Physiotherapy business

Looking to start a home physiotherapy practice?  here is a complete guide to starting a physiotherapy business with no money and no experience  .

Ok, so we’ve provided you with a detailed example of a physiotherapy business plan template. We also took it a step further by analyzing and writing a generic marketing plan for the practice of physiotherapy, supported by guerrilla marketing ideas that can be used by physiotherapy practitioners. In this article, we will cover all the requirements for starting a physiotherapy business. So put on your entrepreneur hat and let’s move on.

Why start a physiotherapy business?

Although the practice of physiotherapy may seem exciting, not everyone is suitable for this career because there is more responsibility, risk and stress combined with less free time. This means that in addition to providing the best possible care for your patients, you also need to use good business judgment to be successful.

Once you have decided that this is truly a business for you, you need to choose the type of practice that is right for you, as you can either start your own business or bring in other people with similar goals to run the business together.

While running a business can be a fantastic idea, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) believes that it may be more beneficial to have partners in this type of business, and this is because each partner will have a skill set that others may not have. …

Another thing to consider when starting physiotherapy is how you expect to be paid. A physiotherapist may face two options for receiving payments from their clients, either in cash or through insurance.

Most healthcare professionals typically contract with large insurance companies to be able to provide services at an agreed reimbursement rate to beneficiaries. However, as reimbursement rates fall, unlike the growth of business activities, most physiotherapy treatments have either given up. on the net, or they simply turn to cash-based practices.

Finally, like any other business, writing a business plan for your physiotherapy practice is imperative. Although writing a business plan may seem overwhelming, or you may have other priorities you would like to focus on, you can use the services of a writer or a plan partner. business plan to help you create a comprehensive business plan.

Getting started Business practice in physiotherapy. The Complete Guide

  • Industry overview

An industry called the outpatient rehabilitation market is an industry that is valued at $ 30 billion and is expected to grow by five percent or more. The healthcare industry sector is largely fragmented as no single company has a dominant position in the market. The working and aging population in the United States has generated a constant demand for physiotherapy and more and more people are aging; this demand will also increase.

According to the World Confederation of Physiotherapy (WCPT), there are more than 350,000 physiotherapists worldwide. The regions that have a major market in the world are North America and Europe, with potential growth in the African region where access to health care is limited.

There are approximately 35,000 physiotherapy facilities in the United States of America, which annually generate nearly $ 26 billion in combined revenue. This number of establishments consists of businesses that have only one location and those that have multiple locations in multiple regions of the United States.

According to IBISWorld, the physiotherapy rehabilitation industry has generated $ 30 billion in annual revenue. with a growth rate of more than 2% between 2011 and 2016. There are more than 38,000 physiotherapy rehabilitation centers with more than 396,000 employees. The industry is the one that is recession proof because the last recession did not have a negative impact on the industry as the industry relies primarily on Medicare reimbursement.

The sector is expected to increase revenues even as health sector reforms stimulate demand for physiotherapy services, and the sector is expected to play a huge role in home health care, as more and more aging populations need physiotherapy. their homes to remain flexible and autonomous. This does not mean, however, that there will be problems in the industry, as Medicare reimbursements will limit revenue growth in the industry.

The physiotherapy industry life cycle would be the expected growth rate of the industry and grow at an annual rate of nearly 3% per year between 2012 and 2022, while in comparison, the US GDP will grow every year during the same period. calculated by only 2.1 percent. percent.

So this shows that the industry is growing at a rate that exceeds the growth of the economy, especially due to the rapid growth of the industry from the older population, which continues to grow. Additionally, other factors that will drive demand for physiotherapy during these times are the increase in chronic disease, as well as the increase in the number of people with health insurance that will allow them to require physical therapy.

Typical physiotherapy clinics typically occupy 1,500 to 3,000 square feet of rented property that may be located in an office building or shopping mall. Most of these clinics are also located on the ground floor of these buildings so that patients can easily access the clinic.Most patients are often treated for one hour, two or three times a week for a period of two at six weeks. Physiotherapy has become mainstream because payments are typically processed through managed care programs, Medicare, commercial health insurance, and workers’ compensation.

However, the physiotherapy industry is hampered by restrictions on its growth due to key factors such as equipment needed for rehabilitation, leasing suitable space for patients and employees, as well as advertising and marketing. promoting their services to their target market.

