We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Erica Franks Physical Therapist, Board-Certified Orthopaedics Clinical Specialist, Author, Mentor, Business Consultant and have shared our conversation below.
Erica, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are very intentional because they set the pace for everything that follows. I begin each morning with prayer. That quiet time grounds me, allows me to express gratitude, and helps me focus on the bigger picture before the demands of the day begin. From there, I head to the gym. Movement has always been a part of my life—through dance, athletics, and now physical therapy—so working out in the morning is not only about keeping myself healthy, but also about building discipline and mental clarity. It’s a space where I can push myself, reset, and walk out feeling strong and centered.
After the gym, I shift into business mode. I review my calendar and go through my list of priorities for the day. Running a physical therapy practice means balancing patient care with managing staff, handling operations, and developing new opportunities. By taking that time in the morning to organize and set priorities, I make sure I’m not just reacting to the day, but moving forward with purpose. That rhythm—faith, fitness, and focus—really shapes how I show up for my patients, my team, and my community.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Erica Franks, a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist and the owner of Invigor Physical Therapy in Marietta, Georgia. I launched Invigor in 2014 as a mobile practice, and in 2022 we expanded into a gym-based clinic to provide accessible, personalized orthopedic care. What makes us different is our focus on quality over quantity—our clinicians see no more than two patients an hour so we can truly listen, tailor treatment, and treat the whole person, not just the injury.
My background as a dancer and my personal experience living with Crohn’s disease have given me a deep understanding of how movement, discipline, and lifestyle play a role in recovery. That perspective shapes the holistic, patient-centered care we deliver every day.
While we remain committed to serving patients directly as a B2C business, we are now expanding into B2B partnerships. We’ve recently been added to the City of Atlanta partnership program for 2026, which will open doors for us to support larger community health initiatives. This growth allows us to amplify our impact—not only helping individuals return to what they love, but also partnering with organizations to make wellness and quality care more accessible on a broader scale.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a teenager. At first, it was overwhelming, but over time it completely shifted my perspective on health, resilience, and balance. Living with a chronic autoimmune condition taught me that healing is about much more than treatment—it’s about mindset, lifestyle, and how you manage stress. I know that stress can aggravate my condition, so I try my best to practice work-life balance and create space for things that keep me centered, whether that’s prayer, movement, or time with loved ones. That experience not only shaped how I live personally, but also how I show up professionally. At Invigor, I bring that same philosophy into patient care—focusing on the whole person, not just the injury, and helping people build habits that support both recovery and long-term wellness.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have absolutely been moments when I thought about giving up. Healthcare is tough, especially as a small business owner. We’re constantly battling insurance companies that cut payments, delay reimbursements, and force us into endless appeals just to get paid a fraction of what our services are worth. At the same time, some patients don’t realize the strain on the business when balances go unpaid. There are days it feels like we’re working for free while still giving everything we have to help people heal. It’s stressful, draining, and sometimes makes you question whether it’s worth the fight. But in those moments, I remind myself why I built Invigor—to provide the kind of patient-centered, quality care that I believe in. That purpose keeps me grounded and moving forward, even when the system makes it incredibly hard.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in healthcare—especially in physical therapy—is the idea that more volume means better success. Many clinics pride themselves on seeing four to five patients per hour per clinician, and the industry tells itself that this is efficient and sustainable. In reality, it’s not. It leads to burned-out providers and patients who feel like just another number. Another lie is that insurance companies are “partners in care.” The truth is, they often dictate treatment, restrict visits, and underpay providers—decisions that don’t always align with what patients actually need to heal. And finally, there’s a false belief that people will automatically value physical therapy just because it’s prescribed. The reality is, many patients don’t fully understand the value until they experience individualized, attentive care. That’s why at Invigor, we’ve built our model around time, quality, and education—because breaking those industry lies is the only way to truly serve people well.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my patients would miss the love and compassion I bring to every interaction. For me, physical therapy isn’t just about exercises or protocols—it’s about making people feel seen, heard, and cared for in a way that goes beyond the injury. My patients know that I genuinely want the best for them, and that I’ll go the extra mile to support their recovery. That level of compassion creates trust, and trust is what makes healing possible. It’s not something you can fake, and I believe that’s what people would miss most if I stepped away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.invigorpt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invigorpt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076169705146
Image Credits
Shoccara Marcus- Headshot
