How to start a mobile physical therapy business: your first steps

Starting a mobile physical therapy business is a rewarding venture that combines your clinical expertise with business savvy. The physical therapy market is a multi-billion dollar industry, with consistent demand for in-home care from post-operative patients, seniors, and athletes.

This guide will take you through the practical steps of validating your business concept, securing funding, and obtaining the necessary licenses to help you launch a successful mobile physical therapy business in the U.S.

Step 1: Plan your business and validate your idea

Analyze your local market

Start by researching demographics in your target service area using U.S. Census Bureau data. Identify neighborhoods with a high concentration of seniors or families. Also, connect with local physicians' offices or orthopedic clinics to understand their referral patterns for in-home physical therapy.

Use Google Maps to identify all existing physical therapy clinics within a 15-mile radius. Review their websites to see if they offer mobile services. This will show you direct competitors and potential gaps in service, like pediatric or sports-focused mobile therapy.

Estimate your startup costs

Your initial investment will likely range from $3,000 to $7,000. A common oversight is underestimating equipment expenses. A quality portable treatment table alone can be $500, so budget carefully. Your main costs will include:

• Professional Liability Insurance: $500 - $1,000 annually.
• LLC Formation: $100 - $500, depending on your state.
• Portable Equipment: $1,500 - $3,000 for a table, bands, weights, and modalities.
• EHR Software: $50 - $150 per month for a system like SimplePractice or WebPT.
• Vehicle & Marketing: $500 - $1,500 for initial fuel, car magnets, and business cards.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• List all physical therapy providers in your target zip codes and note their specialties.
• Create a detailed spreadsheet budgeting for equipment, insurance, and software.
• Survey two local senior centers or sports clubs about their interest in mobile PT services.

Step 2: Set up your legal structure and get licensed

Choose your business structure

Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a smart move. It separates your personal assets from business debts and offers liability protection without the complexity of a corporation. You can file online with your Secretary of State for about $100 to $500.

Some new owners start as a sole proprietorship to save money, but this leaves your personal finances exposed if the business is sued. The protection an LLC provides is worth the initial filing fee.

Secure the right licenses and permits

With your business structure in place, it is time to get your licenses. You will need credentials at the federal, state, and local levels. This process can take four to six weeks, so start early.

• Federal: Apply for a National Provider Identifier (NPI) through the NPPES website. It is free and required for all healthcare providers.
• State: Your personal physical therapy license must be active. Also, check with your state's physical therapy board for any specific business registration requirements. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is a good resource.
• Local: Obtain a general business license from your city or county clerk's office. This typically costs between $50 and $150 annually.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• File your LLC formation documents with your state's Secretary of State.
• Apply for your National Provider Identifier (NPI) number online.
• Contact your local county clerk to ask about a general business license application.

Step 3: Secure your insurance and manage risk

Understand your coverage needs

You will want to secure several types of insurance. Professional liability, or malpractice insurance, is non-negotiable. Look for policies with at least $1 million per claim and a $3 million aggregate limit. Annual premiums typically run from $500 to $1,000.

General liability insurance covers accidents in a client’s home, like if someone trips over your equipment bag. Also, review your personal auto policy. Many new owners learn too late that it excludes business use, so you may need a commercial auto policy for full protection.

Find the right insurance provider

Work with insurers that specialize in healthcare. General agents may not understand the risks of in-home patient care. Providers like HPSO, Berxi, and CM&F Group understand the field and offer policies tailored for physical therapists. If you hire staff, you will also need workers' compensation insurance.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Request a professional liability quote from a healthcare-specific insurer like HPSO or Berxi.
• Review your personal auto insurance policy to check for a business use exclusion clause.
• Compare general liability insurance quotes to cover non-clinical accidents.

Step 4: Equip your practice and set up operations

Select your core equipment

Your equipment directly reflects your professionalism. While you can start lean, invest in quality gear that can handle travel. Many new owners are tempted to buy consumer-grade items, but they wear out fast and can appear unprofessional to clients.

