8 tips for starting your own physiotherapy practice

Opening a physiotherapy clinic demands careful consideration and strategic planning – understanding your market nuances and setting up a solid operational base. This guide lays out the steps and considerations to create your unique space in the healthcare industry, ensuring a strong bond with the community you intend to serve.

1. Understanding your market

Picture your ideal patient. What do they look like? Where are they located? What are their habits and preferences? What do they need? Dig into data from existing patients, conduct surveys, and tap into online interactions. The more you refine your ideal client profile, the better you can tailor your services and communication strategies for your physiotherapy business.

Now that you’ve got a grasp on your audience, it’s time to woo them. Whether it’s Google Ads, email or social media marketing, every move you make becomes twice as impactful when you know exactly whom you’re speaking to.

2. Choosing the right business structure

Embarking on your physiotherapy business journey requires a solid foundation, and it starts with the right business structure. You have several options – sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts. However, the company structure seems to be the popular choice among entrepreneurs looking to start their own physiotherapy clinic.

This business structure protects your personal assets and offers a cushion against financial obligations. It also simplifies processes like franchising or bringing in investors, paving a smoother road for future expansion.

3. Registering your physiotherapy business

Now that you’ve chosen your business structure for your physiotherapy practice, the next thing on your to-do list would be getting your business properly registered.  Here’s your guide to making sure everything is in order:

1. Australian Business Number (ABN): You will need one to set up a physiotherapy clinic. It identifies your company uniquely in the business landscape.

2. Tax File Number (TFN): For sole traders, your personal TFN works. However, companies need a separate one.

3. Goods and Services Tax (GST): If you project an annual turnover of more than $75,000, this is mandatory. The good news is, you can register for GST at the same time as your ABN and TFN.

If your business plan involves hiring employees for your physiotherapy business, you should familiarise yourself with PAYG withholding requirements.

4. Registering for a trademark

As an upcoming business owner, safeguarding your physiotherapy business’s identity should be a top priority. After choosing a name for your physiotherapy practice, the next step would be to shield it with a trademark. This ensures you hold exclusive rights over your business name and branding, setting a solid foundation for your enterprise.

Here’s a tip: don’t limit yourself to registering just the name. Consider registering your logo as well, to add an additional layer of protection for your physiotherapy business brand. It’s about crafting an identity that stands strong and unrivalled in the marketplace.

5. Leasing a space

Choosing where to set up base camp is an important step in your journey to opening a physiotherapy practice. Going the retail or commercial lease route is a popular choice, as this saves you from the responsibilities that come with property ownership.

But before you get swept up in the excitement, remember you’re about to invest a good chunk of your monthly revenue. So you’ll need to get familiar with the ins and outs of your lease agreement.

Be sure to negotiate these aspects:

• Rental amount
• A rent-free grace period
• Options to extend the lease
• A clear outline of allowed activities in the space
• Rules around sub-leasing or licensing

6. Purchasing the equipment and assembling the team

Getting your physiotherapy business up and running will involve decking out your practice with the necessary equipment. While it’s easy to get dazzled by the range of state-of-the-art equipment available, you’ll have to decide whether you want to purchase or lease. And that will largely depend on your business model and financial forecasts.

Now, the team. Maintaining a thriving physiotherapy practice will require both the hands-on physiotherapy expertise and behind-the-scenes administrative staff. Are you thinking part-time, full-time, or casual roles? Their employment status determines the kind of contract that’s right for them.

If you’re considering contractors over traditional employees, be prepared with a robust contractor’s agreement. It’ll be your go-to for everything from payment specifics to confidentiality agreements.

7. Structuring your terms and conditions

Your terms and conditions are essentially the rulebook for engaging with your clients, be it online or within the four walls of your physiotherapy practice. Here’s what your terms and conditions should cover:

• Responsibilities and obligations
• Payment terms
• Privacy considerations
• Consent to treatment

8. Form human connections

Building a successful physiotherapy practice calls for more than technical expertise. It’s also about building bridges that connect you with your target audience seamlessly. Here’s how you can be at the heart of your community:

Craft engaging content

A website is a good starting point, but to really connect, you need to speak the language of your community. Writing blogs that address the concerns and interests of your community does more than build trust. It can be a goldmine for SEO, making your physiotherapy business a go-to destination for prospective patients.

Harness the power of social media

Embrace social media platforms as a way to foster a two-way conversation with your community. The beauty of social media lies in its ripple effect—a shared post can reach corners unimaginable. So, create content that’s not just relatable, but shareable.

Engage in community outreach

Nothing beats the magic of face-to-face interaction. Engage in direct outreach by conducting workshops, attending community events or hosting health talks at local schools. This not only elevates your stature in the local community but makes your physiotherapy business the top-of-mind choice when it comes to consultations.

Protect your physiotherapy practice with the right insurance

As the final touch to your physiotherapy business plan, it’s worth considering the peace of mind a robust insurance policy can bring. For instance, Professional Indemnity Insurance shields you against claims arising from unforeseen errors or omissions in providing your services. And with BizCover, you get instant quotes and easy comparisons at your fingertips, allowing you to devote your time and energy on what truly matters – your patients.