Recover from Pain and Injuries Quicker at Premier Physical Therapy

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Physical Therapy near Holly Hill, SC

Accidents are a part of life that can happen anytime, anywhere. Whether it's at work, home, or on the road, injuries often follow. According to the CDC, there were more than 38 million injury-related visits to the ER in 2020. However, not all injuries require the same kind of treatment. Minor sprains and bruises can often be treated at home with rest, ice, and elevation.

More severe injuries require ongoing care like sports rehab and physical therapy in Holly Hill, SC. Physical therapy, which is a combination of physical exercises and education, has remarkable benefits for those who are injured or in constant pain. For many patients, physical therapy is the key to a pain-free life where joints and muscles don't ache and everyday activities are easy to accomplish without constant worry and debilitating pain. That's where Premier Physical Therapy shines – to help you live life free of the aches and pains setting you back.

Service Areas

A Unique Approach to Physical Therapy in Holly Hill, SC

Premier Physical Therapy is not your ordinary physical therapy center. We separate ourselves from other physical therapy offices with an inherent belief that God's Will is to see each and every person suffering from physical ailments return to the best shape possible. We believe it's our job to make sure His Will is seen through. To ensure we do so, our physical therapy center is equipped with the most advanced technology and knowledgeable staff in South Carolina.

Some of the most popular services we offer at our physical rehabilitation office in South Carolina include:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Alter-G Treadmill
  • Aquatic Therapy
  • Sports Rehab for Athletes

Our Mission

At Premier Physical Therapy, we strive to use our abilities to help others and honor God. We believe that each person has unique gifts that they can use to make a positive impact in the world, and for us, that gift is the ability to heal and serve people through advanced physical

therapy techniques and technology. Whether you are dealing with a minor injury or a chronic condition, we are here to help you feel better and improve your overall well-being.

Now that you know a little more about our mission, let's take a closer look at the services offered at our physical therapy center.

Elevating the Art and Science of Physical Therapy in Holly Hill, SC

Our services are focused on helping individuals alleviate any physical discomfort they may be experiencing by working in tandem with their bodies. Physical therapy is a unique combination of both science and art, and our team of experts is well-versed in both aspects to ensure that regardless of your symptoms or diagnosis, you receive the best care possible.

Our understanding of human anatomy is second nature to us, but we also understand that each person's body is unique. Thus, we approach each case with a willingness to adapt and tailor our methods to your specific needs, enabling you to get back to living your best life once again.

 Physical Rehabilitation Holly Hill, SC
Therapy Customized

Physical Therapy Customized to Your Needs and Goals

Premier Physical Therapy works with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation program that caters to your specific needs and objectives. Whether you are suffering from the fallout of shoulder surgery, knee replacement surgery, or your back has artificial discs, you deserve a customized rehabilitation plan.

That's why we create specialized plans for every one of our clients – we never provide treatment based on someone's general characteristics or levels of pain. Plus, unlike many physical therapy centers, our team undergoes advanced training in the Mulligan Concept and McKenzie Method. The bottom line At Premier Physical Therapy, you can rely on receiving compassionate, complete support using the latest physical therapy techniques and equipment, such as dry needling.

utilize technologies

We also utilize technologies such as the Alter-G Unweighting System and Pneumex Unweighting System.

The Pneumex unweighting system is designed to decrease pain and increase strength by providing controlled, precise, weightless motion for the spine or injured joint. Premier Physical Therapy is the sole provider in the Holly Hill, SC, area to offer this pain-free Pneumex technology.

clinic provides

Our physical therapy clinic provides relief for nearly every area of your body, including your:

  • Back
  • Shoulders
  • Neck
  • Jaw
  • Spine
  • Hips
  • Ankles and Feet
  • Knees
  • Elbows
practitioners

Our team of practitioners also provides care for diseases and disorders, such as:

  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Chronic Pain Disorders
  • Parkinson's

From high-level sports injuries to painful sprains, you can rest easy knowing that relief is just around the corner when you book an appointment with Premier Physical Therapy.

