Family ties brought a new physical therapy clinic to Andalusia.

TherapySouth owner, president and CEO Steve Foster lives in and grew up in Birmingham, but his father, the Rev. John Foster, served as pastor for First Baptist Church of Andalusia for more than 20 years.

“There’s just such great people here, it’s a great place to raise a family in a great community,” Steve Foster said of Andalusia. “I lived here for a summer with my parents, digging ditches for the county, and I really enjoyed my time here in Andalusia.”

While Foster has connections to Andalusia, it was actually one of his physical therapists who pitched the idea of opening a clinic in Andalusia.

Emily Sasser is the service director of the Andalusia clinic, with a doctorate in physical therapy, and grew up in Brewton. Her husband, Calvin Sasser, grew up in Andalusia and the couple began mulling over the idea of coming home recently.

“We were looking to make the move back home, but I knew that I would really love to be able to open up a TherapySouth here,” Sasser said. “I love the company, their core values – faith and family – and to be able to bring something as special as TherapySouth home is just what I really wanted to do.”

TherapySouth provides outpatient physical therapy for post-operative patients as well as physical therapy for anyone with aches or pains.

According to Foster, Sasser also brings a special expertise that will benefit the area.

“Emily has a specialty in women’s health, so she’s treating patients with pelvic pain,” he said. “I don’t think that is something that has ever been offered in this area.”

Longtime Andalusia resident John Thomas is the Sports Medicine Director of the Andalusia clinic. Mindy Morrison joined the team as physical therapist assistant.

Thomas has more than 25 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy and athletic training.

Sasser said that being back home has been special for her and her family.

“It’s been an amazing thing,” she said. “To be able to do what I love and what my passion is, at home with my family, is just really a blessing.”

TherapySouth is located at 811 B. West Bypass in Andalusia and can be reached at 334-222-2620.