Strength in the face of adversity.
INVICTUS
ABOUT US
Invictus Sports Medicine was created by Trey Ayala with the goal of providing patients with the highest quality of care in a manner that is tailored to each person’s individuality and goals. Combining his experiences as a former Division I athlete, his doctorate-level education, and years as a sports medicine physical therapist, Trey has developed a unique perspective and vision for optimal patient care. As a result, ISM takes the approach of assessing the body as a whole and utilizing current research and interventions to specifically address their findings; all the while taking the time to explain the process with each individual. We make it a point to work closely with your doctors, trainers, coaches, and family to provide the most comprehensive care for getting you back to your active lifestyle. Hippocrates (known as the father of modern medicine) said, “It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than what sort of disease a person has”. From the moment you make contact with our clinic to last day of treatment, Invictus Sports Medicine will utilize this philosophy to help you reach your wellness destination.
Dr. Trey Ayala PT, DPT, CSCS
Owner/Physical Therapist
Trey Ayala is the founder and owner of Invictus Sports Medicine.
His fascination with the human body began at a young age, while competing in the sport of wrestling. His passion on the mats yielded heightened curiosity about how to manipulate the body through specific exercise to improve performance. As he advanced through his high school years, it became abundantly clear that his calling was in the field of Sports Medicine.
While competing at West Virginia University, Trey earned a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. Although shoulder surgery prematurely ended his collegiate wrestling career, this misfortune provided a great depth of understanding to the process of rehabilitating a major orthopedic injury. Upon graduating from West Virginia, Trey enrolled at the University of Missouri where he completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2017.
Since obtaining his DPT, Trey has worked as a physical therapist in sports medicine clinics around the Chicagoland area while continuing to progress his knowledge and “treatment toolbox” with ongoing courses and certifications. He also works as a personal trainer and sports and conditioning specialist. His dedication to his patients, and reputation for achieving excellent outcomes, led him to create his own practice, realizing a long-held goal – Invictus Sports Medicine (ISM).
Trey focuses on treating patients from all walks of life to get back to their desired level of activity. He is well versed in post-operative care and has the expertise to guide patients back to running, cutting, jumping, and throwing with safer mechanics that may be required for return to sport. Additionally, Trey has further training and education in post-concussion physical therapy. He utilizes this training to safely progress patients back to daily activities and sport when suffering prolonged symptoms after a concussion.
Trey’s philosophical approach blends the holistic with modern medicine and caters to the individual. He understands that there is no such thing as “one size fits all” and works tirelessly to meet the needs of his patients with a comprehensive plan of action. Ultimately, Trey’s goal is to improve the lives of his patients, allowing them to be free of pain and active once more, as he believes that being active is an essential component of a fulfilled life.
When not treating his patients, Trey finds himself most at home in the great outdoors (preferably where cell service is limited). He enjoys rock climbing, mountaineering, whitewater kayaking, snowboarding and skiing, and mountain-biking. He also remains actively committed in the wrestling community.
Dr. Caitie Gahart PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Caitie graduated from Saint Louis University Physical Therapy program in 2015 where she minored in Psychology, received her bachelor's degrees in Exercise Science, and achieved her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy.
She started her career as a PT in outpatient therapy with a focus on return to sport, orthopedic injuries/ post operative rehabilitation, and complex pain management. With time she took on exciting new opportunities in various facets of the field, including but not limited to post mastectomy breast cancer care, neurologic conditions, pediatrics, and aquatic therapy. Additionally, she has worked in the acute therapy field where she headed the postoperative spine, hip, and knee replacement post surgical and trauma floor in a Chicago hospital system.
Caitie is a manual therapy "hands on approach" therapist, whose passion and commitment is to assist her patients in restoring function with a patient-centered approach. Caitie prides herself on creating an individualized approach to getting you back to your goals and to your life without making you feel like you are receiving "cookie cutter" PT care. Whether it's getting you back on the field, or down to the floor to play with your grandkids; Caitie will get you there while teaching you how to use tools to carry with you out of the clinic for a whole body and mind approach to rehabilitation. She has been certified in G1 Graston IASTM soft tissue therapy technique for nearly 10 years as well as Myopain dry needling certified (D1/D2).
Outside of the clinic walls, Caitie enjoys cooking new recipes while entertaining her family and friends, early morning runs + weightlifting, and travel.
LOCATION
WHERE TO FIND US..
Invictus Sports Medicine is located at 37 Sherwood Terrace, Suite 103, in Lake Bluff. We are 0.5 miles South of the Route 176 and Route 43 intersection. Turn onto N shore Drive (you'll see Pasquesi Home and Gardens) and follow that road 0.5 miles where you will see our building beside the Chevrolet car dealership. You enter the complex on the South side to continue around to the Northeast corner, where you can park right in front of our front door.
37 Sherwood Terrace
