Welcome

Dr. Brian Cunningham, DPT, CSCS

Education

• Rosalind Franklin University Chicago, IL Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), 2007
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), 2010
• Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, Scotland BS, 1995

Experience

• Peak Body by Design/The Swim Doc Private Practice, Glenview, IL 2010-present 
  Specializing in swimmer enhancement, wellness, and rehabilitation
• USA Swimming Medical Staff
  USA Swimming High Performance Staff and Sports & Science Medicine Network
  2012-present
• Lutheran General Hospital
  Physical Therapist, Park Ridge, IL
  ​2000-2020

Distinctions
USA Swimming Medical Staff Services for:

• 2021 Olympic Games, Tokyo, Japan
• 2019 FINA World Aquatic Championships
  Gwangju, South Korea
• 2018 Pan Pacific Games, Tokyo, Japan
• 2017 FINA World Aquatic Championships
  Budapest, Hungary
• 2016 USA Swimming Olympic Training Camp, San Antonio, Texas
• 2015 World University Games
  Gwangju, South Korea
• 2013 FINA World Aquatic Championships
  Barcelona, Spain
• 2012 USA Swimming Olympic Training Camp, Knoxville, Tennessee
• 2011 World University Games
  Shenzhen, China

anyquestion

I joined anyquestion and ask me questions here

Mission Statement
​The Swim Doc--Dr. Brian Cunningham--helps swimmers of all ages, strengths and abilities achieve their potential. He understands and maximizes the mind-body connection. As an experienced physical therapist and swimmer, Dr. Brian quickly identifies the specific muscles a swimmer needs to engage; he then teaches swimmers the habits and strategies of elite athletes, those he has worked with at Olympic Trials, Pan Pacs, and World University Games. Call Dr. Brian to discuss your individualized program for success!
​

Meet Dr. Brian Cunningham

Interview before 2016 Olympics

Medical Service provider for the 2018 Pan Pacific Games in Tokyo, Japan

Read About Brian

Newsworthy

Hypermobility in Swimmers
​Read about how to stabilize your joints to prevent injury.

Listen to the June 6, 2022 Brett Hawke podcast featuring Dr. Brian Cunningham by clicking the button below.

Brett Hawke Podcast #259

Rosiland Franklin University Helix newsletter features an in depth interview with Dr. Brian Cunningham after the 2021 Summer Olympics.

USA Swimming Selects Team Physical Therapist for 2021 Olympic Games:
Dr. Brian Cunningham

Post -Olympics WTMJ of Milwaukee Radio Interview
Listen Here

Services

Below is a quick overview of services Dr. Brian provides, both in person or virtually. For a more detailed explanation, check out the Services page.

Swimmer Evaluation Checklist

• Loss of propulsion 
• Postural alignment 
• Tightness of streamline 
• Position of joints 
• Relaxed recovery 

Injury Prevention Diagnosis

• Analysis of movement
• Visualization of technique
• Corrective exercises

​
Team Consultations

• Collaboration with swim team coaches, athletes and parents
• Educational forums to reinforce and integrate high level swim strategies
• Swim nutrition resources for peak performance
• Wellness practices and self-care for coaches
• On site event support with ongoing injuries and loss of mobility

On Demand Workouts

• Downloadable 60 minute dryland workouts
• Swim specific exercises focusing on alignment and balance

Underwater Videotaping

• Analysis with recommendations and corrections
• Multiple angles 

Shape Divider - Style waves_brush

Tips & Technique

Shape Divider - Style waves_brush

FAQ

Who is it for?

Any swimmer or triathlete from 10 years old or older are excellent candidates. There is no maximum age limit, nor minimum level of experience required.

How does it work?

Contact me to make an appointment by email (brian AT swimdocDOTcom) or the scheduler. I can either meet in person or virtually. You can send me a video of yourself swimming for me to analyze. For best results, I like to perform a mobility test first and then check out your stroke.

Do I need to have a competitive swimming background?

Absolutely not! If you enjoy swimming, but are not sure if  you are using correct technique or have been having some aches and pains - I can help. Like any physical activity, there is a risk of injury, especially if the wrong technique is used. I will  develop a workout plan for you to alleviate risk of injury while maximizing your enjoyment! (However, I have no control over your pool's temperature.)

I am a masters swimmer, can you give me some tips for how to swim faster?

Through exercises that increase mobility and stroke corrections, I can help you eliminate drag in your stroke.  Team USA and Olympic hopefuls use The Swim Doc's expertise to reach their peak, so can you!

I am a swim coach, can you help me develop my team?

The Swim Doc offers seminars, testing, evaluations at a group level to help your team reach its potential goals.

Learn More

Can I use my Insurance?

No. Insurance does not recognize swim performance rehab as medically necessary for activities of daily living. 

Shape Divider - Style waves_brush

Testimonials

Lifetime Goal Achieved!
​
"Just like Humpty Dumpty, Brian Cunningham has helped to put me back together again. Besides being a PT, he is also an accomplished swimmer. He immediately understood my needs with respect to technique and training. With Brian's help, I was able to achieve one of my life's goals, swim the Catalina Channel."

Marcia Cleveland
Open Water Hall of Fame Swimmer

No More Back Pain

"I came to Brian because of back pain that had been bothering me for months. Not only did he get rid of my pain, but he taught me how the pain had started and what I could be doing in and out of the water to better myself. I would recommend Brian to any athlete looking to get an edge on competitors and help with recovery."

Everet Andrew
Committed to U.S Naval Academy

Personal Record Broken

"We brought our son, who was a high school senior, to see Brian seven weeks after he had an appendectomy. Brian quickly corrected and strengthened our son's technique. At the next meet, he swam his best time! We will be continuing our visits with Brian with our younger son proactively rather than reactively. He is so incredibly knowledgeable about swimming. "

Swati Nielson
Swimming Parent

Shape Divider - Style waves_brush

Proudly Serving These Organizations