Sarasota-based physical therapy franchise surpasses 600 locations

A Sarasota-based physical therapy franchise has more than 600 locations open nationwide.

Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers hit the 600-clinic milestone with the recent opening of a clinic in Hendersonville, Tennessee, after more than a decade of franchising. The company was founded in 2012 and began offering the opportunity to franchise in 2013.

Fyzical clinics focus on wellness through physical therapy, balance protocols and other services promoting healthy lifestyles.

"We're particularly proud of our growth over the past year,” Fyzical CEO Brian Belmont says in a statement.

More than 75 new Fyzical locations have opened since January. In the first half of the year alone, 44 new Fyzical clinics came online, the Business Observer previously reported.

Wil Putt, the franchise owner who opened the company’s 600th location, says he was inspired by a relative who suffered complications from a fall.

“I started franchising with Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers because I truly believe our Balance Therapy Program could have saved my great uncle's life," Putt says in a statement. "It is an honor to continue paying forward that mission to improve balance, prevent falls and help patients live healthier, longer lives with the 600th Fyzical clinic."

Several factors have been driving the company's growth, according to officials.

“Our growth was accelerated due to the strong demand for physical therapy services nationwide amongst the aging population,” Fyzical Chief Operating Officer Scott Wendrych says in an email to the Business Observer. “Our specialization in balance and vestibular therapy provides a strong lever for referrals from other health care providers. Ultimately, the seeds we planted in newer markets over the past three years increased our brand awareness, and entrepreneurs in those markets have taken notice.”

Also contributing to Fyzical’s expansion is its Partnership Advantage Program, which the company rolled out in April, Wendrych says. Through the program, physical therapists can get matched with entrepreneurs interested in opening a franchise.

The total investment to start a brand-new Fyzical franchise clinic is $195,750 to $509,000, according to the company’s website.

On average in 2023, Fyzical reports each company-owned clinic generated more than $902,000 in revenue and franchisee-operated clinics generated more than $756,000 in revenue.

The company's growth has continued through September and October. Since the Sept. 3 opening of its 600th clinic, an additional 15 Fyzical locations have opened, bringing the company’s total to 615 nationwide.