Our Therapists

CPT therapists work with patients to help them achieve maximum functionality, independence and quality of life. All CPT therapists are licensed and have the necessary accreditations to practice. They also complete continuing education credits to stay current and up-to-date regarding best practices in care and treatment.

David J. Pleva, PT, MA, Dip.MDT

Diplomaed McKenzie Therapist

Outpatient Clinic Manager

Dave is a physical therapist who graduated in 1989 from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Science. In 1990, he earned his Masters of Arts degree in Human Services from Concordia University. Dave then earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School in 1992.
Dave first was introduced to the McKenzie approach shortly after graduating from physical therapy school, while working in a private practice in Oak Park. He began his formal training in McKenzie in 1992, and completed all course work in 1995. In October 1995, Dave passed the McKenzie Credentialing Examination. Dave then completed the McKenzie diploma program in Minnesota in 1998. He is one of only 250 clinicians worldwide to hold a diploma from the McKenzie Institute International.

Association with the McKenzie Institute

Dave began his relationship with the McKenzie Institute shortly after he began his McKenzie education in 1992. He has hosted numerous McKenzie courses including parts A, B, the physician course and the extremity course.

In 2000 at the McKenzie conference in Orlando, Dave was the moderator of a pre-conference discussion on physical therapy following intradiscal electro-thermal probe treatment. In 2004, Dave was one of the facilitators for the pre-conference day-long seminar for Credential and Diploma therapists in Cleveland.

Dave was promoted to McKenzie faculty member in training in June 2000. After successfully completing his student teaching, he was promoted to McKenzie faculty member in August 2004. He currently teaches 6-8 McKenzie courses a year and also is an examiner for the McKenzie credentialing examination.

In addition, Dave lectures to local physical therapy programs on the McKenzie method. He also has contributed case studies to the book by McKenzie and Kubey, 7 Steps To A Pain-Free Life as well as written articles on the McKenzie system, which have been published in professional journals.

Philosophy of Treatment

“After not having good results with “conventional” treatment strategies when I came out of physical therapy school, I started using the McKenzie system and have seen dramatic results. I fully believe that empowering patients to treat themselves is a powerful tool for the resolution of the current episode of pain and the prevention of future pain.”

Timothy J. Caruso, PT, MBA, MS, Cert. MDT

Credentialed McKenzie Therapist

Physical Therapist

Tim is a Physical Therapist whose two decades of experience in health care have included home health, rehabilitation, burns, orthopedics, education, research and pediatrics. Tim has focused his professional expertise in the area of manual therapy and orthopedics, specifically neuromusculoskeletal disorders. To that end, he has taken numerous post-professional orthopedic manual technique courses and has been credentialed in mechanical diagnostic therapy from the McKenzie Institute. In addition, he has received a Master of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Development and a Master of Science degree in Management with a concentration in Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 630-282-5588 or e-mail outpatientclinicaddison@cptrehab.com.