Reduce Impacts and Reimagine Rehabilitation with the Alter G

The Alter G treadmill is a remarkable piece of technology that helps reduce the impact of exercise and aids in smooth rehabilitation after surgery or injury. It is especially useful if walking, jogging, or running causes pain during recovery from physical ailments. Alter G treadmills are preferred by leading medical professionals and the world's best athletes and sports teams.

Originally developed at NASA and tested at Nike's Oregon Research Project by America's top distance runners, the Alter G was considered revolutionary when first produced. Today, it remains incredibly effective and exists as the only FDA-approved device of its kind.

Top 3 Benefits of Alter G Treadmills for Physical Therapy in Charleston

One of the most common questions we get at Premier Physical Therapy about Alter G treadmills is whether they really work or not. We get it – antigravity technology may seem out of place in a custom physical therapy program. The truth is that Alter G provides patients with an exciting, effective, and proven way to improve their workouts and recoveries. Here are just a few of the biggest benefits of using antigravity treadmills at our physical therapy office:

 Physiotherapy Holly Hill, SC

Running on a traditional treadmill is a popular exercise, but it can also cause harm to your bones, joints, and muscles due to the high stress and pressure on your body. Antigravity treadmills solve this issue by using unweighting technology to help users achieve their desired workout. The AlterG can unweight up to 80% of a user's body weight, reducing stress and shock on the lower body

By wearing specialized shorts and entering the air chamber surrounding the Alter G treadmill, the machine can be calibrated to pressurize the chamber and unweight users, allowing them to run without pain and without interfering with their natural gait mechanics. This technology isn't just for athletes. It can be used for a range of physiotherapy needs, whether you're recovering from knee surgery or simply want to run without harming your knees as much.

 Antigravity Treadmill Holly Hill, SC

The Alter G treadmill provides a painless, low-weight exercise for patients in early recovery. Studies show it reduces muscle atrophy and swelling and improves post-surgery results. It helps you recuperate faster and improves cardio fitness, range of motion, and strength while reducing the harmful effects of gravity. Going through recovery doesn't mean you have to waste away on the couch. Instead, you can stay active and exercise with the painless treatment Alter G from Premier Physical Therapy in South Carolina.

 Aquatic Therapy Holly Hill, SC

The Alter G treadmill may sound intimidating, but it is a safe and comfortable experience for helping patients recover from injury or surgery. While using the Alter G, you will be surrounded by a safety bar that can be used for support and balance. A clinician from Premier Physical Therapy will be present to guide you through your run, adjusting your speed and pressure to create the ideal running experience. Patients who use the Alter G Treadmill can focus on getting the most out of their workout rather than worrying about falling or joint pain.

Stay Active with Aquatic Therapy

Depending on your pain symptoms and goals for physical therapy in Holly Hill, SC, aquatic therapy can provide your body with immeasurable benefits. It all starts when by heating our pool to 92 degrees, to maximize your workout and keep your muscles warm. In fact, at Premier Physical Therapy, we're proud to provide patients with the warmest pool in Charleston. When you use our aquatic therapy technology, you have access to two underwater treadmills and also a pair of swim jets. Plus, we can provide accessories such as weights, jog belts, steps, and even resistance bands.

Benefits of using our aquatic therapy clinic include

  • Decreased Muscle Guarding
  • Reduced Pain
  • Un-Weighted Joints
  • Much More
Physical Therapy Holly Hill, SC

Why Choose Aquatic Therapy

 Physical Rehabilitation Holly Hill, SC

5 Reasons to Consider Aquatic Therapy from Premier Physical Therapy

Aquatic exercises from our physical therapy office is about more than just swimming laps. It is an effective and safe form of physical therapy that uses evidence-based techniques to help you feel and move better, whether you're 25 or 65. Curious why you should consider this service? Keep reading to find out.

