Today we’d like to introduce you to Chester Rhines.
Hi Chester , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, and entered Southern University without much exposure to the medical field. A conversation with a friend about his interest in physical therapy introduced me to the profession, and the combination of healthcare and working with athletes immediately appealed to me. From there, I began volunteering and working as a physical therapy tech to better understand the field.
I graduated from Southern University in Fall 2002 and was accepted into the Texas Woman’s University–Dallas PT program in Summer 2004. After earning my degree in Fall 2006, I started my career in outpatient therapy while working PRN across multiple settings to build a strong, well-rounded clinical foundation.
In 2011, I shifted into full-time contract work in home health, which eventually led me to launch Rhinestone Resource Group LLC in 2016, a home-health contracting company providing PT, OT, and SLP services to agencies across the region. As Texas began moving toward direct access, I returned to school in 2018 to pursue my Doctor of Physical Therapy, graduating in May 2020 with both my DPT and a Rehabilitative Administration Certification.
During that time, I continued building my clinical skill set, completing certifications in Dry Needling, Blood Flow Restriction training, and advanced manual therapy techniques. When COVID-19 reshaped patient preferences, especially toward personalized, one-on-one care, I founded Rhinestone Healthcare as a mobile outpatient service. In November 2022, I expanded into my own clinic space to offer dedicated one-on-one physical therapy within a controlled, individualized environment.
Today, I manage both Rhinestone Resource Group LLC and Rhinestone Healthcare, focusing on strategic growth and expanding services. I am currently working to integrate personal training and nutritional counseling as additional components of the business, combining my clinical expertise with my passion for fitness.
Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have strong support from family, friends and the broader community. Their trust and encouragement have played a significant role in helping me build a practice centered on quality care, access, and meaningful patient relationships.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. My journey has been rewarding, but it hasn’t been smooth. Early on, one of my biggest challenges was the lack of mentorship. I didn’t have someone to guide me through the business side of healthcare, and at the time, I didn’t really know how to seek out a mentor. So I learned a lot of lessons through experience—sometimes the hard way.
When I launched Rhinestone Resource Group LLC before COVID, the company grew quickly, and on the surface it looked like everything was thriving. But I soon realized that company revenue isn’t the same as personal income. Some agencies didn’t pay on time, some didn’t pay in full, and a few I had to take to court. Unfortunately, even today, delayed payments are still a challenge in the home health contracting world.
COVID created another major hurdle. Many businesses shut down, and the uncertainty around patient care, insurance reimbursement, and payout timelines made finances extremely tight. There were moments when I realistically could have lost everything. But somehow, God continued to provide—doors opened, opportunities came, and the business survived when it probably shouldn’t have on paper.
Even now, finances and reimbursement delays are ongoing challenges, but I’ve learned how to manage them with more discipline, patience, and resilience. The struggles taught me how to run a smarter business, stay grounded, and keep pushing forward no matter what.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a physical therapist who takes pride in being well-rounded and confident in treating a wide range of conditions—while also knowing when a patient needs to be referred out. My approach is rooted in hands-on, manual therapy, which has become one of the key things that sets me apart. I believe in truly getting to know the patient’s body, not just relying on machines or generic protocols.
One of the core principles of my practice is true one-on-one care. When a patient works with me, they have my full attention from start to finish. I tailor every session to their specific needs and goals, whether that’s pain relief, mobility, strength, or returning to the activities they love.
I’m also proud of how I bridge the gap between physical therapy and real-life performance. If a patient’s goal is to get back into the gym—or into a specific routine—I don’t just tell them what to do. We actually go to the gym together and work on those movements before discharge. It creates a smoother transition, builds confidence, and gives patients the tools they need to stay consistent.
Overall, what differentiates me is the combination of manual therapy skills, personalized attention, and a true commitment to functional, real-world outcomes. My goal is always to deliver care that feels individualized, empowering, and focused on long-term success.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’ve lived here since 2004, so I’ve really grown with the city. What I appreciate most is the opportunity it gives entrepreneurs. If you have a vision and you’re willing to put in the work, this is a place where you can truly build something and watch it thrive. The diversity, the growth, and the support for small businesses make it a great environment for someone like me.
As for what I like least—definitely the traffic. The long drives from the north side to the south side can be draining, and the commuting time adds up quickly. And of course, the cedar trees—they keep allergy season a little too exciting. Laughs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.1rhinestonehealthcare.com
- Instagram: @5klub
- Facebook: Chester Rhines
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.ChesterPTDPT
