Michael Verplancke left his roots of St. Louis, Missouri, to both attend and play ice hockey at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, where Mike graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. He then attended Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School in North Chicago, Illinois, to obtain his physical therapy degree. He graduated in 2001 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Mike has participated in numerous continuing education seminars with a focus on manual therapy techniques, evaluation and treatment of the spine and TMJ/craniofacial pain, mobilization techniques, and intramuscular dry needling.

In 2002, Mike obtained his credentials as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), which has assisted him with exercise prescription, as well as the progression of overall health and wellness for patients.

In 2014, Mike completed his certification in Intramuscular Dry Needling through Myopain Seminars. This treatment approach has provided a technique that improves the treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points and their effect on localized and referred pain, as well as muscle activation patterns throughout the body.
Mike has been trained in Temporal Mandibular Disorders (TMD) and Craniofacial Pain (CFP) by Dr. Mariano Rocobado, a world-renowned leader in the field of TMD and CFP. In January 2018, Mike completed his Cranio-Facial Certification exam through the University of St. Augustine, and he now holds the Cranio-Facial Certification (CFC) credentials. Mike is one of less than 40 Physical Therapists in the United States to obtain this credential. In addition, Mike has attended an Orofacial Pain and TMD residency with the University of Minnesota Dental School with Dr. Eric Schiffman, a TMD continuing education series with Steve Kraus, PT, and an anatomical dissection course for the head, neck, and jaw with the renowned Dr. Terry Tanaka, DDS.
Mike has been an employee at Freedom Physical Therapy since July of 2005 and is currently the Lead Physical Therapist and clinic director of the Grafton location.

Mike has a wide range of hobbies and interests, which include playing ice hockey, softball, golf, and basketball. He also enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Marion, their three daughters, Sophia, Liliana, and Emilia, and their Golden Retriever, Stan..