effort from both parties. By building genuine relationships grounded in empathy and reliability, Dr. Marissa helps patients stay motivated and engaged in their rehabilitation, ultimately leading to better outcomes and a more meaningful recovery experience.

EDUCATION

• Undergraduate: Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from The University of Kansas.
• Graduate: Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin.

CERTIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

• Animal Assisted Therapy Certification from Concordia University Wisconsin

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

• MEMBERSHIPS: ACAPT National Honor Society Member & American Physical Therapy Association Member
• STAYING FIT: Hiking, biking, and playing pickleball with friends and family
• FUN TIME: Dr. Marissa loves hanging out with her family and closest friends. She loves going on runs with her golden retriever puppy,  drinking coffee, and playing board games with her family and friends.