Stepping Into the Unknown: Life as a New Business Owner

Starting your own business is equal parts exciting, terrifying, and deeply personal.

For me, launching my own physical therapy practice wasn’t a spontaneous leap; it was a slow, intentional shift toward a vision I couldn’t ignore anymore. After a few years of working within traditional healthcare systems, I began to question the impact I was having. I knew I could do more if I ventured on my own.

Why I Chose to Start My Own Practice

As a physical therapist, I’ve always believed that movement has the power to change lives. But over time, I began to feel constrained by systems that prioritize volume over quality and efficiency over connection. I wanted more time with my patients. More space for education. More room to treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

Starting my own practice allows me to do just that.

It gives me the freedom to slow things down, individualize care, and integrate movement-based approaches, such as Pilates, strength training, and mindful progression, into rehabilitation. It allows me to meet people where they are, both physically and mentally, and build plans that actually fit their lives.

The Reality of Being a New Business Owner

I won’t sugarcoat it. Starting my own practice is uncomfortable. It’s about coming face-to-face with the unknown and saying, “It’s going to be fine, whatever the outcome”. There are days filled with excitement and clarity, and others filled with doubt and decision fatigue. You quickly learn that confidence isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you build by taking action before you feel ready.

I’m learning to wear many hats: clinician, educator, marketer, scheduler, and a dreamer. But, through all of it, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for autonomy, creativity, and responsibility, not just for my business, but for the care I provide.

What This Practice Stands For

At its core, this practice is about intentional movement and intentional care.

It’s about treating patients the way I would want my own family members treated, with time, respect, and honesty. It’s about understanding that while medicine may add days to life, movement adds life to those days.

This isn’t just a business venture for me; it’s a reflection of how I believe healthcare should feel.

Looking Ahead

This blog will be a space where I share insights from life as a physical therapist, lessons learned as a new business owner, and thoughts on movement, recovery, and growth, both inside and outside the clinic.

If you’re here reading this, thank you for being part of the beginning. For my patients who have taken a chance with me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your support has shaped me in more ways than you know. I’m excited to continue building something meaningful, one step at a time.

— Dr. Liz Landy PT, DPT