Reduced Risk of Falling
Reduced Risk of Falling

Certain patients who experience problems with balance and stability might not be suitable for physical therapy on land. However, aquatic therapy decreases the likelihood of falls and fall-related injuries, enabling them to exercise and recover in a secure environment. With time, balance issues can be resolved, and confidence can be regained.

Coordination
Coordination and Balance Improvements

To piggyback off of our last point, aquatic therapy is a type of physical therapy in Holly Hill, SC, that can help patients improve their coordination and balance. This, in turn, can reduce their risk of falls outside of the pool. The water used in aquatic therapy slows down movement and prevents falls, which gives patients the time they need to regain their posture if they get off balance. Research has shown that hydrotherapy can be particularly beneficial for older patients, as it can help them improve their balance and recovery. As a result, they may become less fearful of falling and more confident during physical activities.

Less Stress on Your Joints and Bones
Less Stress on Your Joints and Bones

When a patient is immersed in water up to their neck, their body weight is reduced by nearly 90%. This buoyancy helps to decrease the load on weight-bearing muscles, bones, and joints. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions or injuries, as landing on a hard surface could be unsafe or painful.

Improve Your Cardio
Improve Your Cardio

Exercising in a pool can significantly improve one's aerobic capacity and breathing, which in turn promotes overall health. In particular, engaging in aerobic exercise can lower the risk of coronary artery disease and help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. This makes it an ideal form of physical activity for patients who require aerobic exercise but face mobility or pain issues that limit their ability to engage in land-based exercise.

Help Alleviate Swollen Joints
Help Alleviate Swollen Joints

Hydrostatic pressure refers to the pressure exerted by fluids that are confined in a space. When a person undergoes aquatic physical therapy, the water surrounding their body exerts hydrostatic pressure. This pressure helps to improve circulation, reduce swelling, decrease joint stiffness, and increase overall mobility.

 Physiotherapy Holly Hill, SC

Custom Sports Conditioning and Strengthening

There's a reason why some of the best athletes in the world come to Premier Physical Therapy for help: We strive to combine the best staff with the best equipment you'll find in South Carolina or anywhere else. Our sports training program is tailored to meet the needs of athletes from any sport. It is designed to help prevent injuries and facilitate a quick return to the field.

Each workout targets speed, strength, power, agility, and weight loss, if necessary. You will have full access to our 5,000-square-foot facility, which includes an indoor, heated, saltwater aqua therapy pool to assist with soreness and improve flexibility. Before progressing to the next level, you will need to pass a functional exam with a specific goal in mind.

Some of the sports physical therapy programs we offer include:

  • Core Strengthening for Improved Performance Across Multiple Sports
  • Upper Extremity Conditioning for Softball, Baseball, Swimming, & Volleyball
  • Speed Programs
  • Vertical Jump Programs
  • Premier Pitching Academy Program
  • Golf Conditioning Program
  • Marathon, Triathlon, & Century Training Program

You with Our Health and Wellness Services

We believe that one of the best ways to maintain the gains you make with physical therapy in Charleston is to stay active and stay healthy once you're discharged from our physical rehabilitation in South Carolina. After all, regular exercise is often the best medicine you can take.

How does it work, you might be asking?

We offer you the opportunity to have unlimited visits to our 5,000-square-foot facility for an affordable monthly fee. You'll be able to schedule up to two weekly appointments for our heated pool and unlimited appointments for our gym facility. There are no lock-in contracts, and you can cancel anytime you'd like. Our facility is less crowded than regular gyms, and our therapists are always available to assist you. You'll feel comfortable knowing that if you have any questions or concerns, we're always here to help.

