PhysicalTherapist

PhysicalTherapist.com is a collaborative informational web site designed for the physical therapy community. Our owners are physical therapists, well known and respected members of the profession.

Mission Statement

PhysicalTherapist.com exists for the betterment of physical therapists. The original online resource, mechanism for exchange, and forum for ideas, PhysicalTherapist.com strives to improve the community of physical therapy professionals resulting in enhanced care for patients.

Richard W. Shutes, PT, CEO & President

Rick is the CEO of STRIVE! Physical Therapy Centers of Ocala, Florida; a multi-site practice specializing in orthopedics, sports, hand care and occupational health. He is also CEO of Great Northern Rehab, a rehabilitation service and management company in Ironwood, Michigan, and CEO of GNR Health Systems, an orthopedic design and national-direct-mail distributor of rehabilitation and fitness products.

Rick has been actively involved in the APTA for over 30 years and has served on the board of directors in both Michigan and Florida. Rick has been active in the area of healthcare policy and regulation on both a state and national level - specializing in workers' compensation. For many years he served as Chairman of the FPTA Workers' Compensation Committee.

Rick is an advisor to the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation and a frequent lecturer on the topic of system design and reimbursement. As a member of APTA's IRAC committee, he was involved in the development of Work Hardening, Work Conditioning, FCE and Occupational Health practice guidelines.

Rick is an avid sailor, writer, and photographer. When he is not in the office you might find him on his boat on Lake Superior.

Dr. Laurance "Larry" N. Benz, COO
DPT, MBA, OCS, ECS

Dr. Benz is the President/CEO of PT Development LLC. He is nationally recognized for his expertise in private practice physical therapy, industrial medicine, and marketing. A frequent lecturer at multiple DPT programs and MBA programs throughout the country, Dr. Benz has been on APTA's Advisory Panel on Practice and The Board of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. He is the recipient of numerous business and physical therapy awards including the Kentucky Physical Therapy's Outstanding Physical Therapists award and Ernst & Young's Entrepeneur of the year for his region. His company was voted in the top 10 of Best Employers in the state of Kentucky in the large employer category the last two years where they are also frequently recognized for their philanthropy and innovative methods for dealing with multiple generations in the workforce. He is the co-developer of physicaltherapist.com and blog.evidenceinmotion.com, the first weblog devoted to the principles of EBP in physical therapy. He has been published in leading PT publications and texts.