We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arianne Missimer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Arianne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

One of the most impactful moments in my career involved a patient who came to me feeling utterly defeated. She had been battling complex health issues for years, including chronic gut dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, and severe fatigue. By the time she arrived at The Movement Paradigm, she had been to countless practitioners—physical therapists, chiropractors, functional medicine doctors, medical specialists, and massage therapists—yet nothing seemed to help. She was understandably skeptical, frustrated, and ready to give up.

When we first sat down, I shared what I believe to be one of the most important pieces of advice I can offer: “you have an innate capacity to heal.” Your body is extraordinary, and when we address it with the care and support it needs, amazing transformations can happen. I encouraged her to trust in the incredible resilience of her body, and to view her healing journey as a process that integrates all facets of her health—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

We started with a systematic approach, addressing her nervous system first. Chronic stress had kept her body in a heightened state of survival mode, which made healing impossible. Using vagus nerve stimulation, somatic work to process trauma, and sensory recalibration, we helped her calm and balance her nervous system, creating a foundation for deeper healing.

From there, we examined her health comprehensively. Advanced lab testing revealed key root causes, including significant gut dysbiosis, maldigestion, nutrient deficiencies, and inflammation. We addressed these through targeted nutritional interventions, personalized supplementation, and dietary modifications tailored to her unique biochemistry.

Movement was another critical piece of the puzzle. After years of chronic pain, she was hesitant to engage in physical activity. We began with gentle, functional exercises and gradually progressed to strength training, which not only improved her mobility and reduced her pain but also restored her confidence and sense of control over her body.

We also focused on her lifestyle factors—prioritizing sleep hygiene, incorporating mindfulness practices, and addressing emotional factors that had contributed to her ongoing health struggles. Through somatic work, she was able to process and release deeply held trauma that had been manifesting as physical symptoms.

Over time, the transformation was remarkable. Her energy levels returned, her pain decreased, and she regained control over her gut health. Beyond the physical improvements, she began excelling in her job, rediscovering her passions, and reconnecting with life in ways she hadn’t thought possible.

This patient’s journey reinforced for me the incredible resilience of the human body and spirit when given the right tools and support. Her success wasn’t just about resolving symptoms—it was about reclaiming her life. The most profound takeaway for her, and for me, was that healing isn’t linear, but it is always possible. With the right integrative approach, we can move from surviving to truly thriving.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Dr. Arianne Missimer, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Registered Dietitan, TEDx speaker, author, and the CEO of The Movement Paradigm. My passion is helping individuals move from merely surviving to thriving by addressing the root causes of pain, dysfunction, and chronic health issues. Through a unique, integrative approach combining functional medicine, holistic physical therapy, and nervous system regulation, we empower patients to achieve whole-body wellness and take ownership of their health.

My journey into this field began with personal challenges that shaped both my mission and my methodology. At just 21 years old, I opened my first business while grieving the loss of my brother. That business taught me resilience, the power of movement, and the importance of community. Years later, my own battle with cancer ignited a deep commitment to holistic healing, teaching me the importance of integrating body, mind, and spirit. These experiences have defined our mission to provide a comprehensive, science-driven, and compassionate approach to whole-person care.
At The Movement Paradigm, we use our proprietary THRIVE methodology to guide patients toward lasting health and vitality in root cause medicine.

T – Tune Your Nervous System
The nervous system is the body’s control center and the gateway to healing. Chronic stress, dysregulated circadian rhythms, and unresolved trauma can disrupt systemic health. We address these through techniques like vagus nerve stimulation, mindfulness practices, somatic healing, and breathwork. By creating a calm, regulated state, we lay the foundation for effective interventions, enabling the body to restore balance and heal.

H – Hone in on Root Causes
We are rooted in uncovering the “why” behind symptoms. Through comprehensive health assessments and movement analysis, advanced lab testing, and in-depth patient history analysis, we identify the root causes of dysfunction—whether related to gut health, chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, or nutrient deficiencies. This allows us to create a personalized plan that provides clarity, long-term solutions, and a deeper understanding of how your body operates as a whole.

R – Restore and Rebuild
Healing requires addressing systemic imbalances and rebuilding foundational health and movement. We focus on restoring optimal gut function and movement, balancing hormones, reducing inflammation, and enhancing nutrient absorption. Using targeted nutritional, movement, and lifestyle interventions, alongside evidence-based supplementation based on objective findings, we guide patients through a Survive-to-Thrive Continuum, helping them feel stronger, more energized, and resilient.

I – Integrate Systems-Based Care Without Limits
We emphasize integration over isolation. Our approach connects the dots between seemingly unrelated symptoms, addressing how your body’s systems—like the neuromusculoskeletal, lymphatics, gut-brain axis, immune function, and detoxification pathways—interact. By combining tailored movement and nutrition, stress management, sleep, and lifestyle adjustments, we help patients create sustainable improvements in their overall health and vitality.