There are also work restrictions. industry experience, especially since the practice is physical in nature and can only accommodate one patient per session. In addition, physiotherapy practitioners receive reimbursements from insurance companies, and as the insurance industry consolidates, these practitioners must accept the rates they are awarded to receive payments.

The beginning of the practice of physiotherapy. Market studies and feasibility studies

  • Demography and psychography

The demographic and psychographic makeup of those who need the services of a physiotherapist cannot be limited only to the elderly who need physical therapy to keep them mobile and active, but to those involved in this or that physical activity – young children, adolescents, adults and middle aged people.

Therefore, if you want to start doing physiotherapy, you need to be more willing to attract more people to your overall target market as it will help you choose the right niche to focus on for your business.

List of niche ideas in physiotherapy practice that you may specialize in

The industry of physiotherapy practice is huge and hence has led to the fact that physiotherapists choose a niche to practice in order to differentiate them from the competition. To decide which niche is right for your physiotherapy practice, you need to be able to decide whether you will use that particular niche, what market potential exists for that niche, which patients you can work with, the experience you have or have you. will need. the niche you are going to enter and the competition in the niche you are going to enter.

Either way, there are several niches in this industry and you just need to do your research to find out which one is right for you. Here are some of the niche ideas available for you to choose a specialty.

  • General physiotherapy
  • Sports physiotherapy
  • Pediatric therapy
  • Geriatrics
  • Postoperative rehabilitation
  • Neurology
  • Women’s health and back pain
  • Hand and splint therapy
  • Rehabilitation and cancer treatment
  • Chronic disease management
  • Sports rehabilitation of adolescents

The level of competition in the physiotherapy practice industry

The level of competition in the physiotherapy practice industry depends entirely on the location of the practice, especially since the practice requires physical encounters with patients multiple times over several weeks or until their problems are properly resolved.

An increase in the elderly population, due in particular to an increase in disability, will lead to an increase in the demand for rehabilitation services. Thus, this has led to increased competition in the industry as the practice of physiotherapy aims to improve the quality of care, treatment outcomes, better locations for its clients and the desire to reduce the overall cost of these services.

There are several physiotherapy practices in the United States of America, and if you want to start your own practice in the United States, you should take into account that you will be competing with companies that have multiple institutions in different locations (large companies) and other independent practices. which can be viewed as small businesses that have multiple networks and interconnections and are willing to compete with them for customers.

List of well-known brands in the physiotherapy industry

Every industry has brands that are distinguished by the multiple factors and strategies they have deployed to remain visible to their target market, and the physiotherapy industry is no different, although the market is reportedly fragmented.

Some of the strategies that have been applied by some of the brands have allowed them to limit themselves to including; the quality of the service, the availability of the centers, the relations with the customers, among others. Here are some of the methods of physiotherapy well known in this industry in the United States of America;

  • Healthsouth Corporation
  • RehabCare Group
  • Physiotherapy partners
  • Select Medical
  • CommCare Corporation
  • US Physical Therapy, Inc

Economic analysis

In addition to the aging of the American population, whose active lifestyles have fueled an increase in demand for rehabilitation and outpatient services, another group of young and active middle-aged adults lead active lifestyles such as as sports, fitness regimes, etc. also leads to an increase in demand for services in this sector. Most common ailments treated in the industry are shoulder and rotator cuff injuries, lower back pain, knee abnormalities, spine, sprains, and various types of deformities.

Profitability in this sector often depends on the efficiency of the institution’s staff. For example, large companies have an advantage over small ones because they have greater financial capacity, which allows them to recruit more staff and open new offices. Small businesses, on the other hand, generally have the advantage of improving customer service and developing closer relationships with their patients.

Physiotherapy makes up a large portion of the healthcare industry in the United States, especially as the $ 30 billion industry is growing at an annual rate of 7%. Some of the factors that are driving the increasing growth of the physiotherapy industry include: job growth, the growth of an aging population in the country and an increase in sedentary lifestyles.

However, despite the strength of the industry, it remains fragmented, with 25% of revenue coming from the top 50 companies. Most of the operators in the industry are small independent companies, and while there are companies that can be considered huge in the industry, none of them control more than 5% of the overall market. .

Building your physiotherapy practice business from scratch vs buying a franchise

The decision to start from scratch or buy a franchise can be a big decision for any entrepreneur. However, while this may be the case for other companies, this is not the case for the healthcare industry as there are no franchises available in the industry. There are practices or independent practices in the industry that are consolidated in order to gain a greater share of the target market.

