We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Timothy Esguerra. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Timothy below.

Timothy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

Starting my own chiropractic practice was a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and many learning opportunities. The decision to branch out on my own was driven by a desire to offer a more personalized, patient-centered approach to care. I envisioned creating a practice that focused not only on chiropractic adjustments but also on comprehensive rehabilitation and strength training, all under one roof—a clinic-gym hybrid that emphasized long-term solutions for pain and injury prevention.

The Early Days
The first steps in starting the practice involved a combination of planning, learning from mentors, and setting the groundwork. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Defining the Vision and Services: I wanted to create a space that combined chiropractic care, rehabilitation, and performance-based strength coaching. This required a clear vision of what services I would offer and how they would be integrated to provide holistic care. I spent a lot of time mapping out the patient experience—what a visit to the clinic would look like from assessment to treatment to rehab and beyond.

Business Planning: A solid business plan was essential. This included setting up the structure of the business, securing financing, and creating a budget. I had to plan for equipment purchases, office space, and hiring staff. I also had to anticipate potential overhead costs such as rent, utilities, and insurance.

Finding the Right Location: One of the early challenges was finding the perfect space. I needed a location that was accessible for patients but also spacious enough to accommodate both a chiropractic office and a gym area for rehabilitation exercises. Balancing location and cost was tricky, as I didn’t want to compromise on either.

Building a Patient Base: Starting from scratch meant that I had no established patient base. I invested in networking with local sports teams, fitness communities, and even nearby clinics to establish referral networks. Building relationships was key to getting the word out and growing my practice organically.

Creating a Unique Brand: Differentiating the practice from others was critical. I worked with my wife to develop a brand identity that reflected the holistic and active nature of the clinic. The branding carried over into everything—our logo, website, social media, and even the clinic’s interior design. It had to communicate that we weren’t just offering chiropractic adjustments but were a place for comprehensive healing and performance enhancement.

Marketing and Community Engagement: Online presence was (and is) crucial. Social media, SEO optimization for the website, and local advertising helped spread the word. I also hosted workshops and educational events on injury prevention and sports performance to introduce myself to the community and build trust with potential patients.

Key Challenges
Balancing Finances: Initially, managing the financial side of the business was tough. Rent, equipment, salaries for staff, and marketing costs added up quickly. I had to be very mindful of cash flow, especially during the first year when patient volume was still growing.

Building Trust and Reputation: Since I was a new face in the local community, I had to put in a lot of time building trust and proving the value of my services. Word-of-mouth recommendations took time to build but eventually became one of the strongest sources of new patients.

Wearing Many Hats: As the owner, I was not only treating patients but also managing administrative tasks, handling billing, marketing, and keeping up with the daily operations. This required strong time-management skills and the ability to quickly learn areas of business I hadn’t been exposed to in school.

Establishing Efficient Systems: Implementing the right systems, like electronic health records (EHR) and scheduling software, was crucial for ensuring the practice ran smoothly. Finding software that was user-friendly and integrated with the unique aspects of my practice took some trial and error.

Would I Have Done Anything Differently?
Looking back, one thing I might have done differently is I would have networked more before opening the practice. Building relationships with potential referral sources (doctors, physical therapists, personal trainers, etc.) earlier would have given the practice a stronger start. Building those connections takes time, and having them in place before opening the doors would have been a big advantage.

Advice for Young Professionals Starting Their Own Practice
Plan, But Be Flexible: Start with a clear vision and business plan, but be ready to pivot as needed. Things will not always go as planned, and being adaptable is key to overcoming challenges.

Invest in Your Network: Building relationships with your local community and other healthcare professionals is invaluable. It not only helps with patient referrals but also provides you with a support system of like-minded professionals.

Stay Patient-Focused: Always keep patient care at the heart of what you do. Offering value to your patients by focusing on their unique needs and providing personalized care will ensure long-term success.

Understand the Business Side: Running a practice is as much about business as it is about healthcare. Take time to understand the financial, legal, and operational aspects of running a business. Consider taking a business course or seeking mentorship in these areas.

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – James Clear
In a chiropractic or sports rehab context, this idea can be applied to patient care as well. If a patient has a goal to recover from an injury or achieve optimal athletic performance, it’s not just the goal that will get them there—it’s the system of consistent education, exercises, lifestyle habits, and adjustments that will lead to success.

Starting a practice is a rewarding experience, but it takes a lot of dedication and perseverance. If you’re passionate about helping people and willing to put in the work, it can be an incredibly fulfilling career path!

Timothy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My Journey into Chiropractic Care and Rehabilitation
My path into chiropractic and rehabilitation was shaped by my own personal experiences with injury. In high school, I suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that set me on a journey of recovery and healing. During this time, I interned at a physical therapy office, where I discovered the world of kinesiology and developed a passion for understanding how the body heals, moves, and performs at its best.

It became clear to me that I wanted to help people—particularly athletes—overcome injury and optimize their performance, not just in the short term but for life. I wanted to build a practice that not only treated symptoms but also empowered individuals to regain control of their bodies and prevent future injuries.

My Target Audience: Athletes and Active Individuals of All Ages
My practice focuses on athletes of all levels, from professional sports to older adults who want to stay active and pain-free. Whether it’s a professional NFL player recovering from an injury, or a grandparent who just wants to be able to play with their grandkids, my goal is the same: to help people move better, feel stronger, and live a more active life.

