After nearly four decades of unwavering dedication to the Upper Cumberland community, Larry, a pillar of the physical therapy profession, is set to retire on August 8, 2024. His journey, marked by compassionate care and an unyielding commitment to excellence, has left an indelible mark on countless lives in Putnam County and beyond.
Larry's passion for helping others led him to the University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences, where he earned his degree in Physical Therapy in 1979. His vision and determination led him to establish his private practice in 1985, starting in a modest space in the basement of Upper Cumberland Orthopedic Surgery. Larry's practice quickly grew, necessitating a move to a more modern facility at 1140 Perimeter Park Drive in 2008. Larry attributes the success of his practice to the Lord's work, and to surrounding himself with great people. In December 2021, Putnam Physical Therapy joined Therapy Partner Solutions (TPS). His impending retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire the community he has served so faithfully.
Larry's contributions to the physical therapy profession have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. As a key figure in the Tennessee chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), he served as Upper Cumberland District Director and contributed significantly to its development. He also held a position on the board of directors for APTA Tennessee for several years. In 2020, Larry received the highest honor of his career with his induction into the APTA Tennessee Hall of Fame.
Larry's passion for physical therapy is shared by his family. His son Nathan Burks, daughter Rachel Grubb, and son-in-law Matt Grubb all hold doctorate degrees in physical therapy. His youngest daughter, Alyson McCormick, has a master's degree in human resources. Larry's wife, Ruth, has been instrumental in the success of Putnam Physical Therapy, managing the practice after their third child and continuing in that role until 2022.
Over the years, Larry has served as a therapist to hundreds of thousands of patients, providing compassionate and expert care. Larry's commitment to excellence extended beyond patient care; he shared his extensive knowledge, rigorous training, strong work ethic, and high moral standards with his staff. This mentorship fostered a cohesive team capable of making significant and life-altering impacts on the lives of patients daily.
As Larry bids farewell to his professional career, he leaves behind a team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals at Putnam Physical Therapy. Under his mentorship, they have developed a culture of excellence, compassion, and innovation that will continue to thrive and serve the community with the same level of dedication and care that Larry exemplified throughout his career.
Larry attributes the success of his practice to the Lord's work, and to surrounding himself with great people. His journey has been a great ride, filled with meaningful relationships and a profound impact on the community.
Honoring My Father
"Words can't fully capture the gratitude and admiration I feel as I reflect on the incredible journey I've had with my father, Larry Burks. Watching him dedicate his life to helping others, I was inspired not just to follow in his footsteps, but to walk beside him in a career that became our shared passion. As he steps into retirement, I am overwhelmed with pride for the legacy he leaves behind. His commitment to excellence, compassion for his patients, and dedication to our community have touched countless lives, including mine. I will forever cherish the lessons he's taught me and carry forward the values he's instilled in me. Thank you, Dad, for being the example we all strive to live up to. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us at Putnam Physical Therapy and Therapy Partner Solutions, just as you always have."
-Rachel Grubb, DPT, FAAOMPT
