This is Day 6 in my 30-day blogging journey, you can find out more about the “why” HERE.
I have a soft spot for new businesses.
Especially the ones that operate in my industry.
Whether that’s a massage therapist, chiropractor, physical therapist or general practitioner, I know how hard it can be to get started and make a name for yourself.
I’ve always tried my best to spread the word about the people who take care of me, my family and my clients because I know how much “word of mouth” referrals mean.
Recently, there’s been a surge of physical therapists who are branching out on their own. Coming out of school, they are now Doctors of Physical Therapy who will likely start working in a PT clinic.
Because healthcare and health insurance are messy at best in the domestic U.S., many of these same PTs (not to be confused with personal trainers) are attempting to strike out on their own.
And as they are settling into spaces to rent and offer their services, one of the best avenues towards growth is by reaching out to local gyms and networking.
I’ve been very fortunate to meet a good handful of highly qualified and helpful PTs myself.
One of whom is Dr. Alina Mille.
Dr. Alina reached out to me a few months ago looking for an opportunity to meet with me and potentially set up times to meet some of my clients and schedule some hands-on sessions.
While we were working through the details of those sessions, I mentioned that I’ve been struggling with plantar fasciitis for the last several months and might also need her expertise.
So, over the last couple of months I’ve had my sessions with her.
What I realize is that, much like many doctors have found, it’s harder and harder to give patients quality care when insurance is involved. Perhaps there’s not enough time and perhaps coverage itself leaves something to be desired as well. I’m not the expert on that.
My sessions with Dr. Alina are one-on-one and I know that I’ve got her undivided attention during that hour of time.
There’s also the fact that in between sessions, she’s looking at options for trying to get me fully recovered as quickly as she reasonably can.
I remember what it was like in my first couple of years of business.
I had fewer clients and could spend a bit more dedicated time with each of them (depending on what time of day they would train).
As business grew, it became more difficult to offer the exact same type of service. Our business had to evolve as membership increased.
What I appreciate about Dr. Alina is that, for the foreseeable future, she has the time to spend with each of her patients. Unlike a personal trainer, she might not see her patients as frequently as I see my clients.
But it’s a great reminder that I’m in good hands, and I’ve invested my own recovery with someone dedicated to my progress, because ultimately, my ability to heal and get back to my normal self makes her look good, too.
Her next big challenge aside from continuing to grow her business is when she and her husband welcome their first child into the world later this year.
To Dr. Alina, thank you for your time and dedicated attention. I know these first couple of years of business can/will be a challenge and I believe you’ll come through them (baby in tow) just fine.
If you’d like to find out more about her services, I’m sure she won’t mind if you contact her HERE.
