We recently connected with Dr. Caleb Walls and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Caleb , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ohio University and was fortunate to be accepted into a prestigious residency program at Proaxis in South Carolina. Following the completion of my sports residency, I relocated to Phoenix and took on a staff physical therapist position, where I quickly observed significant differences in treatment models compared to other regions in the country.
I then had the opportunity to assume the role of clinic manager at another organization, successfully expanding the practice from one physical therapist to six while navigating the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this time, I gained valuable insights into the business aspects of the physical therapy field, as well as the various challenges we face as practitioners.
After the birth of our first child, my wife and I realized that I was leaving home before he awoke and returning after he had gone to bed. This prompted us to make a change. Although we were apprehensive about the viability of a cash-based mobile physical therapy model, we decided to take a leap of faith and move forward.
In the first year, I worked three jobs to mitigate financial risk for our family. Today, we have expanded to include two therapists and a marketing and growth professional, and we are committed to continuing our growth to serve more individuals across the valley.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Born and raised in southern Ohio, I have always been actively involved in various sports. My journey took a significant turn when I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at the age of 12. This experience not only deepened my interest in fitness and the human body but also prompted me to prioritize my health and disease management, ultimately steering me towards a career in physical therapy.
I went on to play collegiate football while excelling in anatomy and biology, all while managing my own health challenges. Following my undergraduate studies, I sought further education in the medical aspects of exercise and wellness, leading me to apply to physical therapy school. I thrived in the orthopedic didactic portions of the program at Ohio University and was fortunate to be accepted into a distinguished sports residency after graduation.
My residency experience was transformative, shaping my professional trajectory. Upon relocating to Arizona, I took on a management role, where I gained valuable insights into the limitations of traditional insurance-based outpatient models in the state.
In 2021, I founded Wall 2 Wall Sports & Rehab, a mobile concierge physical therapy practice serving the greater Phoenix area. This venture was established with a singular focus: to prioritize patient care. We are committed to delivering the highest level of service at the patient’s convenience, with therapists coming directly to their homes, offices, or gyms.
At Wall 2 Wall, care is provided by Doctors of Physical Therapy who are board-certified clinical specialists. Each session is conducted one-on-one with a consistent physical therapist, ensuring that patients receive personalized attention without the involvement of technicians or trainers. This approach fosters a strong therapeutic relationship, allowing for the most comprehensive plan of care possible.
Our clients benefit from 24/7 direct access to their provider, ensuring they have a dedicated advocate in the orthopedic field who is always available to support them.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
We have found that being authentic and building connections with our clients—both in terms of health and wellness and from a cultural and personal perspective—has greatly enhanced patient outcomes and overall experiences. We are helping our clients reach their goals 15% faster than the national average. This success is made possible by dedicating 90 minutes for one-on-one sessions, ensuring consistent care with the same provider, which fosters trust and rapport.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
“Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz has been transformative for our financial management and accounting practices. As a clinician rather than a trained business owner or manager, I recognized the need for extensive reading, education, and collaboration with other professionals for guidance. This approach has become the cornerstone of our accounting strategy and has positioned us for long-term success and growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wall2wallsportsrehab.com
- Instagram: wall2wallsportsrehab
- Linkedin: caleb-walls-pt-dpt-scs-tpi-416183a5/
- Youtube: @wall2wallsportsrehab447
