MAKING BETTER LIVES

About Rock Valley Physical Therapy

Why Choose Us

You deserve someone you can trust. We understand – life is busy. We make getting started easier than you might think. We accept nearly every insurance, and you can come in without a physician referral. Whether it’s lifting a grandchild, exercising, or just walking without pain, we are dedicated to getting you back to the life you want to live.

Celebrating 40+ Years of Making Better Lives

Founded in 1984 in Moline, Rock Valley Physical Therapy began as a single clinic built on a simple idea: deliver exceptional, hands-on care led by therapists who truly understand their patients. Over the past four decades, that commitment to patient-first care and clinical excellence has fueled steady, purposeful growth.


Today, Rock Valley has expanded to more than 60 clinics across four states, serving communities throughout Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Despite its growth, the organization has remained proudly therapist-owned and therapist-led, ensuring decisions are guided by clinical expertise and a commitment to doing what’s best for patients

Our Promise

We commit to helping you get better – or finding someone who can.

Our Mission

We are a patient-centered, therapist-led organization dedicated to improving the health of our Midwestern communities. We commit to taking care of you and your family during your current struggle and any challenges that may arise down the road.

Giving Back to the Community

At Rock Valley Physical Therapy, being part of the community means more than simply providing care; it means showing up, supporting our neighbors, and investing in the places we call home. Our team is proud to be actively involved in the communities we serve through local events, school partnerships, volunteer efforts, and health initiatives that promote active, healthy lifestyles.


We believe strong communities create healthier people, and we are committed to giving back in meaningful ways. From supporting local teams to participating in community wellness programs, Rock Valley Physical Therapy is dedicated to making better lives in our communities, both inside and outside the clinic.

Direct Access

At Rock Valley Physical Therapy, you can begin treatment with a licensed physical therapist without a physician referral thanks to direct access. This means you can seek care as soon as pain, injury, or movement limitations begin; saving valuable time and helping you start your recovery sooner. Early evaluation by a physical therapist allows us to identify the source of your problem, develop a personalized treatment plan, and guide you through safe, effective care to restore movement and function.


Direct access often reduces healthcare costs, shortens recovery time, and helps patients avoid unnecessary imaging, medications, or delays in care. If your condition requires additional medical evaluation, our team will coordinate with the appropriate healthcare provider to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a Doctors referral?

    In most cases, you do not need a doctor’s referral to start physical therapy. 


    Thanks to “direct access,” you can schedule an evaluation with a licensed physical therapist right away.

  • What should I expect at my first visit?

    Your first appointment includes a comprehensive evaluation where we discuss your symptoms, medical history, and goals. Your therapist will perform an assessment and begin a personalized treatment plan.

  • What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

    Plan to arrive about 10–15 minutes early for your first visit. You can complete your paperwork ahead of time through our online paperwork that was sent to your email.


    Please bring your insurance information (insurance card, workers’ compensation claim details, or auto insurance information) along with your driver’s license or valid ID. If you have any recent, related test results such as MRI or X-ray reports - those can be helpful and should be brought to your appointment.

  • What should I wear?

    Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement and access to the area being treated (for example, shorts for knee pain or a tank top for shoulder issues).

  • Do you offer treatment for more than just injuries?

    Yes! In addition to orthopedic care, we treat a wide range of conditions including balance issues, pelvic health concerns, TMJ/TMD, and more.

  • Are there private treatment rooms?

    Yes, all of our locations have private treatment rooms available.

  • What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

    We understand schedules change. Please contact us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

  • What do I do if I need to cancel or move an appointment?

    To be respectful of patients waiting for appointments, we ask that you give us 24-hour notice if you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment so the appointment time can be made available to another patient. However, we understand this isn’t always an option, as unexpected life events do happen.

  • Will I see the same physical therapist at every appointment?

    Yes, we do our best to keep you with the same PT throughout treatment. There are rare occasions where you will see another PT – such as if your PT happens to get sick or take an unexpected leave – but we will be sure to communicate that to you ahead of time.

  • Are there private treatment rooms?

    Yes, all of our locations have private treatment rooms available.

  • What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

    Plan to arrive about 10-15 minutes early with your completed paperwork. Your paperwork can be downloaded from our Patients Forms. You should also bring your insurance information (i.e., insurance card, workman’s compensation claim information, or auto insurance) and your driver’s license or valid ID. Recent, related test results, such as MRI or X-Ray reports, may be helpful and can be brought to your first appointment.

  • Do I need to see my doctor before going to physical therapy?

    No, you may refer yourself directly for physical therapy in  Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska.

Our Administrative Office

Real Stories. Real Results.

"The staff and clinicians are all very good. They answered all my questions, time spent with me was excellent and everyone showed great compassion."

"Everything is top notch! The expertise of the PTs and their caring attitude is exemplary. All the support staff are great!"

"I was very pleased with all of my care - pre op & post op. You did a wonderful job preparing me for surgery and getting me healed after."

"Excellent doesn't give the staff enough credit to how hard they work for their patient. All of the staff works very hard to give you extra help as each person needs."

Tips, Insights & Recovery Advice

Woman seated at a Rock Valley Physical Therapy booth, with display table and whiteboard in a gym.

Small town love: Bettering the lives of rural communities a major focus of Rock Valley Physical Therapy's mission

By Kylie Williams • June 30, 2026
“What makes these communities special is they show up for one another,’’ Marcks said. “From school events and activities to local fundraisers, people from multiple towns come together with a shared sense of pride. Those connections go beyond the clinic. You see your patients out in the community, across towns, building

4th of July Safety Tips

By ashley johnson • June 25, 2026
Keep Your Hands Celebration Ready! The Fourth of July often involves activities that challenge fine motor skills. Consider these tips to support independence, safety, and participation: Food Preparation & Picnics: Use non-slip mats to stabilize bowls, plates, or cutting boards Choose lightweight utensils and cups when possible Open food containers before gatherings if twisting lids is difficult Take breaks during prolonged food preparation to prevent hand fatigue Grilling & Outdoor Activities: Use grilling tools with larger, easy-to-grip handles Wear heat-resistant gloves that fit properly and allow for a secure grasp Keep frequently used items within easy reach to reduce unnecessary carrying and handling Patriotic Crafts & Decorations: Use adaptive scissors or spring-loaded scissors if hand strength is limited Try larger markers, crayons, or paintbrushes for improved grasp and control Stabilize materials with clips or tape when decorating Complete projects in shorter sessions to avoid fatigue Games & Recreation: Select balls, bean bags, or game pieces that are easy to grasp Use two hands when carrying heavier items Modify game rules as needed to encourage participation and success Focus on enjoyment rather than speed or competition Firework & Sparkler Safety: Avoid sparklers if grip strength, coordination, sensation, or reaction time is impaired Use glow sticks, LED wands, or other festive alternatives when appropriate Maintain a safe distance from fireworks and leave handling to capable adults Keep hands dry and free from lotions or oils when handling any outdoor equipment Energy Conservation: Pace activities throughout the day Alternate between fine motor tasks and less demanding activities Schedule rest breaks before fatigue affects performance and safety Stay hydrated, especially during outdoor celebrations Participation is the goal. Simple adaptations, planning ahead, and using appropriate tools can help individuals maintain independence and enjoy holiday traditions safely and successfully. Happy Fourth of July from your Occupational Therapy team! By: Kelly Jeffers-Gray, MOT, OTR/L, CLT

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