Kory received a Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota in 1994. He completed his transitional DPT from Des Moines University in 2010 and is currently enrolled and in the candidacy phase of the PhD PT program with Nova Southeastern University. His dissertation is focusing on the construct of trust as part of the therapeutic alliance and its relation to outcomes in persistent low back pain.
Currently he works as an Associate Professor with the University of South Dakota in the Department of Physical Therapy. His primary teaching and treatment focus is with evidence-based practice for orthopedic injuries with special focus on the spine and neurodynamics, along with rehabilitation neuroscience, and leadership/management. His research focus is in therapeutic alliance, pain neuroscience education, and measurement with tactile acuity and laterality. Past work experiences have been with various community-based hospitals working in multiple patient care areas of inpatient, skilled rehab, home health, acute rehab, work conditioning/hardening and outpatient. The majority of his practice was directed toward occupational medicine with musculoskeletal management of work related injuries and cost prevention services with ergonomics and wellness programs for businesses. He also served as department manager of rehabilitation services at St. Luke’s Health System in Sioux City for eight years.
He is an Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor through the APTA, Certified Spinal Manual Therapist (CSMT) and Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) through International Spine and Pain Institute and has completed Certification in Applied Functional Science (CAFS) through the Gray Institute.