You can acquire a solid starting kit for between $1,500 and $3,000. Reputable industry suppliers include MeyerPT and Performance Health. Your initial shopping list might look like this:

• Portable Treatment Table: $300 - $700 for a durable, lightweight model.
• Resistance Bands & Tubing: $50 - $100 for a full set.
• Dumbbells & Kettlebells: $200 - $500 for a varied weight selection.
• Goniometer & Tape Measure: $20 - $40.

Organize your mobile office

Your vehicle is your clinic. An SUV or minivan provides enough space for your table and equipment bags. You do not need a commercial office, but you should designate 50-100 square feet of clean, secure storage space at home. Most residential zoning permits this.

A well-organized vehicle is key. Use clear storage bins to keep supplies tidy and accessible. This prevents you from fumbling for equipment in a client’s home and makes your entire operation run smoother. Think of it as setting up your treatment room before you even arrive.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Price a portable treatment table from two suppliers like MeyerPT and Performance Health.
• Measure a dedicated 50-square-foot storage area in your home or garage.
• Create an inventory spreadsheet of the initial equipment you plan to purchase.

Step 5: Set up your payment processing

Establish a clear payment policy from the start. Most mobile therapists require payment at the time of service. You can offer single sessions or sell discounted packages of 5 or 10 visits paid upfront. This approach improves cash flow and reduces administrative work.

Some new owners fall into the trap of sending invoices after a visit. This often leads to chasing payments and complicates your bookkeeping. Requiring payment at the end of each session keeps your finances clean and predictable.

Choose a payment solution

You need a reliable way to accept card payments in your clients' homes. Focus on solutions with low transaction fees and no monthly costs. Average commission rates from other providers often range from 2.5% to 3.5%, which impacts your profit on every visit.

For mobile physical therapy businesses that need to accept payments on-site or on-the-go, JIM offers a streamlined solution. With JIM, you can accept debit, credit and digital wallets directly through your smartphone - just tap and done.

At just 1.99% per transaction with no hidden costs or extra hardware needed, it's particularly useful for collecting payment immediately after a home session. This means you keep more of your hard-earned money from each appointment.

Here is how it works:

• Get Started: Download the JIM app for iOS.
• Make a Sale: Type the sales amount, hit sell, and ask your customer to tap their card or device on your phone.
• Access Funds: Your money is available right on your JIM card as soon as the sale is done - no waiting for bank transfers.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Decide on your payment policy, including single-session rates and package deals.
• Compare JIM's 1.99% transaction fee to other mobile payment options.
• Download the JIM app to explore its interface and features on your phone.

Step 6: Fund your business and manage finances

Secure your startup funding

SBA Microloans are a strong option for new mobile PTs. These loans offer up to $50,000 and are designed for businesses with limited credit history. You can expect interest rates between 8% and 13%. Another route is a 0% introductory APR business credit card for equipment purchases.

Plan your working capital

Many new owners focus on startup costs but forget about operating cash. You should have at least $2,000 to $4,000 in working capital. This covers your first six months of fuel, software subscriptions, and insurance premiums before you have a steady client stream.

Set up your financial systems

Open a dedicated business checking account as soon as your LLC is formed. This keeps your personal and business finances separate, which simplifies tax time and protects your personal assets. You might also consider accounting software like Wave or QuickBooks Self-Employed to track income and expenses.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Research SBA Microloan lenders in your area through the SBA's website.
• Calculate your estimated operating costs for the first six months.
• Open a separate business checking account at your local bank or credit union.

Step 7: Hire your team and streamline operations

Decide when to hire

Many new owners hire too soon. A good benchmark is to wait until you consistently manage 15-20 billable hours per week on your own. This confirms you have enough client demand to support another team member without a financial strain.

Once you hit that mark, your first hire will likely be a part-time Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). This role allows you to delegate treatments under your supervision, which frees you for initial evaluations and business growth.

• Role: Part-time Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• Pay: $25 - $35 per hour
• Requirements: State PTA license and CPR certification

Streamline your daily workflow

To manage an expanding schedule, use software like WebPT or SimplePractice. These platforms handle appointment scheduling and send automated client reminders. This feature can reduce your no-show rate by up to 30%, which protects your revenue.

