KORT Physical Therapists Earn Orthopaedic Specialist Certification
Lexington, Kentucky (PRWEB) August 14, 2014 -- Recently, eight physical therapists from KORT locations in Louisville, Lexington and Nicholasville Kentucky earned the professional designation Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS) from The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Currently, there are only 121 Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedics in Kentucky.
Only 65% of participants pass this rigorous 6-hour, 200 question exam which is open to licensed physical therapist who have practiced for a minimum of 2,000 hours (1-2 years) working with patients who have orthopaedic issues. Of the 185,000 licensed physical therapist in the United States, fewer than 10,000 are OCS certified.
“These clinicians worked tirelessly to prepare and their hard work paid off. They have received one of the highest designations available in our profession. They are a shining example of why KORT is a leader in the industry and demonstrates our commitment to continued education and excellence,” said KORT President Jason Chambers.
According to the APTA, the specialist certification program was created to provide formal recognition to physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in a specialized area of practice, and to assist consumers and the health care community in identifying these physical therapists. The OCS designation is for those clinicians who meet the highest standards and have demonstrated the ability to provide specialized care to those with bone fractures, abnormalities of the skeletal system and other orthopedic problems.
Meet the Orthopaedic Specialists
Josh Bixler, PT, DPT, OCS KORT Old Brownsboro Crossing, Louisville
Bixler has a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Bellarmine University, and a BS in Exercise Science from the University of Indianapolis. He trained in using both the Selective Functional Movement Assessment and Functional Movement Screen.
Leslie Cheung, PT, DPT, OCS, Clinic Director, KORT Brannon Crossing, Nicholasville
Cheung earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Kentucky. He is certified to perform Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and has clinical interests in manual therapy as well as orthopedic and sports related injuries. He joined the KORT family in 2005.
Stephanie Elliott, PT, DPT, OCS, KORT Hamburg, Lexington
Elliot earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Kentucky. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as well as the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association (KPTA). Her clinical interests include manual therapy and orthopedic conditions of the spine.
Andrea Johnson, PT, OCS KORT Downtown, Louisville
Johnson earned her Bachelors of Physical Therapy from Indiana University. She has experience in many areas of PT including home health and acute care, but predominantly orthopedics. She is certified to provide augmented soft tissue massage (IASTM), vestibular rehab, and FMS/SMFA assessments.
Tim Nichol, PT, OCS Clinic Director KORT Goss, Louisville
Nichol earned his PT degree from the University of Louisville. He has extensive training in spinal rehabilitation and is certified in augmented soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).
Emily Nicklies PT, DPT, OCS KORT Tyler Center, Louisville
Nicklies has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Bellarmine University and a Bachelor of Science degree in PT from the University of Dayton.
Julie Smith PT, DPT, OCS KORT Tyler Center, Louisville
Smith received a Bachelor's Degree of Movement Science, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Evansville. She joined KORT in 2011.
Teresa Smith PT, DPT, CSCS, OCS KORT Goss, Louisville
Smith received her Doctorate in physical therapy at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, and her Master's Degree at the University of Kentucky. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Teresa is a member of the Performing Arts Special Interest Group in Orthopedic Section, and a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science.
Most health insurance plans now allow patients to seek physical therapy treatment directly without a physician referral.
Kentucky Orthopedic Rehab Team (KORT) has been specializing in outpatient physical and occupational therapy in Kentucky and Southern Indiana for over 25 years. Local ownership and independent operations, allow KORT clinicians to work one-on-one with patients to regain strength, increase flexibility, improve mobility, and reduce pain without drugs or surgery. Selected as a “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” for ten consecutive years, and with over 40 locations, KORT has the most board certified Orthopedic Specialists and Vestibular Rehabilitation specialists than any other provider in the region. KORT’s certified athletic trainers provide sports medicine services to more than 30 high schools and colleges in Kentucky & Southern Indiana.
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Angie L. Moore, KORT Physical Therapy, http://www.kort.com, +1 (859) 396-7367, [email protected]
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