We recently connected with Alison Berglund and have shared our conversation below.

Alison, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I have ever taken was starting my own physical therapy practice, 6:33 Physical Therapy. In 2022 I was 3 years out of graduate school and working for an orthopedic clinic in Raleigh, NC. As time went by, I started to realize I did not agree with the direction many insurance-based PT clinics in our healthcare system were going and started to feel a call and desire to start my own direct-pay clinic. Although I had a steady paycheck and made good money, I ultimately decided to quit my job, move to Charleston, SC, and start my own physical therapy practice in Mount Pleasant. Looking back, I realize it was quite risky starting a business in a town where I did not know one person. I also had zero business experience (I took one business class in PT school, at which point I remember saying “I will NEVER start my own business!”). But here we are! In the end the risk was well worth the reward. Thanks to the support of family/friends, divine intervention, and a lot of hard work I can say that starting 6:33 Physical Therapy was the best decision I’ve made. It allows me to provide my clients with the best possible quality of care and get them back to all the activities that are important to them as quickly as possible. I have made wonderful relationships with clients and in the community that I would never have formed if it were not for this business. I am thankful every single day that I took this risk and encourage others to do the same!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi there! My name is Dr. Alison Berglund and I am a physical therapist in Mt Pleasant, SC. I am the owner of 6:33 Physical Therapy and help runners, triathletes, and active people get back to the activities they love. I am a lifelong runner and have dealt with injuries in the past where medical providers have not understood how important running is to me and that telling me to “just stop running” is not an acceptable answer! It is one of my greatest joys to help people achieve their goals — whether that is being able to get on the floor to play with their grandkids or completing their first Ironman triathlon. I am passionate about helping people get stronger and push the limit of what they think their bodies are capable of completing. It is a blessing to be able to see how resilient the human body is and I want to share that with every single person I know! My philosophy is that movement is medicine and I understand you cannot tell a runner to “just stop running.” They won’t listen–I didn’t! Therefore, my approach to rehab is holistic — I treat the whole person, not just their knee or ankle pain. I love forming relationships with my clients so I can understand what motivates them, why their goals are so important to them, and ultimately foster a rehab environment full of trust (and a lot of laughter, too).

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe that regardless of the field, being able to build relationships is key! Being part of a community has helped not only in terms of feeling supported and connected, but it also is a great way to generate referrals.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been being an effective physical therapist! Each client I treat who feels better and is able to get back to running, lifting, biking, etc. runs out of the clinic and tells 5 of their friends (especially their friends who might be injured themselves). Word of mouth referrals are my the lifeline of my business!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.633physicaltherapy.com
• Instagram: @633physical.therapy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/633-Physical-Therapy-100087683106327/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-berglund-35ab15183/