How John ‘Shu’ Shuman built Lattimore into a regional PT leader

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The legacy of John “Shu” Shuman continues to shape Lattimore Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation Network—not only through the growth of one of the Rochester region’s largest physical therapy organizations, but through the culture of compassion and patient-centered care he built over more than three decades. 

Shuman, co-founder of the practice and a longtime leader in the Rochester healthcare community, died April 8 at age 62 following a battle with cancer. 

What began as a single clinic on Lattimore Road that he opened with his wife, Cindy Shuman, in 1992 has grown into a network of more than 35 locations serving Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Yates and Wayne counties. 

Today, Lattimore ranks second on the most recent Rochester Business Journal list of the region’s largest physical therapy and sports rehabilitation practices, employing nearly 300 people, including 184 licensed professionals. 

Earlier this year, John and Cindy Shuman sold their shares in the company. The organization is now led by 10 co-owners, including the couple’s son, Charlie Shuman, who said his father’s impact extended well beyond business growth. 

“Beyond the growth of Lattimore, my father’s legacy is defined by the culture he created; one centered on care, relationships and a genuine commitment to helping people return to the lives they love,” Charlie Shuman said. “He built not just clinics, but a network of individuals who continue to carry forward his values every day.” 

As both his son and a fellow physical therapist, Charlie Shuman said he witnessed firsthand the effect his father had on patients, colleagues and the broader healthcare community. 

While physical therapy is often something patients approach with hesitation, he said his father helped create an environment that felt more positive and approachable. 

“I truly believe his story—his vision, his leadership and the lasting imprint he leaves on the Rochester healthcare community—is one worth telling,” he said. 

Charlie Shuman added that the company’s long-term success reflected his father’s business instincts, developed without formal business training. 

Central to the company’s philosophy was individualized care. Therapists routinely conduct evaluations lasting 45 minutes to an hour to better understand each patient’s needs and goals. 

Cindy Shuman, who met her husband while the two attended the University at Buffalo, said the organization’s guiding philosophy — known internally as “The Lattimore Way” — emphasizes top-quality care delivered in a positive environment. 

The company also prioritized community involvement, including through an annual golf tournament that raises funds to support people in need. 

“We were able to reach beyond physical therapy and let the community know we cared about them,” said Cindy Shuman, who remains involved with the company in a mentorship role. “That’s what John wanted.” 

Their daughter, Hope Shuman, said her parents’ complementary leadership styles played a key role in the company’s growth. 

“They worked as a team,” she said. 

Tim Anne, Lattimore’s CEO, joined the organization in 2001 and described John Shuman as a tough but supportive leader who pushed people to grow while creating opportunities for them to succeed. 

Anne recalled Shuman as respectful, motivating and consistently available for guidance; even taking early morning calls before daybreak. 

He said the organization plans to continue expanding in a measured way, with two new regional clinics expected in the near future. 

Education also remains a priority, including through the company’s orthopedic physical therapy residency program. 

Anne said Shuman’s influence continues to drive the organization forward. 

“His efforts continue to inspire me to work harder,” he said. 

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