Gregg L. Parker
for the Madison Spirit
A Madison mother pursued a medical career that appealed to her two daughters, and they joined the same field.
Janet Nesin started her career in physical therapy in 1964. Her daughters Michelle and Janine Nesin now work side-by-side with Janet at Nesin Therapy Services.
But Janine was determined not to copy her mother's and sister's job path. "I spent my freshman year at Auburn in engineering but assisted a pregnant therapist over the summer and was hooked," Janine said.
Michelle wanted to be a PT since seventh grade when she read "Janet Moore, Physical Therapist" by Alice Ross Colver.
Janet first worked for Washington University in St. Louis. She then worked for a school system in Michigan and, after raising four children, returned to work in physical therapy in 1981 and started her private practice in 1987 on a contractual basis with three employees.
Janine graduated from Auburn University's PT program in 1992 and earned a doctorate in physical therapy from Creighton University in 1996.
A physical therapist must have a degree, either a bachelor's, master's or doctoraal degree from a college or university in physical therapy, pass a national exam and be licensed in his or her state. Physical therapy assistants must attend a licensed, two-year program, be licensed in their state and supervised by a PT, Michelle said. Both must attend continuing education courses and update licenses yearly.
In Alabama, a doctor's prescription is required for treatment by a physical therapist.
"Job counseling was available to me from the Veterans Administration because my father was in the Army," Janet said. "After a full day of testing, they recommended the therapy profession. I took Introduction to Physical Therapy and was sure it was the career for me."
Janet is adamant about one fact. She said Nesin Therapy Services is "a clinic, not a spa or salon."
Michelle said her patients aren't placed on exercise machines, bicycles or treadmills or in group therapy for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Each therapist spends 60 minutes with one patient directing physical movements, educating or "re-educating" their muscles and brains and evaluating body form, function and positioning.
"We specialize in manual techniques and methods. The staff uses hands-on therapy in one-on-one treatments to reduce pain and restore normal movements to joints and soft tissue," Janine said.
"We all acquire habits that put our bodies into poor postures and improper positions that cause pain and decreased mobility," Michelle said.
Janet said, "Our philosophy has always been that quality and one-on-one care can provide the best results."
The Nesins believe they offer the highest quality patient care by providing a highly qualified staff and fostering an atmosphere of professional growth. "We take a teamwork approach to patient evaluation and treatment, sponsor continuing education programs and integrate scientific theory with contemporary research and clinical practice," Janet said.
Nesin Therapy Services offers clinical services for:
"Besides excelling at basic orthopedic problems, there are some unusual things we as physical therapists do, such as treating headaches and sinus problems and jaw dysfunction," Janine said.
Janet also has two sons: Scott, who works for KBR Engineering in Houston and is married with two children; and Chris, an Independence Air pilot who is married and lives in Jacksonville, Fla.
Nesin Therapy Services' Madison office is at 540 Hughes Road, Suite 8. The phone number is 461-9654. Its Huntsville office is at 165 Whitesport Drive, Suite 2. The number is 425-0300. The Web site is www.nesintherapy.com.
