Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia Benoit. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alicia, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

I decided to create Elite One Athlete after working for the first few years in a traditional outpatient clinical setting. While my experiences in a traditional physical therapy environment were extremely formative for me professionally, they also exposed me to many of the struggles found within traditional medical and therapy settings. Too often I would encounter situations where patient care was being limited by insurance oversight or overfilled physical therapy clinics, both of which prevented motivated patients from receiving the high quality care they deserved. The goal of Elite One Athlete is to provide individual patients with an out-of-network option to receive physical therapy treatment which is completely customized to them without the limitations of insurance or an over-scheduled therapist. This type of physical therapy environment is certainly not the norm, so the past two years have had their challenges, but overall I would empathetically say this was the best decision I’ve made as a physical therapist.

Beyond the foundational steps of establishing a business, my main point of emphasis in the beginning was connecting with other physical therapists from around the country who had embraced a similar physical therapy model. This networking allowed me to form positive relationships with other physical therapists, and learn about some of their early triumphs and struggles when starting their own practices. While everyone’s road map to starting their own practice will be unique, it’s helpful to learn about common struggles most experience in the industry so you can try to minimize their effect on your own startup (or have a better idea of how to handle them when they do arise).

My best piece of advice for a young professional considering starting their own practice is to lean into the concept of endurance. Creating and running a business is difficult, and for the majority of us, it’s way more challenging than one can fathom. From early mornings to late nights, balancing multiple schedules and relationships, and finding ways to connect with patients, this journey is not for the faint of heart. You may hope to achieve ‘Objective A’ in 3 months, but then find it actually takes 6-8 months to get there – just remember that’s completely normal. Starting your own practice is hard, if it was easy, everyone would do it; so accept the chaos, embrace the challenges you face, and endure until you reach your goal.

Alicia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I received my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Columbia University in 2016, and moved to Arizona while completing my residency with the Cleveland Indians (now Cleveland Guardians). My primary focus has always been orthopedics and sports rehabilitation, so I have extensive experience working with professional athletes, endurance athletes, and weekend warriors; but, I have also spent time working with pediatrics and the elderly as well. The mission of Elite One Athlete is to enable any type of patient to achieve their physical goals, which goes beyond just sports and athletics. Through Elite One Athlete, I’ve been able to work with patients preparing for competitions such as marathons (one of our patients just participated in the New York City Marathon!), but also provide rehabilitation for patients who are recovering from knee replacement surgeries and strokes.

The spectrum of the types of patients we work with may sound extreme, but it highlights why I started Elite One Athlete, we can provide holistic service to patients with virtually no limitations. Our patients receive direct one-on-one care in the privacy of their home (we provide mobile and telehealth services), and the care they receive is not limited or dictated by an insurance company; rather, its based on the individualized plan of care we develop for them. We have honest conversations about the type of services a patient needs, and then develop the best plan for them to succeed. Beyond traditional therapies (i,e., exercises), we offer supplemental modalities such as cupping, blood flow restriction training, and dry needling, designed to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy our patients receive. Our services extend beyond injury rehabilitation, as we are certified by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) for golf performance, and have become certified to provide pelvic health therapy. Every action we take is truly based on what’s best for the patient and their unique goals.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Succeeding in physical therapy, particularly as a clinic owner, goes beyond a passion for helping others and a commitment to understanding and solving their problems. As a business owner, mastering the intricacies of marketing, sales, and networking becomes paramount. Successfully navigating the landscape of entrepreneurship in physical therapy entails not only the ability to provide excellent care but also effectively communicating the value of your services to the community. Building a robust network, honing marketing strategies, and developing sales skills are essential components for fostering a thriving practice. By combining a heartfelt dedication to patient well-being with business acumen, one can create a physical therapy clinic that not only excels clinically but also flourishes as a sustainable and impactful enterprise.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In the heart of my journey as the owner of Elite One Athlete Physical Therapy & Performance, I faced a pivotal moment that transformed both my approach and the essence of the business. Initially, the clinic operated within a gym space, with dreams of fostering a dynamic environment for rehabilitation. However, the reality of soaring rent costs began to overshadow the essence of my mission – helping clients heal and thrive.

Faced with the dilemma of profitability versus purpose, I decided to listen closely to my patients. Their needs became the compass guiding me toward a more personal and convenient approach. Understanding the demands of their busy lives, I made the bold decision to pivot towards a mobile model. This shift not only aligned with the desires of my clientele but also allowed me to shed the burdens of excessive overhead.

Embarking on a journey from gym walls to the homes of my clients proved to be transformative. It deepened the connections forged during therapy sessions, offering a level of comfort and familiarity that traditional clinics often lack. The mobile approach embodied the spirit of Elite One Athlete, transcending the confines of a physical space and embracing the diverse landscapes where my clients pursued their goals.

Through this transition, Elite One Athlete became more than a clinic; it became a mobile sanctuary of healing and resilience. Every home visit became an opportunity to not only address physical ailments but also to understand the unique stories and aspirations of each individual. In embracing change and putting my patients’ needs at the forefront, Elite One Athlete evolved into a beacon of personalized care, reinforcing the belief that true success in physical therapy lies in adapting to the rhythm of those we aim to serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.eliteoneathlete.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliteoneathlete/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eliteoneathlete
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciabenoit/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCahjc9GSe4MxsgteLlvnIsA
• Other: https://www.healthprofs.com/us/members/alicia-benoit-glendale-az/1198631