Staff

Daniel J. O'Connor, P.T., President

Upon graduating from the University of Illinois at the Medical Center in June of 1977 with a degree in Physical Therapy, I worked in various outpatient settings. The desire to provide the best possible individualized, one-on-one treatment for people with orthopedic conditions, motivated me to establish Sportho Physical Therapy, Ltd., in the spring of 1983.

My unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care to those in need of physical therapy, remains my number one priority. With this goal in mind, I have continued with post-professional education, in order to stay abreast of new techniques, which would expedite the rehabilitation process. Additionally, I have invested in the expansion of Sportho Physical Therapy, Ltd., in overall physical size to include the Aquatic and Work Conditioning Wings, as well as, state-of-the-art equipment. More importantly, I have added highly qualified staff to maintain one-on-one care of our patients.

Though I have been practicing physical therapy since 1977, I am as passionate and devoted to those in need of physical therapy as I was when I entered the profession and treated my first patient. I remain very active in patient care and enthusiastic about the benefits of physical therapy in relation to the restoration of function in the spring of 1983. In 2007, I felt that our name should state more clearly exactly what we do. Because we have been able to achieve, what I feel, are remarkable results through the use of Aquatics, we changed to our new name: Sportho Physical and Aquatic Therapy.

Judith Polkow, PT, CFP

Judy graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1980 with a Physical Therapy degree. She received a Master's in Health Science in 1989. Judy has worked in various outpatient orthopedic settings, including owning her own clinic. She became a Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner in 2000. Judy believes enormous functional improvements can be made through an exciting and progressive thought process that creates a higher level of thinking for the patient. In addition, she rehabilitated Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls during the 1985-86 NBA basketball season. Judy enjoys a variety of sports, which helps her perspective while treating patients.

Diane Daly, PT

Diane has been a licensed Physical Therapist since 1974. She graduated from Northwestern University Medical School in Illinois. Her past work experience includes both in and outpatient care at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, IL, and Home Physical Therapy.

She has worked at Sportho since 1990. Diane is certified to perform ASTYM (Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization) and to perform WorkWell Systems Functional Capacity Evaluations.

Carol K., Physical Therapist Assistant

Carol graduated from Morton College with a Physical Therapy Assistant Degree. Over the past twenty-five years, her desire to aid those in need has been evident through her professional experiences, which include Emergency Medical Technician Training, Home Health Care and Outpatient Orthopedic rehabilitation. Carol having worked with Dan prior to the opening of Sportho Physical Therapy, joined him again in the fall of 1983. Her continued dedication to the patient's best interests, overall well being, and rehabilitation has led to further education and training in Aquatic Physical Therapy, Strain / Counter-strain techniques, Pilates, and various other Orthopedic courses.

Diane T., Administrative Assistant

Diane joined the staff of Sportho Physical Therapy, Ltd in December of 1985, prior to Managed Care, PPO's and the never-ending changes in Insurance restrictions and requirements. Having undergone extensive physical therapy at Sportho, Diane knows firsthand its importance in the restoration of one's function. She continues to navigate through Insurance contracts and policies, providing Sportho's patients with a better understanding of their benefits, requirements, coverage and costs. Diane remains dedicated to securing Physical Therapy treatment for all those in need despite insurance limitations. Striving to provide a high standard of customer service from beginning to end, she is always available to answer questions and assist in any way necessary.

Kaki Donahue, PT, MSRSPT, LMT

Kaki earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati in English literature. After teaching English as a second language for six years, Kaki endeavored to change her career to physical therapy. She returned to school and received her Master's of Science in Rehabilitation Science in Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina. She remains active in post-professional education in order to stay up-to-date with the dynamic changes that current research reveals within the physical therapy profession. Kaki has a particular interest in manual therapy and is a Licensed Massage Therapist as well. She has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 2004. Kaki enjoys physical therapy because of the opportunity that she gets to specifically work one-on-one with patients towards goals of enhancing function, mobility, health and wellness; she encourages people to live life to their fullest. In addition to physical therapy, Kaki enjoys good music, salsa dancing, biking, swimming, a challenge, and having a good dinner with friends and/or family.

 

 

 

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