Business Spotlight: Springfield Physical Therapy Center LLC

Brad Johnson points to statistics when discussing his latest business venture.

The five-year owner of Springfield Physical Therapy LLC expanded this year with Johnson Physical Therapy in Ozark.

"The need is obviously there," says Johnson, noting the American Medical Association says demand for physical therapy has grown by 50 percent since 1995 and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 21 percent to 35 percent increase in the need for physical therapists through 2012.

"Another reason we chose to open a satellite office in that location is because, as far as I know, there's no place else in Ozark where you can get physical therapy," Johnson adds.

Since opening Jan. 1, manager Amy Holloway says the Ozark clinic already has 175 names in its patient accounts. The 2,500-square-foot clinic, 1496 W. State Highway J, leased from veterinarian Mike Divine, is staffed with one physical therapist and one assistant.

In the Springfield clinic, 929 E. Montclair, the staff treated 700 patients last year, up nearly 13 percent compared to 2006, according to Holloway.

Johnson is a licensed physical therapist of 21 years, and co-owner and wife Caryl serves as CPA for the Johnson clinics.

Targeted treatment

American Physical Therapy Associates defines physical therapy as "specific treatment to strengthen muscles in target areas."

Johnson, who received his undergraduate degree from Missouri State University and earned his master's degree at Kansas City's Rockhurst University, says there are a number of treatment options, depending on the area and extent of damage or injury. Exercise, massage, water therapy and ultrasound, he says, are the basics, and most courses of treatment require 12 sessions.

"We see more back problems than anything else," manager Holloway notes. "Back sprains and pulled muscles often happen at work, and many are caused by not lifting things properly."

Second, she says, are ankle injuries.

About 30 percent of Johnson's patients are experiencing aging problems, another 30 percent sports and accident injuries, and the balance involves workers' compensation injuries.

One of the most time-consuming parts of care for workplace injuries is the Functional Capacity Evaluation, which can take up to eight hours. This testing is routinely done before an injured employee returns to work and is designed to determine if there has been sufficient recovery to meet job requirements.

The Johnson clinics also handle work-hardening therapy, an exercise program that builds up strength for a specific job.

The study

Physical therapy degrees are increasing in competition, according to Scott Wallentine, director of admissions for MSU's physical therapy department.

"We now offer a doctor of physical therapy degree," Wallentine notes. "There are only 30 slots in the program, so the competition is pretty stiff. It requires vigorous undergraduate work and advanced classes in the health sciences. It also requires 38 weeks of clinical training under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist."

As an example of a physical therapist's expected medical knowledge, Wallentine explains, "Back pain is usually caused by a sprain, or muscle or ligament problems. But sometimes back pain can be caused by a kidney or stomach condition." If a new symptom occurs during a course of treatment for a sprained back, he says, the physical therapist should be knowledgeable enough to determine if a problem has arisen that is different from the original diagnosis.

Ozarks Technical Community College also offers physical therapy training. According to Kristin Melson, student services assistant, a physical therapist assistant two-year degree is available and requires advanced classes in biology, anatomy and human health.

After obtaining a degree, Johnson says physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must become certified by the state, then attend a three-hour continuing education class every two years in order to keep a license current.

Johnson says basic clinic equipment costs between $10,000 and $20,000. A shuttle that builds strength in the lower body runs about $5,000, he says, and an electrical stimulus machine and therapeutic ultrasound run between $2,000 and $5,000 each.

Johnson, who declined to disclose annual revenues, has added a "counter-current" Endless Pool at the Springfield clinic - a $60,000 investment after factoring structure alterations.[[In-content Ad]]