We recently connected with Melanie and have shared our conversation below.

Melanie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us 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.

In the early days of opening my own physical therapy practice, I faced a unique set of challenges and opportunities. I decided to launch my practice during the COVID-19 pandemic after my previous job, which focused on women’s health, closed. I was also planning to have a baby, and I wanted more flexibility and a different work environment—especially since that job only offered a few weeks of maternity leave.

At the time, I was teaching Pilates on the side, and I noticed that many of my clients were interested in home visits. This sparked the idea to start my own practice that could cater to those needs. The turning point came when an old patient reached out and told me that he had a commercial space available to rent.

Initially, I was terrified of starting my own practice from scratch, but with encouragement from my patients and my husband, I decided to take the leap. It was a challenging but rewarding journey, and today I’m proud to say that I have grown the practice to include two employees and a wonderful team.

If I could give advice to someone considering a similar path, it would be to follow your gut—even if you’re scared. Often, the fear means you’re on the brink of something meaningful. Also, don’t underestimate the power of your existing connections; reaching out to people you already know can make a significant difference in building your confidence and your business. Resilience, community, and trust in yourself are key to success.

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

I am a mother of two wonderful kiddos, which is my greatest joy outside of my professional life. I entered the physical therapy field because I wanted to combine my passions for teaching and science—two loves of mine—and to have a meaningful way to help people. I feel like I teach every day through my work; I talk to my patients about their bodies, nutrition, lifestyle, and overall wellness. I truly believe that understanding and listening to our bodies is the most important step toward achieving health.

My clinic is an orthopedic practice that focuses on using manual therapy and Pilates-based rehab techniques to address physical injuries. We have an Orthopedic Specialist who works with dancers and athletes on sports injuries, and a women’s health specialist who supports pre- and postpartum mothers, helping them return to their best function.

We emphasize holistic care—treating the whole person rather than just the injured part. We explore how injuries began, how they may have impacted other areas, and partner with nutritionists when needed. Additionally, I’m trained as a Craniosacral and Functional Medicine practitioner, which allows me to integrate mind and body into each treatment, fostering complete healing and well-being.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Aside from clinical expertise, the most important aspect of my work is the ability to connect with patients through compassion, building rapport, and being genuinely invested in their well-being. In my practice, patients aren’t just names on a schedule — they become like family. That sense of trust and connection is what truly drives progress.

Many of my patients have told me that what makes the difference in their recovery is knowing that I care just as much about their goals as they do. They know I’m in it with them — every milestone, every challenge, every success. That shared commitment creates a foundation of trust, which is essential for healing. When someone feels truly seen and supported, they’re more motivated, more consistent, and ultimately, more successful in their recovery. I believe compassion and authenticity are just as critical as any treatment plan. They’re what turn good care into great care.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely — I would choose this profession every time. That said, I’ve come to realize that it’s not just the profession I love, but the environment in which I get to practice it. Not all physical therapy practices are created equally, and I’m incredibly grateful to have built a space that aligns with my values and how I believe care should be delivered.

In my practice, I spend a full hour one-on-one with each patient. We’re not restricted to focusing on just one body part per visit or limited by rigid treatment protocols. Instead, we have the flexibility to integrate a variety of techniques and address the patient as a whole. That freedom allows me to truly connect with the people I’m treating, understand their goals, and support them in a way that’s both personal and impactful.

This profession brings together everything I love — teaching, movement, and helping others. And in the environment I’ve created, I get to experience that joy every day. So yes, I’d choose this path again without hesitation — as long as I could do it in the way I believe it’s meant to be done.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nurturept.com
• Instagram: @nurturept_nyc