About
APTOR Physical Therapy founder John Cormier knew he wanted to become a physical therapist when he was just 13 years old. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, sports were a big part of his life. When a medical condition prevented him from continuing to play, he sought physical therapy and met the therapist who would become an important mentor. From that point forward, John knew what he wanted to do with his life.
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After completing undergrad at The University of Iowa and then earning a graduate degree in Physical Therapy from The University of Indianapolis, John followed his older sister to Alabama and accepted a position in Tuscaloosa. She had settled in Auburn, although the significance of that Alabama divide was lost on him at the time.
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​John enjoyed treating patients but dreamed of owning his own practice and becoming part of the local business community. With guidance from trusted mentors and plenty of hard work, he built APTOR around three priorities:​
John Cormier
APTOR Physical Therapy founder
​Making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives
Earning and maintaining a strong reputation
​Creating a workplace where employees feel valued and appreciated
APTOR's 3 Priotirites
​John is proud of the team he has built, including longtime employees Sherry Ellis, Income Manager, who joined APTOR in 1994, and Hanna Armstrong, PTA, who joined in 2012. APTOR also employs talented recent graduates, giving them the opportunity to launch their careers with the guidance and support of an experienced team, as well as undergraduate students looking to pursue a career in healthcare.
John credits APTOR’s success to God’s favor and blessings, the dedication of his team and a continued commitment to caring for patients and employees well.
Although healthcare has changed dramatically over the past three decades, those priorities remain at the heart of APTOR.
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For John, physical therapy has always been about more than treating knees, backs and shoulders. He enjoys getting to know each patient, understanding what they are experiencing and helping them return to the activities that matter to them. Many former patients specifically ask to return to APTOR when they need physical therapy again years later, a level of trust John values deeply.
