Blog 17- Reflections on My First Year in Business: Looking Back and Moving Forward

One year. Twelve months. 365 days. It feels like both a blink of an eye and a lifetime since I first opened my clinic doors. I still vividly remember welcoming my first client at Physika, wondering if this dream of running my own solo practice would resonate with the community. And now, here I am—coffee in hand, gazing out over the Bathurst Basin, reflecting on an incredible year of growth, learning, and most importantly, helping people move and feel better.

Running a business solo can be daunting, but the support I’ve received from my clients, friends, family and the community has been nothing short of amazing. As I celebrate this milestone, I want to take a moment to share some reflections on my first year—what I’ve learned from my clients, how my business model has taken shape, and where I see things heading in the future.

The Clients’ Response: A Surprising and Gratifying Outcome

One of the most rewarding aspects of this first year has been hearing feedback from my clients. Time and time again, I’ve heard two things:

1. They appreciate how I respect their time.

2. They’re surprised at how quickly they improve.

   
   

With an average of just 3.7 visits per client, many have been amazed at how efficiently we’re able to get to the root of their problem. The key? A thorough assessment, the right exercises, and, most importantly, prioritizing home exercises in their daily schedule. It’s not magic—it’s science, experience, and a commitment to an active recovery process.

Another unexpected (yet welcome) response has been how much clients appreciate the quiet, distraction-free environment. Because I’m the only employee, there are no ringing phones or people knocking on the door mid-session. That uninterrupted hour allows me to truly listen, assess thoroughly, and focus on them—not just their pain, but their goals, concerns, and aspirations.

And, of course, there’s the reaction when clients walk in: “Wow! Look at the view.” With the Bathurst Basin stretching out before us, water views seem to have an instant calming effect. If we’re lucky, we even spot a few seals swimming by—nature’s own little reminder to slow down and breathe.

A Business Model That Works: Experience, Science, and Simplicity

While this was my first year as a business owner of Physika, I’ve been a physiotherapist for 28 years—26 of those in private practice. That experience, combined with the scientific research, confirms what I’ve always believed: exercise is the foundation of recovery.

In a world where many clinics rely on machines, passive treatments, and endless follow-ups, I took a different approach. My focus is on assessment, education, and home exercise programs tailored to the client’s injury, goals, and recovery stage. This means I act more as a consultant or coach rather than a “therapist” who clients rely on for temporary relief. The goal? Empowering people to take control of their own recovery.

And clients have embraced this. They appreciate the thoroughness, the efficiency, and the honesty. If I can’t help someone with their condition, I tell them—and I discharge them rather than booking unnecessary appointments. This approach fosters trust and ensures that every session has value.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Reach of Physiotherapy

So, what does the future hold? My mission remains the same: to show that physiotherapy doesn’t have to be a long, expensive commitment for every condition. It’s a tool that, when used with a defined goal and the right effort, leads to real results.

One area I want to grow is virtual physiotherapy. There’s a common misconception that online physio isn’t “real” physio. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Virtual physiotherapy has been around for nearly 20 years—long before the pandemic—and has proven to be an effective, convenient, and cost-saving alternative for many conditions. It’s all about asking the right questions, assessing movement patterns via video, and prescribing the right exercises to improve weakness or stiffness.

Virtual physio also makes sense for people who travel, have busy schedules, or simply prefer the convenience of staying home. If you already have a trusted physiotherapist, why switch just because you’re temporarily away? My goal is to promote virtual physiotherapy in a way that makes sense for the right clients, demonstrating its effectiveness and accessibility.

Conclusion: Grateful, Inspired, and Ready for Year Two

As I sip my coffee and look out over the water, I can’t help but feel grateful for this first year—grateful for the clients who have put their trust in me, for the lessons I’ve learned, and for the ability to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

This is just the beginning. I look forward to continuing to refine my practice, spreading the word about effective, science-based physiotherapy, and helping more people move better, feel better, and live better.

Here’s to another year of growth, learning. Cheers!

Marco Chiasson, Physiotherapist