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 near Ridgeville, 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.
Biomechanics is the scientific study of how we move. Our body is like a well-oiled machine, where each part works together in harmony. At Premier Physical Therapy, we have built a team that mirrors this approach - working together with you to ensure you can get moving ASAP.
While your diagnosis and symptoms provide us with a solid starting place to provide relief, we take a holistic approach to your treatment. We treat you as a whole person, ensuring that you can perform at your best when it comes to work, play, and everyday life. After all, God designed us to move as we please, which is why often prescribe exercise as the best medicine out there.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 near the Ridgeville, SC, area to offer this pain-free Pneumex technology.
Our physical therapy clinic provides relief for nearly every area of your body, including your:
Our team of practitioners also provides care for diseases and disorders, such as:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Depending on your pain symptoms and goals for physical therapy near Ridgeville, 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
Why Choose Aquatic 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.
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.
To piggyback off of our last point, aquatic therapy is a type of physical therapy near Ridgeville, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Edsel Taylor was recognized with the Order of the Palmetto after a 51-year corrections career defined by leadership, rehabilitation efforts and decades of public serviceThis article is republished with permission from the .Summerville Journal SceneRIDGEVILLE, S.C. — Edsel Taylor, a Ridgeville resident who spent 51 years with the South Carolina Department of Corrections and became the nation’s longest-serving prison warden, has received the state’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the...
This article is republished with permission from the .
Summerville Journal Scene
RIDGEVILLE, S.C. — Edsel Taylor, a Ridgeville resident who spent 51 years with the South Carolina Department of Corrections and became the nation’s longest-serving prison warden, has received the state’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto.
“I had a hard time making parole,” he joked when asked about his longevity in the corrections field.
Taylor was presented the award during the July 20 meeting of the Dorchester County Council. The Order of the Palmetto recognizes citizens for extraordinary lifetime achievement, service and significant contributions to the state.
After serving a year in Vietnam, Taylor began his career at MacDougall Correctional Institution in 1969. Realizing he had a knack for administrative leadership, he applied for the warden position of a maximum-security prison in Columbia. Knowing that a handful of wardens had been terminated over the course of several years, he took the challenge in stride. His boss even joked, “If you can survive Vietnam, you can survive here.”
Taylor eventually returned to MacDougall as the warden, where he would retire. In addition to the corrections field, he served for 28 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
While working at MacDougall, Taylor took on additional assignments with other South Carolina corrections facilities.
“I was extremely blessed to have good health and a lot of energy throughout my career,” Taylor said, boasting that he never took a day of sick leave as warden of five different South Carolina prisons.
A proponent of educational and rehabilitative efforts, Taylor established a housing unit for military veterans and oversaw construction of an inmate-built chapel. During his tenure, MacDougall Correctional Institution achieved accreditation from the American Correctional Association.
His military background influenced at least one of the prison programs of which he is most proud: a housing unit designed for incarcerated military veterans. The concept was intended to make it easier to provide services and benefits to veterans while fostering discipline and camaraderie among its residents.
The prison even allowed those inmates to have murals and their unit insignia on their cell walls.
“As I suspected what would happen, they meshed together really well, and it was an easier unit to manage,” Taylor said, adding that the unit developed a reputation for order and discipline. “You walked in, and it was like walking into a true military barracks.”
Taylor noted that education, vocational training and treatment programs are critical to reducing recidivism.
“You can’t simply lock someone up and expect them to be released as a normal person,” he said. “It’s our responsibility to try to make sure they are prepared to be a productive citizen when they get back on the street.”
Taylor remained in corrections through some of the agency’s most difficult periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He had planned to retire earlier but stayed on as the prison grappled with unprecedented challenges.
“[That period] made me so proud of our dedicated staff,” he said. “They did not give up.”
During his 51-year career, Taylor worked for nine corrections directors and felt supported by each one. At the same time, he learned to be flexible based on each director’s philosophy on how to run a prison.
Since retiring, Taylor has shifted his focus toward conservation, environmental stewardship and volunteer work.
He has helped secure permanent conservation easements, protecting critical natural areas.
Taylor serves as a master naturalist and works to establish and maintain wood duck habitats, including dozens of nesting sites around his wooded property.
“I truly love being in nature,” Taylor said, before quipping, “When you spend 51 years behind bars, you have a lot of time to make up and spend outdoors.”
As he approaches his 83rd birthday in August, Taylor boasted that his shift toward conservation work has kept him motivated, active and young in spirit.
“I haven’t made a penny since I retired, and I don’t plan to make a penny,” he added.
While accepting South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, Taylor emphasized that the recognition belonged to more than just himself.
“This award is something bigger than I am,” he said. “I was blessed to have employees who were dedicated, hardworking and always trying to do the best job they could or even finding ways to do it better.”
Taylor concluded that he and his colleagues always sought to make prison a “highway to a better life, instead of a dead-end for people.”
DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A Ridgeville man recognized as the nation’s longest-serving prison warden has received South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.Edsel Taylor was presented with the Order of the Palmetto during a Dorchester County Council meeting Monday night in recognition of his lifetime of public service and contributions to South Carolina.The Order of the Palmetto is awarded by the governor to South Carolinians who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement, service, and leadership.Ta...
DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A Ridgeville man recognized as the nation’s longest-serving prison warden has received South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
Edsel Taylor was presented with the Order of the Palmetto during a Dorchester County Council meeting Monday night in recognition of his lifetime of public service and contributions to South Carolina.
The Order of the Palmetto is awarded by the governor to South Carolinians who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement, service, and leadership.
Taylor devoted 51 years to the South Carolina Department of Corrections, ultimately serving as warden of MacDougall Correctional Institution. Throughout his career, Taylor became known for advancing rehabilitation, education, and innovative correctional programs.
According to Dorchester County, Taylor helped create a dedicated housing unit for military veterans and oversaw the construction of an inmate-built chapel at MacDougall. Under his leadership, the institution also earned accreditation from the American Correctional Association.
“I have heard countless stories about his integrity, and his character, and his many decades of service. So, I know just on the testimony alone he is worthy of the Order of the Palmetto,” said State Rep. Gil Gatch during Monday’s ceremony.
Beyond his corrections career, Taylor is a decorated Vietnam veteran who served as a Medical Service Corps officer before completing a 28-year career in the U.S. Army Reserve. He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Following his retirement from corrections and military service, Taylor remained active in conservation and civic efforts throughout South Carolina. County officials said he has helped protect hundreds of acres of land through conservation easements and has served on numerous local boards and commissions.
In a social media post, Dorchester County described Taylor as a corrections leader, Army officer, conservationist and civic leader whose service to South Carolina has spanned more than five decades.