The Story Behind Profection

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you hope and a future.”

– Jeremiah 29:11

“Never have I seen that scripture more alive and at work than with these two brothers-in-Christ and business partners.” ​

– Melia Flowers, SHE Magazine, June 2016

"Our goal is to do physical therapy the way it ought to be done."

Profection Physical Therapy was founded by David Barnes and Paul John, with one goal in mind—to provide physical therapy the way it ought to be done. In defining that goal we said we were going to do the following:

  • Provide one-on-one care from evaluation to discharge;
  • Provide timely access to care by offering direct access;
  • Get patients back to improved function in fewer visits, and;
  • Provide exceptional outcomes by solving patients’ problems, not just treating their symptoms.

We refuse to sacrifice our quality of care and choose to invest quality time into our patients so they can have improved outcomes faster. We are real with our patients and value the genuine relationships that are formed. We know our patients are more than just a back, knee or shoulder walking in the door. They are workers, athletes, professionals, or parents trying to get back to doing what they love. 

Often our patients say Profection Physical Therapy and Performance is the place where friends meet. We hope that you will consider us as your first choice when you are in need of healing. Thank you for your interest in Profection Physical Therapy and Performance and we look forward to meeting you.

Meet The Team

We take extreme pride in our culture and team atmosphere. Profection is what is it thanks to our incredible staff.

David Barnes, PT, MSR

Co-Owner, Physical Therapist
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Paul John, PT, MSPT, ATC

Co-Owner, Physical Therapist
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Abbey Velasquez, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist
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Paige Thomas, PT, MSR, NCS, MHA

Physical Therapist
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Brooke Lane, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist
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Kim Fredrick, ACE CPT, CHC

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Alston Carter

Rehab Tech/Stretch Clinician
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Kristen Godwin, LMT, BS

Massage Therapist
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Madison Tyler

Office Manager
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Madison Tyler

Office Manager
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Paige Thomas, PT, MSR, NCS, MHA

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Kim Fredrick, ACE CPT, CHC

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David Barnes, PT, MSR

Co-Founder

David has been practicing physical therapy since 2001 after graduating with his Master’s Degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He has a biology degree from Francis Marion University. ​ Growing up here in Florence, David has a deeply rooted passion for serving his community. He strongly believes that the patient’s needs come first and his goal is to empower them to take control of their own health. David has worked extensively with patients seeking relief from neck and back pain and has many success stories in the treatment of spine related issues including neck pain, disc disorders, Sacroiliac (SI) dysfunctions, and sciatica. His current interest is incorporating his knowledge of spinal mechanics to improve efficiency of lifting and sport specific rotational power. He enjoys working with athletes in the performance realm to maximize their potential and has particular interest in working with runners and golfers. He is certified through the Titleist Performance Institute.

Paul John, PT, MSPT, ATC

Co-Founder

Paul has been practicing physical therapy since 2000 after graduating with his Master’s Degree from the University of Indianapolis and has been providing athletic training since 1997 after graduating from Kent State University. Paul specializes in the treatment of orthopedic and sports medicine conditions through the use of manual therapy techniques, movement assessment, and therapeutic exercise intervention. He has worked throughout his career with a variety of athletes from professional, recreational, and youth in sport. Paul’s current interests include athletic development and motor control to enhance movement quality and performance in people looking to get the most out of their physical abilities.

Abbey
Velasquez, PT, DPT

Abbey attended the University of South Carolina and earned a B.S. in Exercise Science. She graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2022. In her free time, Abbey regularly volunteers at the Darlington county animal shelter and loves going to USC sporting events. Abbey is excited to be back in Florence and work with patients in the Pee Dee area. She believes that everybody deserves the best quality of life and she is committed to giving the best care to all of her patients.

Paige Thomas, PT, MSR, NCS, MHA

Paige Thomas is a Florence native. She attended the College of Charleston and earned double majors with a B.S in Exercise Science and a B.A. in Biology. She graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina with a Masters of Science in Rehabilitation-Physical Therapy degree. Paige later completed her Masters of Health Administration degree from Ohio University. She is a board certified Neurological Clinical Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Paige serves as an adjunct professor for Greenville Technical College PTA program in their Florence satellite campus. She also serves as a member of the Clinician Task Force, a group of nationwide clinicians who advocate and work to improve access and resources for those who need complex rehab equipment. 

Paige is also a wife to her husband Cooper and mom to her 2 children and her pets. She enjoys spending time on her family farm here in Florence (which includes cows), reading, and going to the beach.

Brooke Lane, PT, DPT

Brooke is a native of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and a graduate of Socastee High School. She received her undergraduate degree from Wofford College in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time at Wofford she was on the dance team where she was constantly around sports teams, which spiked her interest for rehabilitation. Upon graduation, Brooke worked in an outpatient clinic for a year before applying to PT school. She attended the University of St. Augustine in Florida and graduated as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2023. In her free time, Brooke enjoys being on the water, cheering on the Gamecocks, and spending time with her friends, family, and dog, Gibbs. Brooke is excited to serve the Florence community and help provide patients with the best quality of life through movement.

Kim Fredrick, ACE CPT, CHC

Kim was a collegiate volleyball player for the University of Tampa. She received her Personal Training Certification in 2006 and her Health Coach Certification in 2016, both from the American Council on Exercise. Kim believes life is better lived strong and has worked with all ages young and old helping those clients find “their strong”. When she is not training clients in the gym, you may find her working out with her husband Rory, helping coach volleyball or cheering on her son at a football game. Kim’s greatest passion is being a wife to her husband Rory and a mom to her three children.

Alston Carter

Rehab Tech/Stretch Clinician

Alston grew up in Irmo, South Carolina where she danced and cheered competitively for 15 years. In 2017 she graduated from Spring Hill High School, a magnet school where her interests in kinesiology and biomechanics began. She then went on to Auburn University, graduating in 2021 with a B.S. in Exercise Science and minoring in psychology. During her time at Auburn she worked as an undergrad research assistant in the Biomechanics Laboratory studying the body mechanics of Auburn athletes. She also began to grow a strong interest in sports psychology and how injuries can affect an athlete’s recovery and performance. Upon graduation, Alston worked at an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Columbia for almost two years before moving to Florence and becoming a part of the Profection team. 

During her free time she enjoys being on the water with her boyfriend and their dog Honey, as well as spending time with her friends and family. 

You will see Alston around the clinic assisting our therapists and patients, as well as performing stretch services to clients in our new wellness center.

Kristen Godwin, LMT, BS

Massage Therapist

Kristen graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2017 from Charleston Southern University. She continued her education at Central Carolina Technical College to get her License in Massage Therapy in 2018. She specializes in deep tissue techniques to help people with pain management issues. Outside of work she enjoys going on mission trips, spending time with family, and going hunting and fishing. “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Madison Tyler

Office Manager

Madison is originally from Marion, South Carolina but has lived the majority of her life in Florence. She is a West Florence HS graduate and attended Florence Darlington Tech. After working for 7 years in Human Resources and Management at a large company, she joined the Profection team to assist in all things office related. We often say she helps us keep the wheels on the bus. Her smile, laughter and positivity will surely add to your Profection experience as she creates a welcoming atmosphere to all that enter. 

Madison also works as the Assistant Music Director for her church, Palmetto Street Church of God. She truly has a passion for serving her community and does so with excellence. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her sweet pup Stella.