This is what ATI Physical Therapy was founded on in 1996, and it’s what we continue to believe—and practice—today.

After opening our first clinic in Willowbrook, Illinois, we quickly realized there was an opportunity to provide a new and unmatched level of service to injured workers. We developed the internationally recognized F.I.R.S.T. (Functional Integration of Rehabilitation and Strength Training) program, based on extensive research and input from orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, athletic trainers, exercise physiologists, and bio-mechanists.

Focused on our vision for aggressive rehabilitation through strength training and conditioning, ATI developed new and superior treatment protocols and techniques. 

With a winning combination of exceptional care, incredible people, and a commitment to being the bright spot in the day of every single patient, we quickly began to expand. Now, with hundreds of clinics across the U.S., ATI continues to provide patient care based on its founding principles.

The ATI Physical Therapy Timeline

Explore the key milestones that have shaped ATI Physical Therapy’s remarkable journey from a single clinic to a nationwide leader in rehabilitation services.

1996

ATI, or Assessment Technologies Inc., is founded in Willowbrook, Illinois, focusing on functional capacity for injured workers.

1998

To provide an innovative approach for injured workers, ATI introduces the internationally recognized F.I.R.S.T. program or Functional Integration of Rehabilitation and Strength Training.

2000

The ATI brand evolves into the Athletic Therapeutic Institute. With a track record of delivering exceptional care and outcomes, ATI begins to expand its services to offer physical therapy and opens a second clinic in Joliet, Illinois.

2002

ATI expands to the growing Naperville, Illinois market, further extending its presence in the western Chicago suburbs.

2003

To support its growing clinic base, ATI opens its first corporate office in Romeoville, Illinois, and launches ATIpt.com.

The ATI Foundation is established to give help and hope to children with physical impairments. 

Another clinic location is established in New Lenox, Illinois, and Women’s Health services are introduced

2004

ATI signs its first professional sports contract with the Joliet Jackhammers. Two new clinics are opened in its Illinois footprint.

2005

The ATI Sports Medicine program is established to meet the needs of athletes, schools and sports clubs in ATI’s growing footprint.

ATI expands into its second state, Wisconsin, and opens six new clinics.

2006

ATI opens a state-of-the training center in Naperville, establishing the organization’s commitment to patient care and career growth for team members. 

The company earns Best Physical Therapy Practice in the Nation from Advance Magazine; completes its first acquisition of PRO Physical Therapy; and expands into Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

2007

ATI expands its services to include Hand Therapy; opens 16 new clinics; acquires Orthosport.

ATI was selected as one of Chicago’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies honors.

ATI introduces its Clinical Leadership Program, offering development and growth opportunities for future leaders.

2008

ATI moves into its new Corporate Support Center in Bolingbrook, Illinois; nine clinics are opened.

ATI’s Department of Research and Data Analytics is formed to launch evidence-based practices and insights into patient outcomes and customer satisfaction.

2009

To further promote its brand in new and emerging markets, ATI signs marketing contracts with the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks, and Philadelphia Phillies.

ATI opens nine new clinic locations.

2010

ATI unveils a new brand identity featuring an apex, symbolizing that patients reach new heights in healing and wellness with ATI. Bold logotype and a red, black and gray color palette are also introduced as part of the new identity system.

The company opens 18 new clinics, and wins Psychologically Healthy Workplace, National Award Winner for best practices in health and wellness.

2011

One of the first physical therapy companies in the U.S. to be awarded URAC Core Accreditation, ATI is recognized for its commitment to quality healthcare.

ATI expands into Indiana and launches ATI Worksite Solutions (AWS) to promote injury prevention, early intervention and health and wellness in workplaces across the U.S.

2012

Expanding into its seventh state, ATI acquires clinics in Ohio.

With 203 clinics in the family, ATI has become the largest physical therapy practice under one brand in the U.S. 

Signing with the Indianapolis Colts, ATI sponsors its first professional football team.

2013

Through new partnerships, ATI expands into Michigan, Tennessee, and Georgia, gaining 93 clinics, bringing the total number of states to 10.

The company ranks in the Top 150 National Workplaces and has launched a new proprietary EMR caseload system, the first of its kind in the industry.

ATI sponsors the Indianapolis Pacers to grow its consumer brand presence in Indiana markets.

2014

Dylan Bates is promoted to CEO and Greg Steil is named Chairman of the Board.

ATI introduces Home Health in the Chicago market, and signs deals to sponsor the Detroit Lions and Tigers.

With acquisitions in Missouri and Washington, ATI has over 366 clinics by year-end in 12 states. 

2015

Strategic growth brings ATI into five new states (Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Carolina and South Carolina), setting a record for the organization with 13 new partnerships.

ATI becomes the Official Therapy Provider to the Chicago Cubs in the spring of 2015.  

2016

ATI enters Alaska, Arizona, California, Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon, New Mexico and Texas, and continues to focus on exceeding customer expectations in over 650 clinics and 24 states nationwide.

2017

ATI introduces the first industry app for physical therapy, allowing patients access to a full range of treatment options on their smartphones.

ATI expands and further refines its customer service approach with the introduction of The ATI Way, differentiating the way we deliver care to our patients and develop our team members. 

ATI enters its 25th state, Alabama, and becomes the Official Physical Therapy Provider of the Alabama Crimson Tide.  

2018

ATI opens 70 new clinic locations across its national footprint and onboards a record 4,000 new team members.

ATI launches ATIFirst, promoting physical therapy as a treatment for employers to offer as the first option in treating and managing chronic pain.

ATI’s Clinical Excellence program develops the first industry benchmark for treatment and outcomes, elevating the profession and the value of physical therapy.  

2019

Labeed Diab becomes ATI’s third Chief Executive Officer. He was joined by Joe Jordan, stepping into the role of Chief Financial Officer; Cedric Coco becoming Chief Human Resources Officer; Ray Wahl promoted to Chief Operating Officer; Katie Koenig expanding her role to Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer; and Joe Zavalishin joining the organization as Chief Development Officer.

ATI opens 70 de novos across our national footprint, bringing the total number of clinic locations to 899 at the end of the year. 

2020

ATI opens 13 de novos across our national footprint, bringing the total number of clinic locations to over 900 at the end of the year.

ATI launches telehealth platform CONNECT™ to meet patient needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021

ATI enters Virginia and opens a total of 61 new clinics nationwide.

2022

ATI welcomes new members to the Executive Leadership Team, including CEO Sharon Vitti, Chief People Officer Eimile Tansey, and Chief Operating Officer Christopher Cox.

ATI opens 32 de novos across our national footprint.

2023

ATI welcomes Chief Growth Officer Scott Gregerson to the Executive Leadership Team.

ATI, in partnership with Genie Health, launches CONNECT Powered by Genie Health, a new cutting-edge telehealth and at-home care app.

ATI opens 13 de novos across our national footprint.