A Message from the President   Expansion and growth continue at Premiere Physical Therapy! What an incredible past two years for Premiere! At the end of 2008, we were nationally recognized as the "Best PT Practice of 2008" by Advance Magazine in their November issue. Just a few months later we were named "Small Business of the Year for 2009" by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Neither of these awards would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our excellent staff of professionals, both past and present. Since opening our doors over 13 years ago, Premiere has continued to expand even as the healthcare marketplace has grown more competitive with each passing year. As competition for healthcare services has increased, we feel Premiere has stood out in the crowd by hiring compassionate, caring professionals who work well as a team and enjoy making a positive difference in their patients' lives each and every day. We offer one hour initial evaluations and at least 45 minutes of one on one care for each follow up treatment session to all of our patients. This allows our therapists to learn more about your condition and provide you with the individualized care needed to produce the results you want. Over the years our two main organizational goals have always stayed the same. We want to produce extremely well-satisfied physicians and patients who would gladly refer their patients, family and friends to our care. Also, we want well-satisfied patients treated to a maximum level of improvement who would gladly come back to us if care is ever needed. Our continued growth is a testament to our achievement of these goals. If you are tired of hurting, then we invite you to the Premiere location nearest you to let us help relieve your pain. Just ask your doctor for a referral. It is your choice where you want to go! I wish to extend a warm welcome from our entire staff. We look forward to helping you return to a healthier and more productive life, both at work and with your families. Our approach is to always give you one on one attention with one goal, when we're done, "Life Feels Better." About Premiere Physical Therapy: Tony Rubba and John Woodard formed a partnership and opened Premiere Physical Therapy in 1997 after working together at another facility in Springfield. They started the practice as the only two employees in a small suite in the Centrum Building. In 2000, Premiere moved to a larger facility, the Downtown Clinic at 320 E. Carpenter St., Ste. 1B, to accommodate growth in the business. In 2004, Tony and John opened an additional clinic, Premiere’s West Clinic at 2901 Old Jacksonville Road in Springfield. In the fall of 2006, Premiere opened its third clinic at 1226 North Springfield Street, in Virden, IL. Today, there are 15 employees and the company plans are for continued growth.  Our Commitment: To provide quality customer and physical therapy services delivered with high ethical standards. To produce extremely well-satisfied physicians and patients who would gladly refer their patients, friends and family to our clinics. To produce extremely well-satisfied patients treated to a maximum level of improvement who would gladly return to us if care is ever needed.   Our Staff: All of our treatment staff are nationally certified and licensed by the State of Illinois. A common question that we hear from many patients is about the initials after our names. They are:  PT– Physical Therapist: A licensed healthcare professional who works with people that have sustained disabilities, impairments, or limitations in their overall physical function. Physical therapists examine, evaluate, diagnose, develop treatment plans, and provide prognosis for each patient on an individual basis. PTs work to restore function, improve mobility, and decrease pain with the goal of re-establishing a patient's prior functional level. Over the course of the rehabilitation period, they will document progress, re-evaluate physical findings, and modify treatment strategies as appropriate. At Premiere our physical therapists may refer you to work with a physical therapist assistant (PTA) or a certified athletic trainer (ATC) depending on your diagnosis. PTA – Physical Therapist Assistant: A licensed healthcare professional that performs components of physical therapy procedures and related tasks under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists. They assist the PT with the development of treatment plans, documentation of patient progress and modification of specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans developed by a physical therapist. PTAs at Premiere specialize in treating all neck and back injuries as well as geriatric patients.   ATC – Certified Athletic Trainer:  A licensed healthcare professional that specializes in the prevention, recognition, management and rehabilitation of injuries that result from physical activity. Athletic Trainers help prevent and treat injuries for people of all ages. ATCs help prevent injuries by advising patients on the proper use of equipment and applying protective or injury-preventive devices such as tape, bandages or braces. In a clinical setting they work under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists progressing patients through rehabilitation programs. ATCs at Premiere specialize in treating shoulder and knee injuries as well as sports injuries.   The Greater Springfield Illinois Chamber of Commerce www.gscc.org Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. www.bbb.org