Are you wondering what it really takes to grow a physical therapy practice from a single clinic to a multi-location powerhouse? Many PT practice owners struggle to scale beyond one or two locations, but Dr. Josh Funk has defied those odds.
In our interview, Dr. Funk reveals how he transformed Rehab 2 Perform from a small startup into a thriving network of 12 locations with over 70 physical therapy providers across the region.
Watch our in-depth conversation with one of physical therapy’s successful entrepreneurs:
The Journey from Physical Therapist to CEO
What separates successful PT practice owners from those who struggle? Dr. Funk’s story highlights the critical transition from clinician to business leader—a journey many healthcare entrepreneurs find challenging.
“Most physical therapists are trained to be excellent clinicians, but running a multi-million dollar business requires an entirely different skillset,” explains Dr. Funk. His decade-long expansion from a single clinic to a regional powerhouse offers valuable lessons for any orthopedic or PT practice owner looking to grow.
The Three C’s: The Foundation of PT Practice Growth
Dr. Funk attributes his early success to what he calls the “Three C’s” of practice development:
- Intellectual Capital: Unlike many clinicians, Dr. Funk prioritized business education alongside clinical expertise. “I was constantly reading business books, taking courses, and learning about marketing and operations while other PTs were only focused on clinical techniques.”
- Social Capital: Building strategic relationships became a cornerstone of his growth strategy. “The connections I made with physicians, community organizations, and local businesses drove referrals when I had zero marketing budget.”
- On-the-Job Learning: Before opening Rehab 2 Perform, Dr. Funk ran a lacrosse business that provided his “real-world MBA” in entrepreneurship. “Running that small business taught me more about marketing, customer service, and operations than any classroom could.”
Why Most Physical Therapy Practices Struggle to Scale
Despite delivering excellent clinical outcomes, many PT clinics struggle financially. Dr. Funk identifies several critical failures that limit growth:
- Weak front desk systems that lead to scheduling inefficiencies and lost revenue
- Poor marketing execution that fails to differentiate from competitors
- Inconsistent operations making it impossible to replicate success across locations
“The clinics that fail usually have amazing therapists but terrible business systems,” notes Dr. Funk. “You can’t scale what you haven’t systematized.”
No-Budget Marketing Strategies for New PT Clinics
Perhaps most valuable for new practice owners, Dr. Funk shares the grassroots marketing approaches that helped Rehab 2 Perform gain traction with minimal investment:
- Building referral networks through personal relationships
- Strategic community engagement with local sports teams and organizations
- Creating valuable content that positioned him as a local authority
“We didn’t have money for ads when we started, so we leveraged sweat equity and relationship building instead,” says Dr. Funk. “Those foundations still drive our growth today, even though we now have sophisticated marketing systems.”
Technology and Automation: The Secret to Scaling to Multiple Locations
As Rehab 2 Perform expanded, implementing the right technology became crucial. Dr. Funk discusses his technology stack:
- Utilizing G Suite for team communication and documentation
- Implementing Weave for streamlined patient communication
- Developing automation systems to reduce staff administrative burden
“Technology should solve real problems, not create new ones,” Dr. Funk emphasizes. “We only implement tools that genuinely improve the patient experience or make our team more efficient.”
Advice for Physical Therapists Looking to Start Their Own Practice
For PT entrepreneurs just beginning their journey, Dr. Funk offers this guidance:
“Focus on business literacy from day one. The clinical skills you learned in school are just the price of entry—it’s your business acumen that will determine whether you succeed or fail.”
He recommends:
- Developing financial literacy before opening your doors
- Building systems that don’t rely on your personal presence
- Learning to think like a CEO rather than just a provider
Key Takeaways for Orthopedic and PT Practice Owners
Dr. Funk’s experience proves that scaling a physical therapy practice beyond a single location requires:
- Systematic operations that can be replicated
- Strong marketing foundations
- The right technology infrastructure
- A shift from provider mindset to CEO mindset
His journey from solo practitioner to leading a team of 70+ providers offers a roadmap for ambitious practice owners looking to expand their impact and build a sustainable healthcare business.
Additional Resources for PT Practice Growth
Ready to implement these strategies in your orthopedic or physical therapy practice?
- Try Jet AI Free for 30 Days – Call Tracking & Conversion Insights for PT & Ortho Clinics
- Read: 5 Ways to Keep Patients Coming Back to Your Practice
- Unlocking Front Desk Sales Success – Our conversation with Jerry Durham
Share Your Experience
What resonated most with you from Dr. Funk’s journey? Are you implementing similar strategies in your practice? Share your thoughts with us on Linkedin, YouTube, Facebook or Instagram.
Looking for personalized guidance on scaling your orthopedic or physical therapy practice? Schedule a free strategy call with our practice growth leader.