The common challenges I address include sports injuries, degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy, and trauma-related issues. I also have a special interest in working with patients who have reached a point where other practitioners have given up. I’ve seen too many people feel hopeless after being told their only options are surgery or living with chronic pain—and I want to provide them with a better solution.

What Sets My Practice Apart: One-on-One Care
What truly sets my practice apart is the personalized, one-on-one care I provide. Every patient receives a full hour of individual attention, which allows me to take a deep dive into their unique situation. We work together to ensure they not only understand the purpose behind each treatment but also how to carry that knowledge into their daily lives. This approach creates a lasting impact beyond the clinic and empowers my patients to take ownership of their health.

Specialized Services I Offer
Chiropractic Care: I focus on joint mobilizations and adjustments, particularly for spinal and extremity conditions. My treatments target not only pain relief but also the underlying causes of dysfunction, such as poor movement patterns or structural misalignment.

Rehabilitation Programs: After a comprehensive assessment, I create personalized rehabilitation programs for each patient. These programs are designed to restore function, improve strength, and prevent future injuries through corrective exercises tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.

Strength Coaching: I also offer strength coaching that complements rehabilitation efforts, helping athletes and active individuals develop the physical resilience they need to perform at their highest potential, whether on the field or in everyday life.

What I’m Most Proud Of
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to work with high-level professional athletes, including those in the NFL. It’s an honor to help these elite athletes recover and perform at their best, but I’m equally proud of the work I’ve done with people who are at the end of the line—those who have been told there are no more options for them. Being able to give these individuals hope and guide them toward progress when others have given up on them is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me every day why I do what I do.

What I Want You to Know About My Practice
At the heart of my practice is the belief that every patient deserves personalized, compassionate care. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, I’ll work with you to address the root cause of your pain and help you achieve your goals. My goal is to get you back to doing the things you love, stronger and healthier than before.

What sets my approach apart is not just the treatment itself but the time and attention I invest in understanding each patient’s unique needs and goals. By providing one-on-one care and individualized rehabilitation programs, I ensure that every patient walks away empowered, informed, and confident in their ability to maintain their progress long after they leave the office.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe the most important factor for success in my field is genuine human connection and empathy. My philosophy has always been that the diagnosis determines the treatment, but it doesn’t define the person. To me, the key to success lies in truly seeing the individual in front of me—not just their injury or condition.

1. Empathy and Compassion:
When someone walks through my door, they’re often dealing with pain, frustration, and sometimes the feeling that they’ve been overlooked by other providers. Showing them empathy—letting them know I’m listening and that I genuinely care—helps build trust. I want each patient to know they’re not just a diagnosis; they’re a person with goals, emotions, and challenges, and I’m here to support them through all of it. The emotional side of care is just as important as the physical side, and I make sure to create that connection with every patient.

2. Effective Communication:
Another critical part of care is ensuring that patients understand why we’re doing what we’re doing. I believe that when patients are empowered with knowledge, they feel more in control of their recovery. I take the time to explain each step of the process, the purpose behind every treatment, and how they can continue their progress outside of the clinic. That’s why I dedicate one-on-one time with each patient for a full hour—so they leave confident, informed, and actively engaged in their healing.

3. Building Trust and Offering Hope:
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with professional athletes and people who’ve been told there are no more options for them. I’ve learned that these patients don’t just need expertise; they need someone who believes in them and won’t give up. I’m most proud of helping those who are at the end of their line, the ones who feel like they’ve exhausted all their options. Providing hope and giving them a path forward when others have turned them away is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

4. Adaptability and Personalized Care:
Each patient is unique, and that’s why adaptability is so crucial. No two people respond to treatment in the same way, even if their diagnoses are similar. I listen carefully to my patients and tailor my approach to their specific needs, abilities, and goals. Whether I’m working with an NFL player recovering from an injury or a grandparent who wants to stay active, my focus is always on providing personalized care that’s just right for them.

5. Patience and Perseverance:
Recovery is often a slow, nonlinear process, and it takes patience. I make sure to communicate that to my patients, encouraging them to stay the course even when progress feels slow. I’ve seen firsthand how perseverance can lead to breakthroughs, especially with people who have been written off by other practitioners. I stand by my patients and remind them that as long as we keep working together, there’s always a way forward.

For me, success in this field is about more than just the technical knowledge of treating injuries. It’s about connecting with people, building trust, and showing them how much I care. My goal is to empower my patients not just to heal, but to regain control of their health and feel confident in their ability to live an active, pain-free life.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?

When I decided to start my practice, I knew it would take a significant financial commitment to get it off the ground, but I didn’t have access to large loans or outside investors. So, I took a more grassroots approach. I started by working as a personal trainer, using that as a way to save money while building my foundation in health and fitness.

During my time as a trainer, I not only developed a solid understanding of movement and rehabilitation, but I also built strong relationships with clients, many of whom would later become patients at my chiropractic practice. Every dollar I earned from personal training went directly into savings with the vision of eventually launching my own clinic.

I kept my overhead low, avoided unnecessary expenses, and worked long hours to ensure I had enough capital to cover the basics—renting a small space, purchasing essential equipment, and setting up the necessary legal and business structures. This hustle allowed me to launch my practice without taking on any major debt, and it also gave me the time to fully define the direction I wanted to take with my business.

Looking back, starting as a personal trainer was the perfect stepping stone. Not only did it help me accumulate the funds to start my practice, but it also gave me invaluable hands-on experience in working with clients, which transitioned seamlessly into the one-on-one care I now provide in my clinic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://esguerrachiropractic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esguerrachiropractic/

Image Credits

Aaron Case

Jesse Viray