Dr. Dawn Andalon: The Next Era of Physical Therapy: Why We Need to Be Thinking Bigger - Healthy Wealthy & Smart | Lyssna här

Beyond the Plan of Care: Building Membership Models in Physical Therapy

Dr. Karen Litzy talks with Dr. Dawn Andalon, PT. DPT, MTC, CPI, co-founder of Revive PT and Pilates, about what happens after a patient is discharged and why ongoing support may be a major opportunity for physical therapists and their clients. They discuss how a hybrid model combining physical therapy, Pilates, personal training, and wellness can support patients for the long term. Dr. Andalon also shares practical insights on introducing a transition of care, building staff buy-in, setting membership prices, and creating more sustainable clinic revenue.

In this episode

· Why patients may lose momentum after discharge—and how ongoing support can help

· Dr. Andalon's path from dance and exercise physiology to physical therapy and Pilates

· How she and her husband built Revive PT and Pilates

· Why physical therapists are well positioned to lead in longevity and wellness

· How to make a transition of care feel like a continuation of support, not a sales pitch

· The difference between memberships and packages

· Ways recurring revenue can support a more sustainable practice

· How to think about pricing based on labor and operating costs

· How a hybrid model can work in a relatively small space

· Advice for physical therapists experiencing burnout or considering a new direction

Timestamps

00:00 — Why the post-discharge gap matters
01:01 — Meet Dr. Dawn Andalon and Revive PT and Pilates
02:03 — From dance and exercise physiology to physical therapy
03:14 — Building a business with a spouse
05:20 — Why physical therapists can support patients beyond the plan of care
06:22 — From burnout to a wellness-centered model
07:20 — Why PTs haven't fully embraced the longevity space
09:23 — Drawing the line between physical therapy and fitness
10:42 — Discharge versus transition of care
12:33 — Making the conversation feel like care, not a sales pitch
15:21 — Helping staff embrace a longevity-focused model
17:27 — Memberships and practice sustainability
19:22 — Membership tiers and a year-of-care option
20:54 — Memberships versus packages
22:13 — Pricing around labor and costs
24:52 — The economics that led to a different practice model
27:13 — What may change for traditional PT practices
28:14 — Hybrid models, even in smaller spaces
30:21 — Why PTs should lead the longevity movement
33:54 — Advice for a burned-out physical therapist
35:27 — The key takeaway for practice owners
36:11 — Lightning round: reformer, deadlifts, ice, business resources, and health habits
39:20 — Where to find Dr. Andalon and Revive PT and Pilates