Starting your business from scratch is a huge responsibility, and as an entrepreneur you need to be prepared for this challenge. problems that will arise From the start, starting a business should be one-sided: you should properly manage all aspects of the business, from finances, location and equipment to acquiring customers, otherwise the business may go bankrupt before it even starts.

Additionally, the physiotherapy business is not for everyone, as not only do you need to have the right skills, but also the business acumen to run the practice as a business that will generate income and grow. That’s why it’s important to have a business plan before you start your business or hire a CEO to help you make the right business decisions for your practice.

Threats and potential challenges you will face when starting a physiotherapy practice business

Every business that exists for profit or not for profit that deals with clients will always face challenges and threats, and the practice of physiotherapy is no different. Therefore, as an entrepreneur looking to start practicing physiotherapy, you should be prepared for all the threats and issues that may arise when you start practicing and have developed strategies to deal with them.

Hence, some of the threats and challenges you might face; location issues, competition with existing practices and new entrants, federal health insurance funding issues and staff restrictions.

Beginning of legal practice in the field of physiotherapy

  • The best legal entity to use in this type of business

Choosing the right legal entity for your physiotherapy practice is very important because the legal entity you choose will influence your operational structure as well as your tax structure. You have two options for choosing a legal entity for your physiotherapy business. Whether you run your business yourself (unincorporated legal person) or as a corporation (incorporated legal person).

Whichever option you choose will depend on the type of service you intend to offer and the state in which you intend to operate. If you are unsure of what options to choose, it is best to seek the help of an experienced healthcare lawyer.

Catchy Business Name Ideas Suitable For A Physiotherapy Business

Choosing a catchy business name can be very tricky in most cases, as it can be difficult to pick a good name. A good brand name should not only indicate the industry it is in, it should also be memorable, clear and easy to pronounce.

Here are some catchy names you might need in your physiotherapy practice;

  • JTCare Group
  • Braces Physical Therapy, Inc
  • Robocom Medical
  • Armacom Corporation
  • SilkCare Corporation
  • Midas Touch Physiotherapy

Insurance conditions

Having insurance policies for your physiotherapy practice is very important because it will prevent you from having to pay in person any obligations that may arise during your practice. If you are not sure which insurance policies are right for you, ask your insurance agent or broker for advice.

Here are some of the insurance policies you should consider purchasing for your physiotherapy practice:

  • General liability insurance
  • Privacy Coverage
  • Personal injury coverage
  • Cover attack
  • Workers’ compensation insurance
  • Home Insurance
  • Business Owner Policy
  • Liability insurance
  • Car insurance
  • Umbrella insurance
  • Professional liability coverage
  • Malpractice insurance

Protection of intellectual property / registered trademark

The practice of physiotherapy is to help patients use parts of their body that they have had difficulty with. Sometimes this may not be possible and the physical therapist, in an effort to make the patient more comfortable, may develop an aid that may work for more than the patient. but also for some others.

This is where the physiotherapist should seek a means by which the material or property that he has developed is properly protected by engaging an attorney with experience in the health and copyright industry to seek protection from. intellectual property with the USPTO.

Do i need professional certification to run a physiotherapy business?

It is imperative that a potential physiotherapist has passed the national physiotherapy exam before they can practice. However, there is no need for certification except that the physiotherapist intends to specialize in a different niche than general physiotherapy.

Here are some of the specializations available for a physiotherapist;

  • Certificate of specialization in geriatric physiotherapy
  • Certificate of specialization in neurological physiotherapy
  • Certificate of specialization in pediatric physiotherapy
  • CPR certification
  • First aid

There are several certifications from different accredited organizations and physiotherapists who want to gain an edge over their competition should try to obtain them.

List of legal documents you need to start a physiotherapy business

Below are some of the basic legal documents that you should have with you if you are planning to start physical therapy in the United States of America;

  • Registration certificate
  • Operating agreements
  • Personal physiotherapy license
  • Business plan
  • Business license
  • Customs clearance and certification of companies
  • Insurance conditions
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Federal tax identification number

Financing Your Physiotherapy Business  >

The physiotherapy business requires significant capital to start up, so you should be prepared to find the capital you need, especially if you don’t have enough on hand. Finding capital for your business can be a very daunting task for an entrepreneur, but it is not something that can be avoided, especially if you really want to start a business.

