SERC PT

When Keely Norman decided to open a physical therapy business several years ago, she knew she was eager to create a place where her community could find high-quality physical therapy, but she also wanted it to be a place that made them feel at home. With that in mind, SERC Physical Therapy in Benton was born in 2021, and Keely and her team continue to create a warm, friendly environment for the Saline County community. 

A Michigan native, Keely moved to central Arkansas during her rotations in Physical Therapy school, and the rest is history. She is wife to Andrew Norman and mother to two energetic and loving boys, Kase and Jed. While she cherishes her Michigan roots, she is quick to share how much Arkansas means to her. “I love the community of friends and family we have built here in Saline County. I have been working as a physical therapist in the Benton and Bryant area for 14 years and I look forward to many more years of serving our communities.”

SERC Physical Therapy is a nationwide outpatient therapy provider that has been in business for over 20 years but is relatively new to Saline County. “I first partnered with SERC Physical Therapy to open the Benton clinic in September 2021, and then opened a clinic in West Little Rock in February 2023,” said Keely. 

“The beauty of this partnership allows local owners to operate clinics and stay directly involved with their communities. With the support of a larger company, we can offer our staff better benefits and growth opportunities. SERC handles back-office support, allowing me to focus on day-to-day clinic management, treating patients, and staying connected with my community—my favorite parts of being a PT!” said Keely. 

SERC Physical therapy has four therapists in total between the two clinics, with two designated to Benton and two to West Little Rock. Keely adds, “We operate as a team, and you will often find therapists helping at each clinic as needed.

“SERC therapists are board-certified specialists in orthopedics, certified in manual therapy, dry needling, and blood flow restriction,” said Keely. “We specialize in orthopedic and sports but are also qualified to treat prehab (pre-surgery prep), post-op, sprains/strains/overuse injuries, headaches, TMJ (temporomandibular dysfunction), postural dysfunctions, balance and fall prevention, vertigo, POTS, and arthritis and joint pain.”

All SERC Physical Therapy therapists have their doctoral degrees, the highest entry-level PT degree obtainable, and several specializations among the team. “We treat all our patients as individuals because they are,” said Keely. “No two injuries are the same. We start with a thorough, individualized examination and evaluation of your impairments, educate you on those findings, and work with you to set treatment goals. Your outcome goals become our goals!”

The SERC Physical Therapy clinicians are skilled and passionate about what they do. “We design treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, with each session potentially differing based on progress and limitations,” said Keely. “Most importantly, we value outcomes and strive to achieve the best results.”

According to Keely, TMJ treatment is an area SERC Physical Therapy is becoming well-known for. “We use a variety of manual techniques to mobilize the jaw, neck, and associated soft tissues, trigger point dry needling to release muscular tension, and exercises to normalize movement patterns,” said Keely. “Physical therapy is a great option for treating this often-overlooked joint!”

Keely’s background competing in and coaching collegiate gymnastics at the University of Michigan created an interest in treating injuries in gymnasts, cheerleaders, and dancers. SERC Physical Therapy is a resource for athletes of all kinds.

Said Keely, “I love staying involved with the sport. I often care for athletes in their training facilities or offer free injury screenings in their gyms. I enjoy the challenge of finding unique exercises to mimic and enhance the skills they need for their sport,” she said. “At SERC, we also have experience and interest in treating athletes of all ages and sports. We treat numerous high school and collegiate athletes and have even had the opportunity to work with professional athletes.”

When it comes to what makes SERC Physical Therapy different from others, Keely has a very quick response: “Our clinic culture! Step inside our Benton clinic, and you will see what I mean. Saline County is fortunate to have many wonderful therapy providers, and the key for patients is finding a place where they ‘fit’ and feel comfortable. Physical therapy often requires multiple visits, and we want to be that welcoming place that feels like home. I believe one visit to our facility will leave you feeling that way.”

When it comes to supporting their local community, SERC Physical Therapy is all-in on Saline County. They are members of the Benton Chamber of Commerce, Benton-Bauxite Rotary Club, and have volunteered with Saline County Boys and Girls Club, Bright Futures, and Benton Youth Sports Association.

SERC Physical Therapy is not only creating a warm, friendly place to receive care, they are also investing in Saline County, creating a big win for the community.