By SHELBA NIVENS / Community Columnist

Kelley Zajac, of Accelerated Physical Therapy Inc. in Chelsea, said she always knew that she wanted to work in healthcare because she loves people.

“Physical therapy provides me the opportunity to help patients reach their goals and improve their quality of life,” she said.

“We are an outpatient physical therapy company dedicated to providing outstanding rehabilitation services in a personable and professional environment.

“We treat a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunctions including post-surgical, sports medicine, work-related injuries, rheumatologic conditions, degenerative conditions, acute and chronic pain syndromes, tendonitis, sprains/strains, bulging/herniated discs in the spine, headaches, TMJ dysfunction and injuries from motor vehicle accidents,” she added.

APT has a total of four clinics that are located in Trussville, Pelham, Moody and Chelsea.

According to their website, “The facilities are community based … and operate under the same principles upon which the company was originally founded to provide our patients with the high quality care that they expect and deserve.

“They (therapists) are dedicated professionals who truly care about their patients and want them to achieve their best possible outcome.”

Zajac has worked at APT since opening in January 2008. She is a physical therapist as well as clinical director.

She grew up in Montgomery and graduated from St. James High School.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Mississippi State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2000, then earned her master’s degree in physical therapy from UAB in 2002.

She has worked in outpatient orthopedics since graduating from physical therapy school, she said.

Zajac has been married to Jason Zajac, a teacher and certified athletic trainer at Spain Park High School for seven years.

They have two beautiful children, Carter, 4, and Olivia, 2, she said.

Accelerated Physical Therapy can be reached at 678-5035. Visit their website at Alabamarehabilitation.com.

Shelba Nivens can be reached by email at Shelbasn@juno.com.