V – Vitalize Daily Practices
Lasting health is built on sustainable, actionable habits. We help patients incorporate simple, effective daily routines, such as breath and mobility, meal planning tailored to their unique biochemistry, mindfulness practices, and optimized sleep strategies. These practices reduce inflammation, improve resilience, and support ongoing healing, empowering patients to thrive without feeling overwhelmed by complex regimens.

E – Empower for Independence and Longevity
Our ultimate goal is to empower patients to take ownership of their health and create a life of vitality. Through education, resources, and ongoing support, we equip patients with the tools they need to prevent relapses, maintain progress, and continue improving their well-being. Whether it’s through personalized follow-ups, group programs, or access to our Movement Paradigm app, we ensure patients feel confident and prepared to sustain their health journey for the long term. Beyond recovery, we focus on helping patients return to high-level thriving—whether that’s excelling in fitness, resuming sports activities, or achieving ambitious lifestyle goals.

What sets us apart is our deep commitment to combining functional medicine with holistic integrative therapies and personalized care. By treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—we uncover and address the root causes of pain, inflammation, and dysfunction.

I’m most proud of the transformative results we achieve for patients who thought they’d exhausted all options. Watching individuals regain control of their health, discover their strength, and truly thrive is incredibly rewarding.
Healing is always possible, and at The Movement Paradigm, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll identify the root causes of your challenges, create a plan tailored to your needs, and empower you to achieve a vibrant, thriving life.

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

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has always been providing the highest quality patient care and customer experience. This has been the cornerstone of my career, resulting in a steady flow of referrals from patients, professionals, and community members who value the depth of care we provide.

A key part of this is education—offering actionable, high-quality insights that empower patients to take ownership of their health and make meaningful changes. We believe that knowledge is transformative, and we strive to ensure that every interaction leaves our patients feeling informed, inspired, and capable of creating lasting improvements in their well-being.

Equally important is my personal and professional journey. I 100% embody everything I teach. From nutrition and movement to mindfulness and nervous system regulation, I live the principles I advocate for. This authenticity resonates with my patients and creates a deep level of trust. They know I’m not just telling them what to do—I’m walking the walk alongside them.

Over time, I’ve also invested in building systems to support our growth. Email marketing, social media, and community education initiatives have allowed me to connect with a broader audience. Additionally, fostering strong relationships with other professionals—whether through collaborations, referrals, or shared education opportunities—has been instrumental in expanding our reach.

Ultimately, the combination of exceptional care, education, authenticity, and relationship-building has been the foundation of our success. When you’re fully committed to your craft and your clients, growth becomes a natural byproduct of the trust and value you provide.

We’d appreciate any insights you can share with us about selling a business.

Yes, I sold my first business, CORE Fitness, after running it for 13 years. CORE Fitness was a personal training studio offering movement and performance training, massage therapy, and nutrition services, located next to a physical therapy practice. I opened it at just 21 years old, the same year I tragically lost my brother. Building this business became my way of channeling my grief and honoring his memory. I poured everything I had into it—learning the ropes of entrepreneurship from scratch while simultaneously completing my Doctorate in Physical Therapy and then working full-time as a clinic director in an outpatient physical therapy clinic to get experience. It was a whirlwind, but it taught me invaluable lessons.

The first major lesson I learned is that your business needs all of you. You can’t be half-in. Running a business successfully requires passion, commitment, and the willingness to give it everything you’ve got.

When it came time to sell, it wasn’t a decision I made lightly. I was diagnosed with cancer and faced the reality that I needed to move out of state to focus on my health and my future. I had a vision of finding the “perfect” person to carry on the legacy of what CORE Fitness had meant to me and the community it served. But through countless interviews, I realized that no one could truly replicate what it represented for me. I also came to understand that CORE Fitness, while deeply meaningful, was more of a personal passion project than a robust business on paper. Renting the space for 13 years left me with no tangible equity, and emotionally, I was too attached to see it objectively.

This experience shaped how I approached my current business, The Movement Paradigm. I made a conscious decision to focus on building success in all areas, including financial stability, scalability, and owning my space rather than renting. Now, I not only own my building but also lease space to tenants, which creates an additional revenue stream.

For any entrepreneur hoping to sell a business one day, my advice is twofold. First, treat your business as an asset from day one. Build systems, document processes, and create value that can exist independently of you. Second, understand that while emotional attachment is natural, stepping back to view your business objectively will help you make decisions that are both practical and aligned with your future goals.

Ultimately, CORE Fitness was the foundation that allowed me to become the person and entrepreneur I am today. I’m proud of how it shaped me and the lessons it taught me about resilience, community, and growth. As one of my favorite quotes says, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” That’s the mindset I bring to everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.themovementparadigm.com
• Instagram: @themovementparadigm
• Facebook: @themovementparadigmintegrativehealth
• Linkedin: Dr Arianne Missimer
• Youtube: @themovementparadigm

Image Credits

Paul Buceta Photography ( professional shot)