What is OCS?

Many patients ask me what does the "OCS" behind your name stand for, so I thought I would take this opportunity to explain. The short answer is that it stands for "Orthopedic Certified Specialist." But who is ever satisfied with the short answer, so let me explain further... This information was taken from the web site of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association.)

Clinical specialization in physical therapy responds to a specific area of patient need and requires knowledge, skill, and experience exceeding that of the physical therapist at entry to the profession and unique to the specialized area of practice. The specialist certification program was established to provide formal recognition for physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in a special area of practice and to assist consumers and the health care community in identifying these physical therapists.

Purposes of the Clinical Specialization Program:

• Promote the highest possible level of care for individuals seeking physical therapy services in each speciality area.


• Promote development of the science and the art underlying each speciality area of practice.


• Provide a reliable and valid method for certification and recertification of individuals who have attained an advanced level of knowledge and skill in each speciality area.


• Assist consumers, the health care community, and others in identifying certified clinical specialists in each speciality area.


• Serve as a resource in speciality practice for the APTA, the physical therapy profession, and the health care community.

As of 2009, there are 204 individuals who have been certified in Illinois as clinical specialists in Orthopedics. And to think...we have two of them at our clinic. (L)

Every Clinic Needs a Sydney

With starting any new business there are always projects and things that need to get done, but sometimes not enough time in the day to complete everything. Enter Sydney! Sydney grew up in the Des Moines area, and will be a senior at Bradley University in the fall. She was referred to us to get some exposure to the field and observation hours, and has done that and so much more. She is great with technology and makes us "old" people shake our heads with the things she can get done on the computer. We are so lucky to have such a great person help us out, and can only hope that we can return the favor as she proceeds forward with applying into PT school. Oh yeah, by the way Sydney's parents are both potters....no, not Morton potters, but real potters and check out the picture of the Rock Valley mugs they made for us. (L)

Introducing the Rock Valley Staff...

It dawned on me the other day that people that I do not even know might be reading this blog and not have a clue who in the world I am. For those who already know me, I apologize for the repeat, but I think it is rude if I do not introduce myself to the entire world wide web.


The first thing you should know about me before you read on my specialist certification hanging on the wall of the waiting room is that my first name is Jonathan,but I go by Luke. I am originally from Kahoka, MO and now resides in Dunlap, IL. I am an avid sports fan and enjoy spending time with family, fishing and traveling to Walt Disney World. I graduated from Bradley University in 1999 with a Bachelor's degree in physical therapy (BSPT). I am a certified strength and conditioning specialist and received my speciality board certification in 2006. I am an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA).


I thought I would go ahead and take the opportunity to introduce Amy since she is joining the staff next week. Amy also graduated from Bradley University with a BSPT, but was two years ahead of me in school (1997.) She received her orthopedic board certification in 2006 and is an active member of the APTA, IPTA, and the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF.) Amy grew up in Pekin, IL and currently resides in Washington, IL. She enjoys traveling, photography, tailgating at University of Illinois football games, and spending time with her family.


At our front desk, you will also see a couple of familiar faces from our old Great Plains days. Cheryl Botkin is our receptionist on Monday thru Thursday, and Kristi Hoover is our receptionist on Friday. (L)

The Creation of the "Top Ten" List

Although I was fortunate that several of my past patients chose to follow me over to Rock Valley to continue their therapy, it is both exciting and scary to start a clinic from scratch. With every new beginning comes the unique opportunity to shape the foundation of our clinic. I have had a little time on my hands to ponder the question, "Why choose Rock Valley for your therapy?" or "What will make this clinic different than any other therapy clinic in town?" So, I decided to take a week to answer this question and create a "Top Ten" list (Reasons to Choose Rock Valley as Your Physical Therapy Provider.) This is what I have come up with so far:

1. Patients are evaluated and treated by the same Physical Therapist every visit. (No Physical Therapist Assistants and No Physical Therapy Aides)
2. Rock Valley therapists are board certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
3. Convenient location in north Peoria at the intersection of Knoxville Ave. and Route 6.
4. Patients will be seen timely for optimal outcomes.
5. Prompt and consistent communication with referral sources.
6. Patients will receive thorough education on their impairments and the role of physical therapy in making their lives better.
7. Evidence supporting current best care is utilized.
8. The "Send a Friend" program which entitles individuals to a free 15-minute assessment to determine if therapy services are indicated.
9. Functional outcome measures are used for all patients to ensure the best, most efficient care for your patients.
10. In addition to standard therapy services, specialized programming is available: ASTYM, osteoporosis, and golf specific rehabilitation.

I think I will share the list with Amy to see what she thinks. She will probably be relieved when my patient caseload grows. Then, I won't have time to sit and ponder these questions. (L)

A New Beginning

As of April 12, 2010, I am pleased to announce that I will be providing physical therapy services for Rock Valley Physical Therapy. As you know, I was previously with Great Plains Orthopaedics and have joined the Rock Valley Staff along with Amy Johnson, PT, OCS to expand my professional career and continue to provide the highest level of care to you and your family. Amy will not be joining the staff until the beginning of May. She thought it would be in Great Plains's interest for her to stay on a little longer to assist with their staff transition.

Rock Valley is a new name to the Peoria area, but Rock Valley has served the Quad Cities as leading experts in orthopedic, sport, and hand therapy for 25 years. Rock Valley is committed to making better lives for their patients. This is evident in their approach to patient care in promoting the highest level of care for individuals seeking physical therapy services. (L)