WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER

Eagle Rehab has shifted directions to a new name, Compass Physical Therapy but has preserved its founding goals.

“In 2005, Eagle Rehab had its humble beginnings in Madison and has had the privilege as physical therapy clinic of choice for many Madison residents,” Stephanie Johnson said. The clinic outgrew its original space of about 2,000 square feet in 2007 and moved to its current address at 44 Hughes Road, Suite 1050 with about 6,000 square feet. Also in 2007, Johnson added pediatric physical therapy and massage therapy.

In 2013, Johnson’s role with the company changed from founding CFO to CEO/sole owner. In recent years, she “has been slowly navigating through challenges of business ownership” without losing the practice’s original focus. “The only way to truly make the company mine is giving it a name that reflects my vision for the company’s future. Compass Physical Therapy was born,” she said. “A compass is a tool that gives you guidance, points you in the right direction, much like physical therapists guide patients through the rehabilitation process after an injury, during pain and with regaining function,” Johnson said. “As we’re navigating our new direction as a company, it’s a natural fit.”

However, Compass is not a new company. The same staff will help patients. A corporate takeover didn’t occur. Compass isn’t part of a chain. “We’re still the same group of people who has been serving the Madison community since 2005, focused on exceptional customer service and physical therapy beyond expectation,” Johnson said. “Our biggest compliment is when a patient refuses to go anywhere else.”

Two facts distinguish Compass Physical Therapy from other clinics, Johnson said. One, that Compass is Madison’s only facility to offer the Postural Restoration Institute’s approach for natural postural alignment that relieves acute and chronic pain and heals injury. Humans’ asymmetrical bodies are susceptible to bone mismatches and strained muscles that lead to chronic pain and often injury. In Johnson’s 19 years of practice, PRI has been her most effective technique. The second exclusive aspect of Compass is that the facility is Madison’s only Pediatric Physical Therapy. Compass’ specialized wing accommodates young patients, with an infant room for babies and an indoor playground for toddlers and adolescents. Therapists help children avoid re-injuries when they return to sports.

The staff’s teamwork translates to optimum care for patients, Johnson said. Compass treats both adult and pediatric populations. Kate Bartley has 24 years in physical therapy for all ages. Licensed PT assistants, Joshua Arney and Gary Stinnett, have worked with the company nine and eight years, respectively. Arney specializes in treating scoliosis and handles PRI procedures while Stinnett, a certified kinesio taping practitioner, is certified as a personal trainer to help youth and adults. “Lisa Spears, our sensational massage therapist, provides a spa-like experience for her patients and has been with our company nine years. Dana Holguin, office manager for 11 years, recently transitioned to billing manager,” Johnson said. Jessica McDonald has served as office manager five years. “Jessica and Dana provide exceptional customer service.

“You’re only as strong as your team. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people.”

Johnson said she decided to enter the medical profession at an early age. “I became a physical therapist because the flexibility allows me to focus attention on my most important asset: my family. My husband Michael and I are in the throes of raising four fantastic young men.” In 1998 Johnson earned a degree in physical therapy at the University of South Alabama in Mobile.

In community outreach, Compass most recently conducted “Fund Like an Eagle Fun Run/Walk” to benefit Chive Charities. “Firelight,” a free monthly screening, guides parents to needed services for their child. The practice also contributes to local sports teams, Delta Zeta sorority, churches, schools, food drives and coat drives. Johnson volunteers with advisory boards for Calhoun Community College and high schools.

For more information, call 256-325-5400 or visit CompassPhysicalTherapyInc.com (formerly eaglerehabpt.com) or Facebook.com/PTCompass (formerly Facebook/EagleRehab).