RJ Bates is a licensed physical therapist who was born and raised in Fort Mill, South Carolina. He received his BS degree in physical therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1997.

RJ returned home in 2002 to start Fort Mill Physical Therapy. It was the first outpatient physical therapy clinic in Fort Mill, SC. It became the preferred physical therapy provided for Fort Mill, Tega Cay and surrounding areas.  In 2006, RJ joined Fort Mill Physical Therapy became Palmetto Rehabilitation Specialists. Outpatient clinics were located in Fort Mill and Rock Hill. Later, a new clinic was established in York. Palmetto Rehab is known as the preferred PT providers for York County and Lancaster County.

RJ is member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the South Carolina Chapter of American Physical Therapy Association (SCAPTA). He is also a member of the Fort Mill Rotary and serves on the Health Advisory Council for Fort Mill High School.