The Path to Pain Relief Begins at Premier Physical Therapy

If you're suffering from a physical ailment and would like to return to peak physical condition, Premier Physical Therapy is here to help you. From arthritis to Parkinson's and just about everything in between, our custom programs don't just provide relief from your symptoms – they address the root causes of your issues. Our team of experts is incredibly well-versed in healing every area of the human anatomy – from your feet to your shoulders. Contact our physiotherapy office today and let us help you become the best possible version of yourself.

Latest News in Holly Hill, SC

Groundbreaking for the new water line project in Orangeburg County

Some residents in Orangeburg and Berkeley Counties won’t have to wait much longer for clean water.Credit: WLTXHOLLY HILL, S.C. — The Orangeburg-Berkeley Reach Water Line Project had its groundbreaking in Holly Hill.This means that the Lake Marion Water Treatment Plant in Santee will be upgraded, the town of Vance will get an elevated tank, and a new water transmission line will be added to the current ...

Some residents in Orangeburg and Berkeley Counties won’t have to wait much longer for clean water.

Credit: WLTX

HOLLY HILL, S.C. — The Orangeburg-Berkeley Reach Water Line Project had its groundbreaking in Holly Hill.

This means that the Lake Marion Water Treatment Plant in Santee will be upgraded, the town of Vance will get an elevated tank, and a new water transmission line will be added to the current line in Holly Hill to extend the water 16 miles down the road to the Volvo plant in Ridgeville.

The new water line is expected to bring clean water to over two hundred thousand people in Berkeley County. Johnny Cribb, the Berkeley County supervisor, said this will have a major impact.

"It will make a significant impact both on residents and industries in the region," said Cribb. "Clean, drinkable water is a big deal. Water is life. So bringing that to the resident."

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Angel Howell lives in Vance and said she did not have access to clean water when she first moved to Orangeburg County.

"Clean, accessible water is very important to Orangeburg County," said Howell. "When I initially moved to Orangeburg County, there used to be little particles in my water, so I had to purchase water to be able to drink water. I would cook with it, but I would not drink it, so we had to purchase water. So it's very important to the residents of Vance, South Carolina, and Orangeburg County."

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In addition to the water line project, Congressman Jim Clyburn said there is more improvement to be done in Orangeburg County.

"Within the next two years, every home [and] every business in Orangeburg County will be connected to the internet, and that's a part of what we're doing here today," said Congressman Clyburn. "I saw some of it this morning coming here. I was fine from Santee to Holly Hill; when I got to this side of Holly Hill, all of a sudden I couldn't communicate on my cell phone."

Calhoun and Dorchester Counties will also have future water lines from the project.

‘I told you so’: Coroner’s office identifies remains as missing Holly Hill woman

Woman’s family knew it was their loved one when they discovered jawbone ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WCSC) - The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office confirmed Tuesday that human remains found earlier this month in Holly Hill are those of a woman reported missing in August.The coroner was able to confirm the remains were those of 49-year-old Melissa Aguilar using dental records, ...

Woman’s family knew it was their loved one when they discovered jawbone

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WCSC) - The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office confirmed Tuesday that human remains found earlier this month in Holly Hill are those of a woman reported missing in August.

The coroner was able to confirm the remains were those of 49-year-old Melissa Aguilar using dental records, WIS-TV reported.

That’s news that Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said he learned from Aguilar’s family, not from official channels, shortly before a Tuesday afternoon news conference on the case. That news conference seemed to raise more questions than provide answers, however.

Ravenell said family members told him that someone at the Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office told family members that the human remains discovered on Jan. 4 were those of Aguilar.

“After talking to the family, they informed me that they were informed by the coroner’s office that this was — this actually came back to be Melissa,” Ravenell said.

But the sheriff said his agency had not yet been informed of that confirmation and that he was trying to get a call through to the coroner’s office.

“Officially, we’re still waiting on our own word, but that’s what the family is telling me from the guy from the coroner’s office,” he said. “If that’s the case, I gave the family my condolences and told them that we will continue to pray for them and that this investigation, even though we were working it as a missing person, you know, I will tell you here and now that this was, this investigation, all the time was going in two different directions.”

