The Fletcher Center, a shopping plaza located on Newberry Rd. in Jonesville, also is among the area’s growing business centers. Recently, Suwannee Bend Services, which offers physical, occupational and speech therapy, opened its third location in the plaza immediately behind the Fletcher Center retail plaza.

The only other tenant in the Fletcher Center’s “back” plaza is Fallen Builders.

The Jonesville location is the third office Suwannee Bend Services has opened.

“We have been open in Chiefland for 5 years and we just opened the Newberry office last summer,” says owner Todd Carson, who also is an occupational therapist with 20 years of experience. “I opened in Chiefland as a private practice office. As time passed, I realized that, while there were many physical therapy-only offices, there were no outpatient facilities in our tri-county area that offered occupational, physical and speech therapy all under one roof. Many of our local residents were driving back and forth to Gainesville several times each week for therapy, from as far away as Cross City.”

Carson says he chose to open in Jonesville partially because he loves the area, which has the closest Publix and “good Chinese restaurant” closest to his home in Dixie County.  “I, too, know what it is like to sit on the west side of I-75, trying to cross into town,” he explains. “I wouldn't want to have to fight that traffic two or three times each week. We are proud and fortunate to be able to offer Jonesville area residents a convenient, local option.”

Amazingly enough, Suwannee Bend Services already has expanded from the space it originally leased in the Jonesville plaza. “We originally leased one unit in the plaza,” says Carson. “But, we quickly realized that it would be too small in just a few months and, by then, it would be too late to expand. So, we just signed the lease to add a second adjoining unit, bringing us to 2,000 square feet. This will allow us to accommodate more professional staff, as well as make room for some large equipment items for pediatric clients. This addition will make Jonesville our largest office of the three.”

One of the things that sets Suwannee Bend Services apart from its competition is its pediatric physical therapy, which Carson says accounts for approximately 70 percent of his business.

“Some of the unique pediatric treatment services that we offer are programs for feeding aversions in children; no-medication programs for ADD/ADHD, including the Interactive Metronome Program; screening and assessment of sensory deficits related to learning disabilities, including visual perceptual deficits; visual motor integration deficits and sensory integration deficits in children,” Carson explains.

Suwannee Bend Services also has plenty to offer its adult patients, including standard post-surgery care for knees, hips,  backs and shoulders, hand therapy, balance and fall prevention programs and post-stroke and brain injury rehab.

“Our true company focus is on customer service,” says Carson. “We remember who is paying the bill. What sets us apart from other therapy offices is that we put our customers needs and wishes up front  by offering regular, same-time appointments with the same therapist at an hour that is convenient. We are always eager and willing to change our schedule to meet the patient's needs whenever possible. And we offer free, premium coffee- including cappuccino, lattes and Chai tea lattes.”

Suwannee Bend Services has 14 employees at its three locations combined and Carson says the company is expecting to add three more licensed therapists for the Jonesville and Newberry locations during the next two months.

The Jonesville office staff  includes Jason Kelsey, physical therapist; Jessica Bidlack, occupational therapist; and Kathy Shepard, speech-language pathologist. They are assisted by rehab technician Jennifer Rush, who plans to become an occupational therapist.

“As any of his clients already know, Jason is a special and talented provider,”?says Carson.

Kelsey attended New York University and the University of St. Augustine, where he received his doctorate in physical therapy and graduated with high honors. He also was class president and was voted “Outstanding Physical Therapist” while at St. Augustine. Kelsey’s specialty is manual physical therapy and pediatrics.

“We also offer the latest technology in ultrasound and electrical stimulation treatment for pain — the Vectra System,” Carson explains. “And, we are currently researching the possibility of adding aquatic therapy. This decision will be based upon community response, as well as building code and lease allowances.”

Suwannee Bend Services is located at 105 SW 140th Terrace, Suite 3 in Jonesville, just east of C.R. 241. For more information, call 333-3995. You can reach the Chiefland office, which is located on N. Main St., at 490-7500. The Newberry office, which is located in a historic downtown house, can be contacted by calling 474-6111.