Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sharmaine Longsworth. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sharmaine, 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?

Not too long ago, my life was all about comfort and stability. I was happily working as a physical therapist in Illinois, with a cozy home and a routine that felt just right. But deep down, I felt this nagging urge for something more—something that would stretch my limits and challenge me in ways I hadn’t experienced before.

So, after countless discussions with my family, we made a bold decision: we packed up our lives and moved to Texas to open my own physical therapy practice, Physiophyx. The thought of leaving everything behind—our friends, our neighborhood, and my secure job—was terrifying. But I knew I had to follow this dream.

When we arrived in Saginaw, it felt like stepping onto a blank canvas. We didn’t know anyone here, and everything was unfamiliar. But instead of letting fear hold me back, I chose to dive into the unknown. I focused on building connections and getting to know the people in my new community. From parents looking to help their kids with sports injuries to seniors aiming to stay active, every interaction reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.

I couldn’t thank my husband enough for his unwavering support through this whole process. He thought it was an abrupt and crazy move at first, but he stood by me every step of the way. Our kids are loving life here, too. They’ve made new friends and found playmates, which has made this transition even sweeter. And the relationships I’ve built with my patients have turned many of them into friends and family. It’s heartwarming to be part of a community filled with such amazing people.

One of the best parts of this journey has been meeting fellow small business owners. It’s incredible how supportive the community is! We share resources, ideas, and even some laughs. It feels like we’re all in this together, lifting each other up and trying to make our little corner of the world a better place.

Sure, there have been challenges—days when I wondered if I made the right choice or if I was in over my head. But those moments only made the victories sweeter. Watching my clinic grow and seeing the positive impact on my patients’ lives has been incredibly rewarding.

Reflecting on this leap of faith, I realize it has transformed not just my career but my entire perspective. I learned that stepping outside my comfort zone opened doors I never knew existed. For anyone out there contemplating a big change, I encourage you to take that leap. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve when you embrace the uncertainty and believe that anything is possible.

So here’s to new beginnings, to facing fears, and to the incredible people we meet along the way. Life’s too short to stay comfortable when there’s a whole world waiting to be explored. I’m super blessed to be here, surrounded by a vibrant community and awesome people who have made this journey unforgettable.

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

Hey there! I’m Dr. Sharmaine Longsworth, and I’m excited to share a bit about myself and the journey that brought me to this amazing field of physical therapy. For the past 11 years, I’ve worked in various settings—everything from hospitals to outpatient clinics and home health. Each experience has shaped my approach to healing and caring for my patients.

I grew up in the Philippines and started college at just 15. At that age, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so my dad suggested physical therapy. Honestly, I had no clue what it even meant at the time! But as I dove into my studies, something clicked. I became fascinated by the human body—how it works and how we can help people recover from injuries.

At one point, I considered becoming a medical doctor. However, I realized that the role often meant spending less time with patients and more time writing prescriptions. I wanted to connect with people, understand their struggles, and really help them heal. Now, as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I get to dedicate a full hour to each patient, which is such a gift. We work together to identify the root causes of their issues rather than just treating the symptoms. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my patients walk again, return to their favorite sports, or simply enjoy playing with their kids—all without pain. It truly makes my heart happy.

At my practice, Physiophyx, we take a holistic approach to physical therapy. We’re not just about fixing aches and pains; we’re here to help prevent them from coming back. We see patients one-on-one, focusing on their individual needs. Because of this, many of my patients achieve their goals in fewer visits compared to traditional practices. I believe it’s crucial to understand that our bodies don’t work in isolation—everything is connected, and our care should reflect that.

What makes us different from other clinics is that you don’t need a doctor’s referral to come see us. I believe in open communication, so I keep in touch with patients’ medical doctors to ensure everyone is on the same page. Plus, we’re excited to be adding functional medicine soon, allowing us to provide a more comprehensive approach to health and wellness—without relying on medications or surgeries.

I’m really proud of what we’ve built at Physiophyx. It’s more than just a practice; it’s a community where we support each other and work together toward better health. My patients have become like family, and I’m constantly inspired by their stories and determination.

If there’s one thing I want you to know about me and my practice, it’s this: we’re passionate about making a real difference in our patients’ lives. We believe that healing is possible and that with the right support, anyone can overcome their challenges. If you’re looking for a place that genuinely cares about your well-being, I’d love for you to join our community. Together, we can embark on a journey toward a healthier, happier life!

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 to achieve your dreams, you have to be bold, confident, and resilient. It takes unwavering faith that everything will work out, even when the path gets tough. My journey has been filled with countless hours of hard work, prayers, and sleepless nights to get to where I am today.

Nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and are willing to put in the effort. Throughout this journey, I’ve faced my share of challenges—be it navigating politics or overcoming the doubts of those who didn’t believe I could succeed. But with resilience, I’ve learned to confront these obstacles head-on, proving that determination can challenge any odds.

Having a supportive partner by my side has been invaluable. It’s essential to have someone who understands your vision and encourages you along the way. Additionally, surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded professionals can make a world of difference. Having peers to talk to, share experiences with, and collaborate on ideas helps foster growth and innovation.

I’ve come to realize that supporting others in the community is just as important. When you help others succeed, you create a network of mutual support that can uplift everyone involved. I am truly blessed to have come this far, and I recognize that the key to success lies not only in individual effort but also in the strength of the community around you.

So, to anyone out there facing their own challenges: hold onto your dreams, lean on your support systems, and trust in your journey. With courage, persistence, and a commitment to helping others, you can turn your aspirations into reality!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My business partner is my husband, and our journey together began back in physical therapy school. While I initially thought our views didn’t align, I’ve come to realize that’s part of what makes our partnership so interesting. We definitely bump heads—more often than I’d like to admit!

But rather than letting our differences drive us apart, we’ve learned to use them to our advantage. Each disagreement sparks discussions that help us grow, and through open communication, we find ways to balance each other out. It’s not always easy, but it keeps things lively and reminds us that collaboration doesn’t have to be boring!

I’m incredibly grateful to have him by my side as we navigate this journey together. Our experience shows that love and teamwork can turn conflicts into opportunities for growth. So here’s the takeaway: the right partner can make all the difference, and with a little patience and humor, you can tackle any obstacle that comes your way!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.physiophyx.com
• Instagram: @physiophyxPT
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556452910291