Sonnie grew
up in Peru, IL, and graduated from Illinois Valley Community
College with an Associate’s Degree in Science. She
then received her Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State
University in Biology, with a minor in
Chemistry. She continued her education,
earning a Master’s Degree from the University of
Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa
(now known as Des Moines University).
Sonnie worked in a hospital setting for eleven years, working
closely with area physicians and specializing in orthopedic
rehabilitation, wound care, and aquatic therapy. She is
credited with starting the first aquatic therapy program in
the Illinois Valley. In 2005, she opened a private
practice - United Physical Therapy, LLC
- where she enjoys treating patients in a calm,
relaxing setting with one-on-one treatment.
Sonnie is strongly committed to
staying focused on new and current treatments in physical
therapy. Every year, she continues to train and stay
abreast of current techniques and procedures. Some of
her continuing education has included: McKenzie Therapy for
the neck and spine; wound care with training in sharp debridement;
aquatic therapy; and lymphedema
therapy.
She most recently became a LANA (Lymphology Association of North
America) Certified Lymphedema
Therapist, completing a combined total of almost 190 hours of
training in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive
Therapy (CDT), as well as two years of hands-on experience treating
patients with swelling disorders. Sonnie was also
required to pass an intensive qualifying exam sponsored by
LANA. This is the highest level of Lymphedema certification
available in North America.
What's next for Sonnie? Well for starters, she has begun
coursework for completing her Doctorate in Physical
Therapy.
Vicki Fitzpatrick,
Office Manager
Vicki has been a
valuable part of the United Physical Therapy,
LLC, team since we opened in 2005. Since she was
born and raised in the Illinois Valley, she can help you find just
about anything you need in our area.
When you call or visit our clinic, she will most likely be first
person you meet and will make your appointments and answer any
questions you may have. She also does an excellent job
getting the information we need to make sure you can maximize your
health insurance benefits. Barb Longbons,
Receptionist
Barb is a native of Tonica, IL, where she currently resides with
her husband, Tom. When she's not in the office here at
United Physical Therapy, LLC, you may find
her out and about motorcycle riding with her husband. Barb is
here to use her years of experience working with insurance
companies to help you work through your insurance questions and
concerns. Just ask!
Barb Ryba,
Receptionist
You'll
probably run into Barb when Vicki and Barb L. are
enjoying some well-deserved time off. Barb is our expert at
jumping in and helping out when we need it most. She
started with us in the very beginning, and is the best pinch hitter
in the line up! Oh, and did we mention that she's Sonnie's
mom?
United Physical Therapy, LLC, Peru, IL (Illinois Valley)
Sonnie grew
up in Peru, IL, and graduated from Illinois Valley Community
College with an Associate’s Degree in Science. She
then received her Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State
University in Biology, with a minor in
Chemistry. She continued her education,
earning a Master’s Degree from the University of
Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa
(now known as Des Moines University).
Vicki has been a
valuable part of the 