Aguilar’s sister, Sarah Shipman, said they’ve been experiencing this lack of communication throughout the investigation.

“I don’t know if people know the locations of those two offices but they’re like a building apart,” Shipman said, “Not only did we get a lack of communication, but they can’t communicate with each other.”

Shipman said she filed a formal complaint against the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office through the Attorney General’s Office this past weekend, citing a lack of communication and transparency throughout the investigation.

She said she believes Tuesday’s news conference stemmed from her complaint, but a spokesperson for the agency said they had no knowledge of the complaint at the time.

Aguilar had been reported missing on Aug. 18 by an ex-boyfriend, the sheriff said. Ravenell said their job now is to find out the manner of death.

“And if it was some foul play, then you can be assured that we’ll find out and we will have somebody in custody if there was some foul play,” he said.

Ravenell said investigators questioned people in the months since Aguilar was reported missing, but said without the discovery of remains and the confirmation that the remains were those of Aguilar, they did not know whether anyone was responsible for her disappearance. But he said his agency has a “person of interest” in that disappearance.

“We talked to him, we had enough reason to think that we needed to get his phone and we needed to get this DVR and analyze it,” he said.

The sheriff did not name the person of interest or any possible connection with Aguilar.

Aguilar’s family said the remains were found less than a half-mile from her home.

After asking neighbors for an approximate location of where the remains had been found, Shipman, said she and Agular’s two daughters, Birttany Ranew and Shanna Brown went to the site the next day, hoping for what she called closure.

“As I was hugging my nieces and consoling them, I looked down and found my sister’s jawbone between my feet,” Shipman said on Wednesday.

As of then, the Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office had not confirmed to the family that the remains were of Aguilar. Deputies said the remains had been sent to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for processing and identification.

“We know her smile, and that smile was in the dirt, and you don’t unsee that, and you know someone’s smile,” Shipman said.

Shipman said investigators promised to collect the rest of the remains, but that when she and Brown returned to the scene the following day, they found what appeared to be several more bones and a tooth.

Ravenell defended his team amid questions about how family members could have found remains after they had supposedly been collected.

“The coroner collected the remains that were there,” Ravenell said.

When a reporter asked about the fact that it struck some people as unusual that there would still be remains left for the family to discover, Ravenell said it struck him as unusual as well.

“You know, it’s just that, just in a case of a dead body, the coroner comes and they pronounce and then they collect and remove. It’s the same thing,” he said.

Orangeburg County Coroner Samuetta Marshall said they “collected what they saw.” She said, although it’s not unusual, there was no boundary set up by law enforcement indicating where the remains were discovered.

Ravenell said he can understand the family being upset about the lack of answers they’ve received so far and said he wished he’d had the information they told him they had received from the coroner’s office.

“I would be upset. I would be angry with somebody. So I don’t hold anything against the family,” he said. “A lot of people would be way more outraged than they were.”

Moving forward, Shipman said she hopes the agency will show more respect to their family and provide answers regarding what happened to her sister.

“We were screaming this to Orangeburg the moment we saw her smile, it wasn’t relief, it was, ‘I told you so,’” Shipman said.

Sheriff Leroy Ravenell released the following statement:

“On Tuesday, I held a press conference with the sole purpose of informing the public after we had conferred with the family as to where an investigation stood into the recovery of human remains near Holly Hill on January 4, 2024. The community has a vested interest in their county and deserve to know where we stood.”

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

‘We know her smile’: Family of missing Holly Hill woman finds human remains

Authorities have not released the identity of the remainsORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The family of a woman who has been missing since August says they are infuriated after finding exposed remains they believed to be hers.Melissa Aguilar, 49, of Holly Hill, was last in contact with family on Aug. 17, according to Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell.Aguilar’s sister, ...

