Nichole Chennault was a 13-year-old in Hanford who knew she wanted to be a physical therapist, after her grandfather had a stroke and she began attending physical therapy sessions with him. Cori Rowe was a 13-year-old in Santa Rosa, volunteering at nursing homes with the geriatrics population when she first began to contemplate a career in the health care field. But it wasn't until college that the physical therapy bug bit her.

Now in their early 30s, the two recently opened Physical Therapy Unlimited at 1489 W. Lacey Blvd., Suite 105, in Hanford. Chennault and Rowe are the staff physical therapists, and the facility features an aide who assists them and a front office receptionist who is also Rowe's mother-in-law.

"Our aim in health care is to raise the bar for services provided in the field of physical therapy," Rowe and Chennault said. "Our philosophy is a blend of skilled manual therapy, active patient participation and an individualized exercise program to restore mobility and function."

In addition to offering general physical therapy sessions (postoperative rehabilitation, cervical and lumbar sprain/strains, headache care, and TMJ care) the clinic will provide specialized services in lymphedema therapy, hand therapy and balance and vestibular rehabilitation.

"We added the unlimited in our name because the physical therapy we provide is unlimited," Rowe said, and Chennault added, "We will raise the bar in Hanford's health care."

The newly-opened clinic plans to provide intimate one on one with patients, good quality health care and education on health care issues.

Yeti Ortiz, a patient at the clinic, was not happy with her former physical therapist.

"At first meeting I was impressed with the way Nichole checked me out," Ortiz said. "In a month my back had improved 200 percent and I could tell and feel after three sessions the change in my back."

PTI has referring physicians also excited about them being in the area.

"I've been referring patients and getting lots of positive feedback," H. James Jones, D.O., adult neurology and musculoskeletal medicine, said. "They are filling a niche in Hanford that has not been met up until this point."

Chennault and Rowe used to work together at Lemoore Therapy Center.

"I just know that things have worked as it has because of God's plan for us," Rowe said. "It is no accident that we ended up meeting ..."

The two graduated with their master's degrees in physical therapy, are board certified in orthopedic physical therapy and nearing completion of their doctorate degrees in physical therapy.

These two entrepreneurs are admired, respected and adored by their husbands.

Scott Chennault, married to Nichole for 11 years, said, "She has always had a goal and has always achieved that goal."

Matthew Rowe, Cori's husband of nine years, is not surprised.

"I knew in college that Cori would open her own business," Matthew said. "It is a little sooner than we talked about, but the opportunity presented itself so it was the right time to act."`

The two former 13-year-olds are now living out their childhood dreams as physical therapists.

"We believe prevention keeps you from needing physical therapy," Rowe and Chennault said. "People should educate themselves on their body, watch their posture and stay active."

"I think physical therapy is an unused resource for the community," Rowe said. "People in Hanford and the surrounding communities should utilize us to also get educated."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2423.

(March 19, 2008)