We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Nick Tanner and Dr. Danny Xu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Nick Tanner and Dr. Danny Xu below.
Dr. Nick Tanner and Dr. Danny Xu, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
Nick’s Response:
A defining moment in my professional career came two years after graduating from physical therapy school. I was fortunate to work under a mentor I greatly admired, someone who gave me my first opportunity out of school and imparted her philosophy and methods of practice. I’ll always be grateful for her trust and the knowledge she shared with me. However, after two years of working alongside her, I came to a crucial realization—her approach no longer aligned with the professional vision I was developing for myself. Although I had a degree of autonomy in how I treated patients, I felt constrained, as if I had placed myself in a box that limited my ability to evolve and treat patients in a way that truly resonated with me.
At the same time, I felt a strong pull to move closer to my family in Florida. This pivotal life decision became an opportunity to start my own practice. It gave me the freedom to create a treatment philosophy that aligned with my values and to serve patients in a way that felt deeply purposeful. Looking back, I wish I had asked more questions, pushed myself outside of my comfort zone more frequently, and dedicated more time to self-directed learning. Those experiences, however, taught me the importance of continually challenging myself and my practice.
Danny’s Response:
For me, there wasn’t a singular defining moment but rather a series of events that steadily led me to seek change. After earning my degree, I worked in several clinics owned by large corporations that relied heavily on insurance-based referrals. Each of these environments had unique challenges, but a common and persistent frustration was the limitation insurance policies placed on patient care. Once a patient exhausted their allotted visits, I would often need to petition the insurance company for more sessions. These companies, however, never saw the patients firsthand. They made decisions based on rigid, generalized guidelines, ignoring the individual complexities and progress of each case. For motivated patients eager to improve, being denied further treatment was both disheartening and counterproductive.
Conversely, I also worked in a clinic where insured visits were consistently approved based on medical necessity. Ironically, many of these patients made little to no progress because there was a lack of genuine commitment to their recovery. Patients returned repeatedly with the same injuries but without meaningful improvement. This cycle weighed on me to the point that I began questioning my effectiveness as a physical therapist. I eventually realized that I wanted a different professional path—one where I could partner with clients who were truly invested in their recovery and growth. Starting my own practice has allowed me to collaborate with individuals ready to turn their injuries into their comeback stories, which has reaffirmed my passion for this work.
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?
Nick’s Response:
I originally grew up in a small town called Coventry, Rhode Island. I’m passionate about all things physical activity, brewing a delicious cup of coffee at home, and spending time with my cat, Nobara. My journey into physical therapy may sound familiar—I broke my leg playing football during my senior year of high school. I was uncertain about my career path at the time, but my experience going through physical therapy was so impactful that it inspired me to pursue it as my profession.
At Forward Physio, we provide performance-based physical therapy services for active individuals. Our goal is to help our clients move better, enjoy their favorite activities pain-free, and perform at their best. What sets us apart is our personalized, non-cookie-cutter approach to care. We take the time to hear your story, understand your needs, and design a treatment plan that’s unique to you. We’re not just about relieving pain—we aim to improve long-term functionality and empower our clients to live fully. We foster a community-oriented atmosphere, building relationships that go beyond transactions.
I’m most proud of the passion and value we bring to every patient interaction. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional care and being a support system for our clients’ health journeys. We want our patients to know they’re truly seen, heard, and cared for.
Danny’s Response:
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up, I spent much of my time playing basketball and participating in dragon boating—think rowing crew, but in reverse! My decision to pursue physical therapy stemmed from my active lifestyle and a deeply personal experience with my mother’s injury. While I was attending undergrad in Buffalo, a severe blizzard hit Brooklyn. My mother suffered a disc herniation while shoveling snow, and being so far away, I felt helpless. During school breaks, I would accompany her to her physical therapy sessions and witnessed her steady improvement. What struck me most was the collaborative relationship between patient and therapist. That teamwork and mutual effort inspired me to choose physical therapy as my career.
At Forward Physio, I’m most proud of the work we do to empower our clients. We help them overcome not only physical pain but also the fear that can hold them back from living fully. Our clients are not broken, and I’m dedicated to helping them rediscover confidence and strength. My greatest joy comes from seeing patients conquer the very activities that once caused them pain.
We want people to know that at Forward Physio, we’re more than just your physical therapists. We are your friends and support system, committed to helping you return to the activities and experiences that bring you joy.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Nick:
Resources That Have Shaped Our Philosophy:
Starting a business without any formal business experience has been quite a journey. Contrary to the nonchalant portrayals often seen on social media, starting a business is challenging. I like to joke that I traded a 40-hour workweek for an 80-hour one. That doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying it, but it does take more work than most people realize.
Several resources have significantly influenced my entrepreneurial mindset and philosophy. Alex Hormozi’s “The Game” podcast has been a massive help and enjoyable to listen to. His insights into business strategy and scaling are invaluable for entrepreneurs at any stage. Additionally, Danny Matta’s mentorship through PT Biz and his podcast have been instrumental in navigating the specifics of building a successful cash-based physical therapy practice.
“Poor Charlie’s Almanack,” a compilation of speeches by Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s late business partner, has also had a profound impact. It offers incredible insights into worldly wisdom, psychology, and decision-making—valuable lessons for any entrepreneur.
I highly recommend “The Game” podcast to aspiring, current, or seasoned entrepreneurs. “Poor Charlie’s Almanack” is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of business and life. For physical therapists looking to establish their own cash-based practice, PT Biz is an exceptional resource. These tools have been pivotal in helping us through the complexities of business ownership and growth.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Danny:
One of the most helpful factors in succeeding in our field, aside from training and knowledge, is relationship building. You never know who you’re going to meet, and every person you encounter presents an opportunity to open doors to new possibilities. Building genuine connections is crucial—people can quickly sense if you have hidden motives in a conversation. The key is to focus on being truly interested in the person you’re speaking with, rather than trying to make yourself seem interesting.
People may not remember the specific details of a conversation, but they will always remember how you made them feel. This emotional impression can be powerful. Over time, those connections can lead to unexpected opportunities, as others recall the positive experience of interacting with you and are more inclined to advocate for you. Mastering the art of being authentic and empathetic in your interactions is a vital skill for long-term success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.forward-physio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fwd.physio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fwdphysio
Image Credits
Photos by us.