Authorities have not released the identity of the remains

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The family of a woman who has been missing since August says they are infuriated after finding exposed remains they believed to be hers.

Melissa Aguilar, 49, of Holly Hill, was last in contact with family on Aug. 17, according to Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell.

Aguilar’s sister, Sarah Shipman, says investigators told her Thursday that remains were found in Holly Hill, less than half a mile from Aguilar’s home.

After asking neighbors for an approximate location, she and Aguilar’s two daughters, Brittany Ranew and Shanna Brown, went to the site the next day, hoping for closure.

“As I was hugging my nieces and consoling them, I looked down and found my sister’s jawbone between my feet,” Shipman says.

After rushing her nieces out of the woods, Shipman says she returned to the site.

“I went back out there to see if that was what I had really seen, I found her dental work and close to 20 more pieces of my sister that they had walked over and left behind,” she says.

The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed the remains are Aguilars. They say they’ve been sent to SLED for processing and identification.

“We know her smile, and that smile was in the dirt, and you don’t unsee that, and you know someone’s smile,” she says.

Shipman says investigators promised to collect the rest of the remains Monday. When she and Brown returned to the scene Tuesday, they found what appeared to be several more bones and a tooth.

“I knew, there was something telling me there was more,” Shipman says.

They immediately altered authorities again.

Ranew describes her mother as the glue of the entire family.

“It’s hard to list all the amazing things about her because she was so much more than anyone could describe,” Ranew says.

Brown says there are no words to describe the pain of losing a mother.

“My 6-year-old is constantly asking me, ‘Why is Mamie on the news?’ and then my 1-year-old is not going to remember her. I’m going to have to remind him of who she was, she’s going to miss my wedding day,” Brown says.

Shipman says the lack of care from the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office through the entire investigation has “traumatized” their family.

“If the Sheriff’s Department is not capable of doing a job correctly, leaving my sister behind, they should own up and call in outside resources,” Shipman says.

The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to the family’s claim that they mishandled the investigation.

“The investigation into Ms. Melissa Aguilar going missing is an active and ongoing investigation,” Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said in an email. “We are still asking the public for any information regarding Ms. Aguilar. If you have any information in this case, you are urged to contact us.”

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Holly Hill hosts groundbreaking for new OC Tech Campus

Residents in Holly Hill, Santee and Eutawville will be able to attend college much closer to home.HOLLY HILL, S.C. — Residents in the southern part of Orangeburg County will no longer have to drive far for higher education.Holly Hill hosted a groundbreaking for a new Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College satellite campus Monday afternoon.The renovation is expected to cost $2.2 million dollars, turning the second floor of the ol...

Residents in Holly Hill, Santee and Eutawville will be able to attend college much closer to home.

HOLLY HILL, S.C. — Residents in the southern part of Orangeburg County will no longer have to drive far for higher education.

Holly Hill hosted a groundbreaking for a new Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College satellite campus Monday afternoon.

The renovation is expected to cost $2.2 million dollars, turning the second floor of the old Holly Hill Middle School into the new 13,000 square foot satellite campus.

Dr. Walton Tobin is the president of OC Tech. He says this new campus provides options for those who live in rural Orangeburg.

“Our commitment is to serve the residents of Orangeburg and Calhoun county and the fact that this site is somewhere around 35 minutes away from Orangeburg our main campus," said Dr. Tobin. "It creates access for students who live in this area who otherwise may not get to our main campus.”

Johnnie Wright Sr. is Orangeburg County Council's Chair. He says he hopes residents in Orangeburg County will put this new facility to good use.

“There’s a lot of money being spent, a lot of sacrifices, that you know the team is working to try to make things better but when it gets there they need to utilize it," said Wright. "That’s important because in a need to try and put all these monies and putting things in place to try and train people, and have better services and they don’t use it because then somebody will say that’s a waste of tax payers money so whatever is put here I want citizens to know that they should utilize it, its very important and I am just very excited.”

Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young says the size and travel time of Orangeburg County plays a big role in why students are not able to attend schools on the other side of the county.

"Orangeburg County is eleven hundred square miles it can take you an hour to get to Orangeburg from Holly Hill, the transportation problem is why some of these kids don't take advantage of the educational opportunities that is afforded to them."

Tobin says the facility is needed for the growth in the southern part of the county.

“We’re really just excited to expand our footprint in this part of Orangeburg County with the development that’s happening in the Low Country,” said Dr. Tobin. “I think it positions the college and this community to thrive.”

Wright says Orangeburg County is the ideal location for the booming population and businesses coming from Charleston.

“You know they cant go into the ocean,” said Wright. “So they gotta come this way so we gotta try to be proactive as much as we can to see that we can plan smart growth in the end of the county.”

OC Tech’s satellite campus in Holly Hill is expected to welcome students in Fall of 2025.

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New details emerge in case of Orangeburg Co. woman missing since August

HOLLY HILL, S.C. (WIS) - As the family of an Orangeburg County woman who went missing four months ago seeks answers, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office is releasing new information about the case.Melissa Aguilar of Holly Hill was reported missing by an ex-boyfriend on Aug. 18, an Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office report states.Deputies said Friday in a statement that it put out a public call for leads after an “unconfirmed report of a possible sighting.”Investigators believe she left a home o...

HOLLY HILL, S.C. (WIS) - As the family of an Orangeburg County woman who went missing four months ago seeks answers, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office is releasing new information about the case.

Melissa Aguilar of Holly Hill was reported missing by an ex-boyfriend on Aug. 18, an Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office report states.

Deputies said Friday in a statement that it put out a public call for leads after an “unconfirmed report of a possible sighting.”

Investigators believe she left a home on Fourwind Road, which is in an unincorporated area of Orangeburg County, after an argument with her ex.

Aguilar’s youngest daughter, Shanna Brown, said the last four months have been excruciatingly painful. Brown said she used to speak with her mother every day and the fear of the unknown has caused her “anger, heartache, and worry.”

“It’s been really hard trying to juggle a job and put on a smile and act like nothing’s wrong when there’s so much wrong,” she said.

Brown described her last conversation with her mother on Aug. 17, the night before she was reported missing. She said Aguilar sounded upbeat and happy during that call. She was excited about her oldest daughter’s upcoming wedding in September, and the pair discussed Brown’s future wedding plans as well, Brown said.

Immediately following her disappearance, the sheriff’s office shared the information with the local newspaper, but did not put out a public release through its official channels, nor send the information to other news outlets, WIS-TV reported.

The Sheriff’s Office provided written answers to some questions Friday, but an investigator familiar with the case was not made available for an on-camera interview.

The agency did not provide any specifics about who reported the “unconfirmed report of a possible sighting” or when or where the sighting happened.

Family members, however, say they fear Aguilar is gone.

“She would’ve come back by now, or at least called somebody,” Brown said.

Sarah Shipman, Aguilar’s sister, agrees and said she does not believe that her sibling would vanish without her belongings, and miss important family events.

There was a law enforcement presence at Aguilar’s last-known location, the place she was staying with her ex-boyfriend on Fourwind Road, throughout the morning on Friday.

The sheriff’s office said they could not provide details out of concern that doing so could “jeopardize the case.”

“I wish that they would’ve done a lot more than what they did in the beginning,” Brown said.

Brown implored the community to come forward with information, regardless of how inconsequential it may seem.

“If they see anything, they think they see anything, if they hear anything, that we just want to know, we just want to get an idea, a lead, anything so we could bring her home, alive or not,” she said.

The sheriff’s office declined to answer questions about whether there is a suspect or person of interest in the case, saying they “cannot comment on particulars of an investigation.”

The public is asked to contact the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office with tips, leads or information, at 803-534-3550.

Copyright 2023 WIS. All rights reserved.

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