PTSIR Staff
PTSIR has a very highly trained and dedicated staff of male and female therapists with decades of experience. They provide direct, attentive care to each patient in a personalized, professional manner. PTSIR offers one-on-one, hands-on physical therapy from degreed, licensed and experienced therapists who are devoted to helping patients.
PTSIR currently has 6 co-owners, 5 of which are physical therapists and 1 is an occupational therapist. Additionally, we have 5 physical therapists and 1 occupational therapist along with 4 physical therapy assistants and 2 athletic trainers.
Our staff is consistently dedicated to continuing education and has achieved multiple concentrations such as Lymphedema, Women's Health and the Graston Technique. When you experience the compassionate professional therapy at any of our five locations, you'll understand why PTSIR continues to be an industry leader.
Click the names below to read the bios.
Thomas N. Essig, P.T., A.T.C.
Tom received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University School of Medicine in 1974. Tom is also a licensed athletic trainer and has worked with several local high schools. Tom is one of the original two founders of PTSIR and is the Director of the Orland Park clinic. Tom enjoys volunteering with community outreach services which provides professional services.
Gregory W. Kaumeyer, P.T., M.S., M.P.T., A.T.C., C.G.M.P., TPI-MP3
Greg Kaumeyer received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training from Ohio State University in 1974, a Master of Science in Health Sciences Education from Case Western Reserve University in 1976, and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Duke University in 1978.
Greg is a licensed physical therapist and athletic trainer. He is a co-owner of Physical Therapy and Sports Injury Rehabilitation and has worked at PTSIR since 1985. He worked as a sports physical therapist and athletic trainer for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, the New York Rangers minor league hockey teams, the Connecticut Ballet, and with the Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University athletic teams. Greg is a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Medical Professional and Golf Fitness Professional. He is also a K-VEST TPI 3D Certified instructor.
Greg was involved in some of the initial pre-season and functional testing of athletes in 1974. Greg was one of the first five physical therapists in the United States to use the "Russian Stimulation" for strengthening musculature and served as a consultant for the manufacturer of this electrical stimulator. He has lectured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia on electrical stimulation and sports physical therapy. He was involved in a project at NASA during the 1980's to use electrical stimulation to maintain the strength of the crew in a weightless atmosphere. Greg has written multiple articles on Sports Physical Therapy that have been published and is a co-author of the "Lower Extremity Protective Pads and Appliances" chapter in the book Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy.
Greg has been involved in the treatment of golf injuries for many athletes for three decades. He is a member of the Sports Physical Therapy and Private Practice Sections of the American Physical Therapy Association and has served on the Executive Board. He is also a member of the Golf Special Interest Group of the Sports Physical Therapy Section. He is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and the International Private Practice Network.
Greg enjoys golfing, skiing, and bowling. You can reach Greg at Greg@ PTSIRgolf.com.
Ronald F. Agrigento, P.T., D.P.T.
Ron Agrigento received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in 1989. While at Marquette University, he developed and initiated the Marquette Challenge as the Senior Class President. In 1993, Ron became licensed athletic trainer and enjoys covering athletic events for several local high schools.
He is purpose driven and has focused his continuing education on the upper extremity and specifically the hand. Ron’s interests are in the rehabilitation of the upper extremity and the developments of splints and orthotics for the hand and foot.
Ron has grown with PTSIR and became an owner in 1996 and is the Director of PTSIR in Blue Island. He has coordinated the physical development of new PTSIR offices and the addition of work conditioning at Blue Island. Ron has interest to develop evidence based research at PTSIR. Ron is an avid fisherman and enjoys a leisure round of golf.
Max E. Nayden, P.T.
Max Nayden received his Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy from Northern Illinois University in 1998. Max focuses on treatment of orthopedic injuries. Max is the director of the Tinley Park clinic and the newest owner of PTSIR. Max enjoys the martial arts and gardening.
Jeffrey S. Gaich, O.T.R./L.
Jeff is a co-owner of P.T.S.I.R. and has over 12 years of experience in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. He is certified in Active Release Techniques (A.R.T.) for the upper extremity, Graston Technique, and Kinesiotaping Techniques. Jeff has also completed specialty training to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations and Ergonomic Assessments. In order to optimize patient outcomes, Jeff believes that patient education, compassion, and the development of relationships are essential.
James A. LoPiccolo, P.T., D.P.T., O.C.S., A.T.C.
James is a co-owner of PTSIR. He received his Master’s Degree in physical therapy with honors from Marquette University in 2001 and his Doctorate Degree in physical therapy from Shenandoah University in 2008. He is board certified through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as a clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. He is also a certified athletic trainer
James is a member of the orthopedic and private practice sections of the American Physical Therapy Association and is an avid reader of current literature regarding orthopedic physical therapy. His interests include sports medicine, fitness, wellness, and shoulder and knee rehabilitation. James provides a compassionate approach to patient care, with emphasis on patient education, to help each patient reach their maximal level of function. He is the director of the Lansing office at PTSIR.