PTI

In the heart of downtown Benton, the Physical Therapy Institute (PTI) has become a trusted name in rehabilitation, helping patients regain the strength, mobility, and confidence they need for happy, healthy lives. Founded in 2011 by Dr. Derek Lagemann, PTI has grown into a leading provider of orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, with additional locations in Little Rock, The Heights, Sherwood, and Maumelle.

But PTI is more than a physical therapy clinic—it’s a business built on family, community, and a passion for helping people. Dr. Lagemann’s journey from Northeast Missouri to Central Arkansas is one of commitment, perseverance, and the belief that physical therapy should do more than aid recovery—it should improve quality of life.

His path to physical therapy was shaped by a love for sports and a personal connection to the field. As a baseball and basketball player, he experienced the physical toll of athletics firsthand.

“I had a family member who was a therapist, and after talking to her about it, I decided it was something I’d really like to do,” he said.

Dr. Lagemann earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy and completed a three-year residency, becoming the first Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists in Arkansas.

“When I started out, I treated a lot of chronic neck and back pain with a novel approach, and it proved to be very successful. That’s how I initially grew my practice,” he said.

After training in Chicago, Seattle, and San Diego, he and his wife, Jo—an occupational therapist—chose Arkansas as their home and built their practice.

PTI offers a full range of orthopedic care, from post-surgical rehabilitation to chronic pain and sports injuries. But what truly sets PTI apart is its comprehensive approach to healing.

“We handle everything orthopedic-related, from post-operative care to general aches and pains, covering everything from the spine to the extremities,” Lagemann said. “You can’t just stretch and strengthen—you need to fuel your body properly and allow it to recover.”

PTI’s Benton location reflects its innovative approach. With a warehouse-style layout and state-of-the-art equipment, it offers a functional, open space designed for all patients.

“We wanted an environment where everyone—from elite athletes to older adults—feels comfortable,” Lagemann said. “We even built garage doors so we can open them up, let fresh air in, and make therapy more enjoyable.”

For Dr. Lagemann, family isn’t just important, it’s everything. His wife, Jo, works alongside him as an occupational therapist, and their children help at PTI during the summers, greeting patients and assisting with exercises.

“Without family, you have nothing,” he said. “During my residency, I had to leave behind my wife and newborn for extended periods. She held down the fort, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

This family-first approach extends to PTI’s staff. The company employs multiple married couples who work together as therapists, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

“We have four married couples working within the company,” Lagemann said. “That’s important to me because I want PTI to be a place where people can build long-term careers.”

Beyond the clinic, PTI is deeply involved in the communities it serves. Dr. Lagemann and his team actively support local sports programs and educate the public on proper training, injury prevention, and recovery. They also work with organizations like youth athletics, the Little Rock Miracle League, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“We’re big on supporting high school athletes,” he said. “My kids have played sports here in Benton their whole lives, so I know how much it means to families to have access to quality care.”

One area close to Dr. Lagemann’s heart is volleyball. His daughters, both accomplished players, have helped raise support for the sport in Arkansas.

“My oldest, Abigail, plays for South Carolina and just released her first NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) gear. The other day, we had a patient whose daughter plays volleyball, and she came in saying, ‘I can’t wait to get Abigail’s shirt!’ That’s what I love about this community—people here really support each other.”

His other daughter, Isabella, is a redshirt freshman on LSU’s beach volleyball team, while his son, Brody, is a standout in soccer and track & field.

As PTI continues to grow, Dr. Lagemann envisions expanding to 10 locations in the next five to ten years. But for him, growth isn’t about numbers—it’s about maintaining exceptional care and a family-like atmosphere.

“I want PTI to always feel like home for our patients,” he said. “What really matters is that people trust us to take care of them.”

As for his own family, Lagemann hopes to see his kids thrive—both in sports and in life.

“Maybe one day, one of them will take over PTI,” he said with a smile. “But no matter what, I know they’ll do great things.”

To learn more about PTI’s services, visit www.ptipt.com or call 501.301.4530. νCharles Crowson