The history of Aquatic Health and Rehabilitation
Dr. Terry Shepherd, a respected physical therapist and business woman with over 15 years experience, education which includes multiple degrees and certifications to which a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy and Health Services, is the owner of Aquatic Health and Rehabilitation. She started the company with a simple loan which was used for the build-out of the first office. This loan was paid off within the first year with the business showing profit for the first year as well.
The company started with an office at 717 North Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island, Florida. Soon after opening that location, the owner was approached by two local pain management physicians regarding the location they were venturing into which housed an outdoor pool. The physicians requested that Aquatic Health and Rehabilitation be a part of this location and take over the pool at the location 595 N. Courtenay Parkway, just two blocks from that current location. 500 square feet was leased from the physicians to use as the main clinic and the 717 office was used for the business office. Not surprising, the business at the new location took off like a rocket. Just prior to the one year anniversary of the company, business had increased so much that the facility required more space. The owner, contacted the landlord and requested more space, eventually moving upstairs to the current location. This facility allowed her to combine the two separate offices into one convenient location.
After being in business for two and a half years, Terry noticed a need for physical therapy in the coastal communities of Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach, Indianlantic, and Indian Harbour Beach. Patients were participating in therapy at the Merritt Island location but were hesitant to drive from the beach to the island location. She began looking at locations for a second clinic to serve those communities. A central location was found in the landmark "The Galleria" and was opened October 17, 2005. This location had challenges and in May of this year was relocated to the current location of 5360 N Atlantic Avenue. The location is close to Hwy 520, and has helped the office to flourish with its location, easy street visibility and access for patients.
The company started with one therapist (the owner) and one part-time billing office person. Within the first year, the business hired two more therapists, a technician, and 2 full-time billing office staff. Currently, the business has four full-time therapists, two part-time physical therapists, four PTA's, one occupational therapist, one speech therapist, 2 massage therapists, four physical therapy technicians (all of which are personal trainers and one who is also an exercise physiologist ), one front desk receptionist/scheduler, an office manager, a facilities manager, collections specialist, marketing specialtist, advertising, aarketing and continuing education representitive and a patient care coordinator.