Ep874 | The 3 Paths You Can Take When Starting Your Cash-Based PT Clinic

3 Choices When You’re Thinking About Starting a Cash PT Clinic

In this episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down the real decision points for clinicians who are thinking about starting their own cash-based practice. He explains why staying stuck in “research mode” is dangerous, what it actually takes to make the leap, and the three clear paths you can choose—staying employed, going solo, or getting guided support.

Quick Ask

If this episode helps you get clarity on your next move, share it with another clinician who’s on the fence about starting a practice—and tag @dannymattaPT so he can see what resonated with you.

Episode Summary

• Claire math: If Claire saves a staff PT 6 hours/week, even using 3 of those for patient visits at $200/visit can add ~$30k/year in revenue per clinician.
• Why decisions feel awful: Danny compares making a big move (like starting a clinic) to knowing you’re about to throw up—you dread it, but feel better once it’s done.
• The real problem: Most people hide in endless “learning” (podcasts, books, courses) instead of making an actual decision.
• 3 choices you actually have:
  • Stay in your current role and own that decision.
  • Go the DIY route and figure business out alone.
  • Get guided support from people who’ve already done it.
• Who shouldn’t start a clinic: Highly risk-averse, conflict-avoidant, or extremely introverted clinicians may be better off in a great employed role.
• The trap of DIY: Going solo usually means slower progress, more expensive mistakes, more stress, and more risk for your family.
• The case for mentorship: Guided support is like residency/fellowship for business—it speeds up results and increases your odds of success.
• Why this is serious: Your business is how you pay rent, buy groceries, and take care of your family—treat it like it matters.
• Decision purgatory: Staying stuck in “maybe” is the worst place to live—nothing changes, and frustration grows.

Lessons & Takeaways

• Indecision is a decision: Avoiding a choice is still choosing—the status quo wins by default.
• Acceptance can be powerful: If you stay employed, own it, and aim to be world-class—not secretly resentful.
• DIY has a cost: You’ll likely spend more time, more money, and experience more stress figuring everything out on your own.
• Guided support = faster, safer: Proven systems and mentorship are like insurance for one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
• Business is a skill set: Just like clinical skills, business skills can be learned with the right teachers and reps.

Mindset & Motivation

• Stop chasing greener grass: Comparing yourself to other owners while doing nothing is a recipe for misery.
• Own your path: Whether you’re an employed PT or a clinic owner, commit to excellence in the lane you choose.
• Respect the risk: When your business feeds your family, being “proudly stubborn” is not a strategy—it’s a liability.
• Decisiveness is a superpower: Successful entrepreneurs make decisions, take action, and adjust as they go.

Pro Tips for Clinicians on the Fence

• Be brutally honest: Do you truly want to be a business owner, or do you just want a better job?
• Know your wiring: If you hate uncertainty and change, ownership may not be the right move right now.
• Count the real cost: Time, money, stress, and impact on your family—not just the price of a program or course.
• Treat support like insurance: Mentorship isn’t cheating; it’s reducing the odds that you crash your business (and savings) in the first few years.
• Get out of research purgatory: Podcasts and books are great—but only if they eventually lead to action.

How Claire Fits In

• Save clinician time: Claire is saving staff clinicians about six hours a week on documentation.
• Turn time into revenue: Even converting half that into extra patient visits can generate ~$30,000 per clinician per year.
• Protect your team: Use tech to increase volume without burning clinicians out.
• Try it free: Test Claire with a 7-day free trial at MeetClaire AI.

Notable Quotes

“If nothing changes, nothing changes.”

“For some of you, you have no business starting a clinic—and that’s okay.”

“Guided support is basically residency and fellowship for your business.”

“Purgatory for your future is endlessly gathering information and never making a decision.”

Action Items

• Decide your lane: Are you going to stay employed, go DIY, or pursue guided support?
• Audit your reasons: Write down why you actually want a clinic—is it meaning, freedom, income, or all of the above?
• Count the risk: Look at your family, your bills, and your responsibilities. What level of risk are you really willing to take?
• Set a deadline: Give yourself a hard date to decide and take your first concrete step.
• Explore support options: If guided help makes sense, look into programs built specifically for cash PT clinic owners.

Programs Mentioned

• PT Biz Part-Time to Full-Time 5-Day Challenge (Free): Get crystal clear on your numbers, your plan, and the steps to replace your income and go all-in on your practice. Join here.

Resources & Links

• PT Biz Website
• Free 5-Day PT Biz Challenge
• MeetClaire AI — Free 7-day trial for PTs

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About the Host: Doc Danny Matta is a physical therapist, entrepreneur, and founder of PT Biz and Athlete’s Potential. He’s helped over 1,000 clinicians start, grow, and scale successful cash practices and is committed to helping PTs build businesses that support real time and financial freedom.