In the world of cash physical therapy, one common question that emerges is whether to stay solo as a freelancer or to scale up and build a business. In this episode of the Cash Physical Therapy Headquarters Podcast, Ben and I discuss the stark realities of both paths and why building a business is more than just treating patients—it’s about growth, mindset, and creating systems that allow you to scale. This conversation dives deep into why starting your own practice isn’t just about income but requires a vision, sacrifice, and a willingness to overcome personal and business challenges.
The Freelance Trap: Are You Just Creating a Job for Yourself?
A lot of physical therapists start their own cash practice with the idea of breaking free from insurance models, only to find themselves working long hours, dealing with stress, and questioning if they’re really gaining the financial and time freedom they were hoping for.
Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of working 60-80 hour weeks, treating patients during the day and managing the business at night. At first glance, earning $200 per patient may seem lucrative, but when you break down the reality, most of that money goes toward covering operating costs, taxes, rent, and other expenses. In fact, after all of that, the owner may be left with significantly less, often equivalent to a typical salaried job.
If you’re looking for financial freedom, operating solo is not the answer for most. The key takeaway is: If you’re starting a practice with no intention of scaling, you’re simply trading one job for another, and the stress of being responsible for everything will leave you burnt out.
Mindset: The First Step to Success in Cash Physical Therapy
The difference between successful physical therapists and those who struggle often comes down to mindset. When you first get into the business, it’s easy to think that good clinical skills will automatically translate into business success. But in reality, success requires much more than expertise in patient care.
Mindset is everything. The best entrepreneurs understand that they have a lot to learn beyond the technical skills. Being receptive to change, accepting personal limitations, and continuously working to overcome them is essential. Many of our most successful clients have been open to learning not just about physical therapy but about sales, marketing, and financial management—skills they didn’t expect to be part of the job.
Should You Go Solo or Join an Established Cash Practice?
A critical decision facing many new cash physical therapists is whether to grow their own practice or join an established one. While running a solo practice may give you more control, it also comes with significant risks and challenges.
When you join an established cash practice, you can have the benefits of profit-sharing, leadership roles, and a stable income without the burden of building everything from the ground up. Many people find more success and less stress by entering a clinic that already has systems in place.
However, if your goal is to build a real business, you’ll need to be prepared to scale, build a team, and take on more risk. This path requires a deep commitment to the vision of your practice and a willingness to face the hard realities of entrepreneurship, including overcoming self-doubt and managing operational challenges.
Entrepreneurship: The Long, Hard Road
Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. Building a seven-figure practice requires more than just treating patients. It involves handling difficult personal and business challenges, managing risk, and staying motivated through long periods of uncertainty.
The first few years will be the hardest. You will face constant setbacks, mental breakdowns, and personal challenges. The financial rewards won’t come quickly, but over time, as you refine your systems, build a team, and grow your practice, you’ll start seeing the fruits of your labor. The key is to remain patient and committed to your vision, even when the path seems unclear.
The Key to Scaling: Building a Team and Systems
The ultimate challenge of entrepreneurship is not just treating patients; it’s about building a self-sustaining business that can run without you. If you’re still stuck doing everything yourself, you’re a freelancer, not an entrepreneur.
The most successful cash practice owners know how to build a team, create systems, and develop operations that allow them to scale. This means hiring the right people, creating effective workflows, and investing in tools and software that make running the business more efficient.
The decision to hire, delegate, and scale isn’t easy, but it’s essential for long-term success.
Conclusion: Are You Ready to Bet on Yourself?
Entrepreneurship in cash physical therapy is not a journey for the faint-hearted. It’s about having the courage to take risks, make sacrifices, and commit to a vision that goes beyond personal gain. If you’re in this for the financial rewards alone, it might not be worth it. But if you’re driven by a deep desire to grow, to become the best version of yourself, and to make a difference in the lives of your patients, the road will be worth it.
If you’re not sure whether you’re ready to take the plunge, consider your vision and goals. Are you prepared to face the mental challenges? Are you committed to scaling and building a sustainable business? If so, go all in and embrace the hard work that comes with it.
Watch and Listen to the Full Video
For a deeper dive into a cash physical therapists’ journeys, make sure to listen to the full video. Mindset vs. Money: The Key Difference Between Thriving and Struggling Cash Physical Therapists
About Author:
Although the company eventually failed, it provided Jordan with invaluable learning experiences. He became passionate about designing world-class patient experiences and building efficient marketing & sales funnels for cash physical therapists. Utilizing this expertise, Jordan became the CMO of a well-known physical therapy media company, and consulted for and built marketing funnels for some of the top physical therapy business coaches.
Eventually growing tired of the typical agency and consulting grind, Jordan, alongside Max Zirbel, founded Clinical Marketer. They infused it with the hands-on support and mentorship that they benefited from in their initial venture. The company was a success from the start, aiding clinics in scaling to 6 and 7 figures in revenue. During its first launch, Jordan and his team met Dr. Ben Bagge, whom they later partnered with after helping him grow his business from $200K/year to over $1M/year in three years.
