Our journey began with our owner and CEO, Drake Ibsen. Though he didn’t start his academic career with physical therapy in mind—originally pursuing a degree in criminal justice—a part-time job as a physical therapy aide changed everything. He discovered a passion for helping people regain their strength, mobility, and independence. He knew he had found his calling. After earning his physical therapy degree from the University of South Alabama in 1998, Drake began his career at Rehab Partners of Gadsden, but soon he and his wife, Michelle, a native of nearby Hokes Bluff, moved to Fort Payne and Drake became the director of Rehab Partners of Fort Payne. For the next two decades, he poured his energy into caring for his patients and building lasting relationships within the community.
After 20 years of dedicated service, Drake and Michelle took a leap of faith. In January 2019, they purchased the practice, transforming it into a truly locally owned and operated clinic. We changed our name from Rehab Partners to Rehab Partners of Fort Payne, and off we went. This wasn’t just a business transaction; it was a promise to the community. A promise to maintain the high standard of care patients had come to expect, while deepening their commitment to the people and place that had become their home.
This commitment is what drives us. It’s why we proudly provide the athletic trainer for Fort Payne High School, investing in the health and well-being of our local student-athletes.
This area is our home and we are proud to be a part of it.
What truly sets Rehab Partners Physical Therapy apart is our team. We believe that consistency and trust are the cornerstones of effective therapy. In an industry where turnover can be high, we are incredibly proud of our staff’s longevity. Our Practice Manager, Amanda Baldwin, has been with us since 1999. Many of our therapists and office staff have been with us for over a decade, some for more than two.
We haven’t just worked together; we’ve grown up together. We’ve celebrated milestones, supported each other through challenges, and become a true family. When you walk through our doors, you feel that difference. You see the same familiar, friendly faces at every visit. You are greeted by name, not by a chart number. You receive care from a team that is genuinely invested in your recovery because you are our neighbor.
Our Fort Payne and Rainsville clinic's are designed to be a comfortable, welcoming, and effective environments for healing. We have invested in state-of-the-art equipment and created a space where patients of all ages and abilities can feel at ease. From private treatment rooms to a spacious gym floor, every aspect of our facility is geared toward helping you achieve your goals.
Our commitment extends beyond our walls. We are active members of the Rainsville and DeKalb County community, participating in local events and supporting other local businesses. We believe that a strong community is built on connection, and we are proud to do our part.
At Rehab Partners, we are more than just a physical therapy clinic. We are a team of dedicated professionals, a family of caregivers, and your partners in health and recovery. We are honored to serve Fort Payne, Rainsville, and the surrounding area, we look forward to helping you get back to what you love.