With a PTA on board, your revenue potential increases significantly. A solo practitioner can generate $80,000 to $120,000 annually. The addition of a part-time PTA can boost that figure by 40-50% by expanding your capacity for patients.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Track your billable hours for one month to see if you meet the 15-20 hour hiring threshold.
• Draft a job description for a part-time PTA, including responsibilities and required licenses.
• Request a demo of WebPT or SimplePractice to compare their scheduling features.

Step 8: Market your practice and get clients

Build your referral network

Focus on building relationships with local physicians, orthopedic clinics, and home health agencies. Many new owners just drop off flyers. Instead, you should schedule a brief meeting with the office manager to explain your mobile services and how you simplify patient care.

A strong referral partnership can yield two to four new patients per month from a single source. Bring a simple one-page brochure that outlines your services, service area, and contact information. This makes it easy for them to refer patients to you.

Establish a digital footprint

Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile. This is often the first place potential clients will find you. Also, create a simple, professional website on a platform like Squarespace that clearly lists your services and contact details. Use local keywords like "in-home physical therapy in [your city]".

A good goal is to convert 2-3% of your website visitors into new patient inquiries. If you decide to run local ads, a customer acquisition cost (CAC) under $150 per new patient is a sustainable target for this industry.

Engage the community directly

You might want to offer free workshops at senior centers, gyms, or running clubs. A 30-minute presentation on a topic like "Fall Prevention for Seniors" or "Injury Prevention for Runners" can establish your expertise and directly generate leads from your target audience.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Identify three orthopedic clinics or physician's offices to contact for a meeting.
• Set up and fully complete your Google Business Profile with photos and service details.
• Outline a 30-minute workshop topic relevant to your ideal client demographic.

Step 9: Set your service prices

Most mobile therapists adopt a cash-based, fee-for-service model. This means you collect payment directly from the client, which avoids insurance billing delays. A typical rate for a one-hour session falls between $150 and $225, depending on your location.

You might also offer packages to improve cash flow and client retention. For example, if your single session rate is $175, you could sell a package of five sessions for $800. This provides a small discount for the client and secures revenue for your business upfront.

Determine your final rates

To set your price, see what the local market will bear. Call other physical therapy clinics in your area and ask for their "cash-pay" or "out-of-network" rates. This gives you a baseline. Some new owners underprice their services to attract clients, but this can make it difficult to raise rates later.

Your price should support a profit margin of 60-70% per visit. After you account for your costs per visit, like fuel and disposable supplies (roughly $20-$30), your rate should still feel substantial. Your expertise is valuable, so price it accordingly.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Call two competing physical therapy providers to inquire about their cash-pay rates.
• Create a price sheet with a single-session rate and at least one discounted package option.
• Calculate your cost per visit to ensure your pricing achieves a minimum 60% profit margin.

Step 10: Maintain quality and scale your practice

Establish your quality standards

Adopt standardized patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) like the LEFS for lower-body injuries. This provides objective data on patient progress. Pursuing a specialty certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) also elevates your practice and justifies higher rates.

You can also track your Net Promoter Score (NPS). After a plan of care is complete, ask clients how likely they are to recommend your service on a scale of 1-10. A score of 9 or 10 indicates a promoter and a healthy business.

Know when to expand

The 15-20 billable hour per week mark is a good signal to hire a part-time PTA. Once you personally exceed 25 billable hours consistently, consider hiring another full-time PT. This allows you to focus more on business development.

Many owners get stuck doing everything themselves. A common mistake is to delay hiring an administrative assistant. Bringing on part-time admin help for just 5-10 hours a week can free you from scheduling and billing, which accelerates growth.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Select two patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) relevant to your target clients.
• Track your weekly billable hours for one month to identify your capacity limit.
• Create a simple survey to calculate your Net Promoter Score (NPS) from past clients.

Your mobile PT practice is about more than clinical skill; it is about relationships. Your success depends on the trust you create with patients and referral partners. You have the roadmap, now go build your business with confidence.

As you build that trust, make payments simple. JIM turns your phone into a card reader, so you can accept payments on the spot for a flat 1.99% fee. This keeps your focus on patient care, not paperwork. Download JIM to get started.