Things you should know before opening a physical therapy center

David Chang opened an FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center clinic in Fort Lee, New Jersey in March 2023. His clinic is part of the FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers network, a franchise with more than 500 U.S. locations offering a holistic approach to wellness.

The clinical side of the business is managed by Dr. Phillip Chen, an expert Physical Therapist, PT, DPT. Dr. Chen is a transplant from Seattle, Washington, who received his doctorate from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, now known as Saint Joseph University. He has a strong background in the treatment of both neurological and orthopedic conditions such as balance, vestibular, low back pain, and much more. He is excited to bring his excellent research and clinical background to the wonderful Fort Lee community and the surrounding area.

What kind of services do you offer?

Fort Lee’s FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers’ clinic offers a wide variety of services designed to address a broad range of diagnoses, conditions, and concerns, including dizziness, balance, and neurologic issues. The center also offers an orthopedic rehabilitation program that helps patients reduce and reverse orthopedic pain or immobility and its attendant health issues.

“Understanding and navigating the commercial real estate market was the biggest challenge that I faced as a first-time business owner.”

What inspired you to open your business?

It is said that “medicine adds days to life, physical therapy adds life to days.” We are committed to helping our patients not only recover but thrive and find new ways to LOVE YOUR LIFE. With proximity to New York City, we understand the constant and fast-paced nature of Fort Lee residents and we took the opportunity to offer the highest quality service and care to help our clients regain their health.

There are a lot of decisions to consider when opening a franchise. How did you choose your location and which franchise best suited you?

After extensive research, we saw that Fort Lee is a great community with a demonstrated demand for what we have to offer, and we couldn’t be more excited to get started.

Supported by a franchise founded in 2012, with over 500 locations across the U.S. and the promise of being with us every step of the way, we made the plunge. As a champion of patient choice and direct access, and a leader in the future of health, wellness, and preventative care, we felt FYZICAL was a no-brainer.

“Having a mentor from SCORE was a big plus as I started the process.”

What was your biggest challenge when starting your business?

Understanding and navigating the commercial real estate market was the biggest challenge that I faced as a first-time business owner. Lease negotiations and buildout of the clinic space, including construction project management, were things I wished I knew better.

Can you name two things that helped you in the beginning?

Having a mentor from SCORE was a big plus as I started the process. He was from outside the physical therapy business but was able to connect me with contacts who were familiar with the profession.
My background as a product development chemist was also very helpful. As a chemist, I had to demonstrate that the technology I was utilizing was useful and applicable to consumers. This skill set helped to determine if FYZICAL was offering needed and deliverable services quickly.

What advice would you give to your past self before opening your own business?

Don’t wait too long to live your dreams!

David Chang is the owner of the FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center clinic in Fort Lee, New Jersey.