Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Valdez.
Hi Natalie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in Dallas, Texas in 2021. I always knew Sports Physical Therapy was where I belonged – my athletic background drew me to this field, but the level of mental stimulation and problem solving it requires is what truly solidified my passion for it. After several years of experience in the Sports Medicine and Orthopedic field, I realized that the traditional clinic model wasn’t built for true healing. Too many clinics prioritized patient volume over value, pushing providers to sacrifice the quality of care people genuinely deserved. I knew I had to create something better – an environment where every patient gets intentional, individualized treatment and performance-driven results. Made 2 Move was then created in September of 2024. My clinical focus for Made 2 Move is elite athlete care – bridging rehab, performance, and return-to-sport at the highest level. I am trusted by athletes of all levels (Professional, Collegiate, High School, & Youth Sports) to perform at the top of their game. I also work with active individuals and believe that there is an athlete inside everyone and will help you reach your full potential.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Creating a business in the sports world is far from easy – it comes with obstacles, long hours, and nonstop problem-solving. In the beginning, there were a lot of long hours of doing networking events in order to build the brand of “Made 2 Move”. Shout out to Tony Swindle of the Swin City League for giving us a platform early on and believing in us before anyone knew who we were. You don’t always see immediate results, but the work is worth it when you are building something meaningful and pursuing your passion. In the athlete world, everything also runs on networking and word of mouth. Relationships are everything, and success comes from earning trust and staying patient & consistent.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Made 2 Move is a Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy company. We offer Physical Therapy, Recovery, and Injury Prevention services in the DFW area. At M2M, we believe in empowering athletes and active individuals to achieve optimal health and full recovery through expert, personalized one-on-one care.
What really sets me apart from others are the relationships I build with my athletes and the level of trust that comes with that. I invest a lot of time in understanding who they are, what their goals are, and the specific demands of their sport. That foundation allows me to deliver elite, sport-specific care that goes far beyond traditional physical therapy. I also combine advanced clinical skill with a performance-driven approach. My athletes aren’t just recovering, but they’re returning stronger, faster, and more prepared for the demands of their game. That bend of connection, expertise, and sport-specific precision is what makes my care different. I love being a key person in their corner and witnessing them reach new levels and do incredible things.
Another thing that sets M2M apart is our true one-on-one model. Every athlete gets my full attention for the entire session – no overlapping patients, no passing them off to techs or assistants. That dedicated time allows me to be incredibly intentional with my evaluation, treatment, and progression, which ultimately leads to better outcomes. It also deepens the relationship and trust I build with my patients. They know they are being heard, seen, and cared for at a high level and this approach is what leads to my athletes thriving.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I hope to inspire others to create their own path if they don’t align with the traditional physical therapy clinic model. I never imagined myself starting a business, but over time I realized I didn’t fit the mold of the typical clinic structure and got “burnt out” early on in my career. Building my own company allowed me to practice in a way that actually reflected my values and the level of care I wanted to provide to my patients. I also want readers to know not to be scared to chase your dreams and follow your passion. The sports world is tough, but don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back. It is a daily grind, but it is very worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://m2mdfw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m2mdfw
Image Credits
Sofia Colmenero & Anthony McCutchen Daniel Alvarado
