Inspiring Conversations with Karen Kupelian of Advanced Performance Physical Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Kupelian. 

Hi Karen, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After working in a clinic-based Outpatient Orthopedic setting in Brentwood, TN for almost 5 years it was time for a new challenge. While on a planned 4-month travel sabbatical during the summer and early fall of 2018- I had former clients and friends reach out. While you are deciding what to do next- can you see me on the side? I had been thinking for some time there was space for a different paradigm of PT all together and this time off showed me that it was my time to start it. I wanted it to be a business based around the client and not insurance reimbursement. An opportunity for one-on-one clinical expertise in the setting of their choice- most often their home or at the office. I worked hard and was full-time by the end of 2018. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While I was building my business, I listened to episodes of the podcast How I Built This- an NPR-sponsored podcast hosted by Guy Raz. That, as well as previous experience, taught me that nothing was going to go perfectly with starting my business. I had a lot of things to figure out early on—for instance, what I needed to take with me to the visits since I wouldn’t be in a clinic where everything was at my fingertips. Or how to schedule my appointments to get between clients. One of the best things I did was to hire a small business accountant. He has been an invaluable resource for me. I trained to be a Physical Therapist and had limited knowledge of how to start a business So there was definitely a learning curve. Three years later and I feel like I’m in a pretty good groove. I know what my metrics need to look like and how to schedule my week. I also know how to not get stressed when things don’t go perfectly. I’ve developed a good network of referrals and rely on my clients to share their good experiences with me to their friends and loved ones. People often say things like- “I didn’t know this existed, this has been such a time saver for us!” “The 1:1 time is amazing!” “We’ve tried everything and someone suggested you. I’m so glad they did.” It’s a huge honor that people trust me with this aspect of their medical care. The greatest part of my job is watching my clients be successful after we have worked together to achieve their goals. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Advanced Performance Physical Therapy?
My business is a concierge, mobile Physical Therapy, performance, and wellness practice. My clientele is comprised of busy professionals, executives, college and professional athletes (including NFL, MLS, NBA, running, Olympic trials participants), and lots of high school athletes. I have a reputation of success with people who have failed PT treatments elsewhere or want help with performance at the gym or who are hoping to play on a college team and want to take things to the next level. I am Orthopedic Residency Trained at the University of Virginia, Board Certified by the American Physical Therapy Association in Orthopedic PT, and see and treat all orthopedic conditions. I get people better faster than traditional clinic-based PT because of my clinical expertise and the 1:1 time we spend together in hour-long appointments with my full focus on the client. 

I was the Physical Therapist for the Nashville Soccer Club for the 2019 season- a distinction that I am very proud of. 

Pricing:

• $165 for the initial hour-long consult in your home or office
• $135 for follow-ups that are an hour-long
• $135 for performance or wellness visits (after initial consult)

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.apptnashville.com
• Instagram: @advancedperformancept