This is why it is often recommended that a business plan be written, as it can be used by an entrepreneur to raise funds from private investors and financial institutions. Some of the options therefore available to an entrepreneur when seeking funds to start their physiotherapy practice include:

  • Sale of shares or property to receive part of the start-up capital
  • Private investor addressing start-up capital
  • Apply for a loan from a financial institution

Choosing the right location for your physiotherapy business

There are several factors to consider when choosing a location, as well as how much you will pay in taxes and fees that will be charged for small businesses in the state or region from which you are operating. intention to operate. You should also take into account the number of people living in the area, where you plan to locate your business and the share of your target market across the region.

If your target market is baby boomers, you need to make sure that the location you choose is easily accessible and that the washrooms and parking are very convenient for your customers. If you have a lot of customers, you need to make sure that you are easily accessible on foot, by public transport or by car, and that your sign is clearly visible from the streets.

Another thing that you need to consider is the space you really need for your physiotherapy practice. When choosing a site for your practice, you need to choose what is best for your needs and not waste the time. rent money that you couldn’t. use. This is why it is imperative to have a business plan, because it will let you know what practice you plan to go to and the space you need.

Beginning of physiotherapy practice Details of the workforce

When choosing the equipment you need for physiotherapy, you don’t have to go broke, although you do need to choose quality equipment. What usually drains most contractors’ budgets is that they turn to equipment that has so many frills, forgetting that patients aren’t worried about what nice equipment looks like, but just that. can help them achieve their goals and objectives. Some equipment you will need to get it; cable column, Pilates machine, red cord, sports cord, resistance bands and ballet dumbbells.

If you intend to create a successful and efficient practice, you must ensure that you create a good business structure. This can be done if you are careful to find and select only those who are able to help you achieve your goals and objectives. Therefore, some of the people you will need to recruit are: General Manager, Administrator and Human Resources Manager, Accountant, Receptionist, Marketing Managers, Physiotherapists, and a Housekeeper.

From the above breakdown, you only need 9 people to conduct a successful and effective physiotherapy practice.

Service delivery process in a physiotherapy company

The practice of physiotherapy requires a licensed physiotherapist who seeks to run a business to establish processes that will allow patients to receive the services they deserve. First of all, you have to have the business acumen to make this business successful, otherwise you have to stick with someone else’s job.

You must comply with all the requirements of the laws of the state in which you intend to study. You should configure your payment processes so that you have no issues processing patient payments. You need to promote your business in such a way that you get the number of patients required for your practice.

You can choose to undergo general physical therapy or specialize in a niche that allows you to choose individual patients instead of having to deal with all types of patients.

Starting a physiotherapy business. Marketing plan

  • Marketing ideas and strategies

Marketing your physiotherapy business is imperative as this is how you can generate the income you need to grow and sustain your business.Even though the industry is fragmented, there are still many practices that primarily stand out. because of their marketing strategies. So if your goal is to enter the market, gain fair market share, and stand out from your competition, marketing your business is very important.

At first, most entrepreneurs usually seek the services of marketing consultants with experience in the healthcare industry to help them develop effective marketing strategies in line with company goals and objectives. You can also help your marketers develop marketing strategies that match your goals and objectives.

Here are some ideas and marketing strategies you can use in your physiotherapy practice:

  • Allow your marketers to promote the practice
  • Ask questions of satisfied patients to help market your business
  • Make sure your practice is listed on the yellow pages and online directories
  • Use social media such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to promote your services
  • Networking with other healthcare professionals and hospitals
  • Placement of advertisements in newspapers, magazines, as well as on radio and television stations

Strategies to improve your physiotherapy practice. Brand awareness and corporate identity creation.

In any industry, whether commercial or non-commercial advertising is used as a means of raising awareness, one of the benefits of promoting a business is that you not only raise awareness, but also generate income, because more the more people know about your business, the easier it is for them to patronize your brand.

Due to the effectiveness of advertising for a business, some businesses do not hesitate to set aside a portion of their income per year to ensure that they are promoting and advertising their business in their various markets. targets. There are many ways to advertise a business and, thanks to the Internet, businesses can penetrate the target market more easily and effectively.

This is an addition to the offline mode. means that a business can use it to promote and advertise its services to a target market. Here are some of the platforms you can use to promote your physiotherapy practice:

    • Participation in various events of the local community
    • Installation of billboards in several strategic locations
    • Distribution of flyers and business cards at several strategic points
    • Networking of local associations and promotion of your practice
    • Placement of advertisements in newspapers and magazines, as well as in radio and television stations

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