Today we’d like to introduce you to Zak Keller.
Hi Zak, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was always interested in healthcare, but a back injury in college shifted my focus towards physical therapy. The idea of helping people improve their quality of life seemed very rewarding, and it also included elements of wellness and human performance which I was interested in. I am now in my 20th year as a physical therapist, and running my own mobile physical therapy practice.
Over the years I had the opportunity to work with many excellent clinicians and doctors, and am very grateful for the experience. Yet there were aspects of the traditional clinical model that always bothered me, namely the fact that most clinics are volume driven and require PT’s to see as many as 3-4 patients at the same time. My goal was always to spend as much time as possible with my patients, which meant that I was usually staying late to complete my documentation.
In 2022, I left my job so I could start my own practice. The idea was simple – emphasize one on one care. By traveling to patient’s homes, I was offering convenience, and not having a brick and mortar clinic minimized my expenses so I wouldn’t have to be volume driven. This allowed me to see patients one on one, and spend as much time with them as necessary. On The Go Physio launched in early 2023, and I haven’t looked back.
Today, On The Go Physio just celebrated its 3rd anniversary, and we have expanded our offerings. In addition to traveling to patient’s homes, we also see patients at TLC Family Health in Flower Mound, and Empower 35 Fitness in Frisco. While a lot of people like the convenience of having a PT come to them, some would prefer a clinical setting, so we are excited to provide these options and are looking forward to adding a Dallas location in 2026!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
What I’m doing is fairly unique, so there is not really a precedent or road map to follow in terms of marketing strategies. Figuring out the best way to create a greater sense of public awareness is challenging. When some people hear “cash pay” they may think “expensive.” But the reality is in many cases you can accomplish more with a few one on one sessions than someone could in a month of traditional therapy, ultimately saving time and money. Once people experience the difference, they become a lifelong client, but most of the population are not even aware that this type of physical therapy exists.
Beyond that, I think there are ubiquitous struggles for small business owners when they are just starting and trying to figure it all out.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about On The Go Physio?
On The Go Physio is a mobile physical therapy practice specializing in orthopedic physical therapy. This includes treatment of sprains, strains, soft tissue injuries, joint pain and arthritis, sports injuries, postural dysfunction, pre-operative and post-operative rehab. We also provide preventative care, offering full body orthopedic assessments and customized injury prevention programs. What sets us apart is that we actually come to you, providing one on one treatment in the convenience of your home, gym, or workplace. For those who prefer a clinical setting, we also see patients at TLC Family Health in Flower Mound, or Empower 35 Fitness in Frisco, and are looking to add a Dallas location this year as well.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
There’s almost always some risk involved in getting what you want in life. I don’t consider myself a big risk taker, but for things that will enhance the quality of my life, I will take on a fair amount of risk. In this case, I was willing to bet on myself and was confident that I could turn this idea into a successful business. Quitting a reliable job with a steady paycheck at age 42 to start a business with a non-conventional model probably doesn’t sound appealing to most people, but I’ve really enjoyed it.
Pricing:
- $125/hr – standard rate
- $100/hr – discount rate (with purchase of a 3 hr. package)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.physiodfw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zakkellerpt/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zak-keller-092b536/
