OUR PARTNERS
OPTP
Orthopedic Physical Therapy Products
OPTP (Orthopedic Physical Therapy Products) is a leading provider of innovative physical therapy, fitness and wellness products, including exclusive tools and publications developed by renowned experts. For nearly 40 years, we’ve built a worldwide reputation for providing quality products and exceptional customer service.
Whether you are a physical therapist, rehabilitation practitioner, athletic trainer, personal trainer or are just interested in improving your own health, OPTP has the products and publications to help you.
OUR TEAM OF RESEARCHERS
Adriaan Louw
PT, PhD, Director of TNRG
Adriaan earned both an undergraduate and master’s degree from the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa and completed his Ph.D. on therapeutic neuroscience education. He is an adjunct faculty member at St. Ambrose University, South College and UNLV, teaching pain science.
Emilio "Louie" Puentedura
PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, GDMT
Louie received his physical therapy degree in Melbourne, Australia, a post-professional DPT from Northern Arizona University and a Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University. After completing 10 years at the UNLV entry-level DPT program, Louie is now a Clinical Professor at the Baylor University DPT program.
Kory Zimney
PT, DPT
Kory received his master’s degree from the University of North Dakota, completed a transitional DPT from Des Moines University, and is in the candidacy phase in the PhD program with Nova Southeastern University. He works as an assistant professor with the University of South Dakota Physical Therapy Department.
Stephen Schmidt
PT, MPhysio, OCS, FAAOMPT
Steve has a Masters of Manipulative Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia. He is a supervisor at the Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center, faculty in the Kaiser Vallejo PNF program, adjunct faculty for Samuel Merritt University and an instructor with the International Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Association (IPNFA).
Ina Diener
PT, PhD
Ina completed her physical therapy training at the University of Stellenbosch and subsequent PhD from the University of the Western Cape. She has presented in over a dozen countries, yet finds herself working tirelessly in the clinic with patients dealing with complex, persistent pain.
Merrill Landers
PT, DPT, PhD, OCS
Merrill is a professor in the UNLV department of physical therapy and has been the chair since 2011. He earned a BS in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University, a DPT from Creighton University, and a PhD from UNLV in Biological Sciences (Integrative Physiology with cognates in neurobiology and statistics).
Terry Cox
PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Terry earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Regis University. He is in the dissertation phase of his PhD through Nova Southeastern University. Terry is a Professor of Physical Therapy at Southwest Baptist University and treats patients for Aptitude Physical Therapy in Springfield, Missouri.
Jessie Podolak
PT, DPT
Jessie received a master’s degree from the College of St. Catherine, Minneapolis and a transitional DPT from Regis University, Denver. She owns her community’s first direct-pay physical therapy practice, seeing patients with acute and chronic pain conditions and teaches pain science and manual therapy at continuing education courses.
Debbie Rico
PT, DPT
Debbie graduated from Florida International University and obtained a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center. She practices physical therapy in the outpatient and acute care setting for Lawrence Memorial Hospital, in Lawrence Kansas. She is an adjunct faculty member of Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri.
Kevin Farrell
PT, MPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT
Kevin received an undergraduate degree from St. Ambrose University and a master’s degree and PhD in Exercise Science from the University of Iowa. He serves as chair of the Orthopaedic Clinical Residency program at St. Ambrose University and continues in part-time clinical practice.
Colleen Louw
PT, MPT, MED
Colleen earned an undergraduate degree in biology at Texas Lutheran University, a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Rockhurst University, and an M.Ed. from the University of Houston. She is the co-owner, director and lead therapist at the Ortho Spine and Pain Clinic in Story City, Iowa.
Brian Freund
PT, MPT, MBA
Brian graduated from Rockhurst University with a master’s degree in physical therapy and completed an additional MBA from Lindenwood University. In addition, he has completed extensive post-graduate training in manual therapy.
Steve Goldrick
PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Steve earned a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Western Washington University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University. He is a partner and staff physical therapist for Kitsap Physical Therapy in the Seattle area and when he is not working he enjoys golfing, exercise, reading, and gardening.
Patty Benz
PT, DPT
Patty received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and completed her transitional DPT from EIM. She works to educate the public in general about pain and with multiple school systems to educate entire grades, annually. She enjoys golfing, cycling, wine making, painting, traveling, and spending time with family.