Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Richardson.
Hi Alyssa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It could have been the pandemic, it could have been turning 30 the month before and hitting a quarter life crisis, or it could have been the growing discontentment in my soul, but the Spring of 2020 was a catalyst that propelled me to where I am today. I was 5 years into my career as a physical therapist and already felt burned out. I felt like what I did on the day to day didn’t matter, and felt like I was leaving little impact in the world around me. I had worked in an outpatient clinic treating 30 people a day, and then transitioned to hospital care. I had hoped that would prove to be more rewarding, but playing the insurance and management games continued to leave me feeling underwhelmed. I deeply desired to provide quality care to patients, and give them what they need on a personal level, not based on insurance or doctor mandates. I slowly started hearing about concierge services. An emerging sect of PT that involved the patient simply paying a clear up front price, no insurance, no fluff, and giving the patient directly what they need and want. Transparency in treatment, care and cost is a large source of confusion and annoyance in our current healthcare system. I initially had a mobile PT business. I loved this concept. It provided quality care at patient’s door step, decreasing barriers to care. This felt especially meaningful for mothers. To have someone come to them, care for them, and support them; it meant so much to provide that to an often overlooked and underserved group. After a year, the commuting around Atlanta became pretty tiresome. Traffic is beyond unpredictable, and traveling between cities and homes proved challenging. My husband found a very affordable office space in Cartersville, and after viewing it and talking with the landlord, we decided to put roots. Cartersville felt like an underserved community; there wasn’t a prenatal Physical Therapist, and no offering of concierge care. What initially felt terrifying has been beyond rewarding. I have been given the opportunity to give this community a new resource, and really support and help them. It’s been so wonderful to treat each patient one on one for an entire hour, allowing them to have my full attention and give them the care they desire. It feels good to improve people’s quality of life and give them hope again.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Work life balance was a big challenge initially. As a business owner, it’s hard to not feel like I should be ‘doing more’. And social media doesn’t help. Comparison is truly the thief of joy. I really struggled with comparing myself to other businesses with similar models all over metro ATL and the country. I became so critical of myself and my business model, and I started struggling to find joy at work. I was very lucky to have another business owner mentor and coach me. She helped me see that I need to release control and allow my business to become what it needs to become, and free myself and business from looking like similar businesses. Once I let go of control, and just let the universe work itself out, the pieces truly fell into place.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a physical therapist who provides prenatal and postpartum care as well as sports rehabilitation and care for orthopedic injuries. I have experience in running, yoga, Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit. The understanding of how the body works on a variety levels helps this company get people better, faster. What sets me apart is my concierge model of care as well as my knowledge of the entire body- I can treat a crossfitter having pain with an overhead lift in addition to a postpartum mom who tinkles on herself when walking. I provide one on one care in office, and spend most of the session doing manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilizations, myofascial release, dry needling, and soft tissue mobilization. I also do a lot of somatic work, meaning I understand the mind body connection and treat the person as one whole unit. I am most proud of our compassion. This is an office where you can come in and laugh, cry or scream, judgment free. We also allow moms to bring their kids to sessions! Childcare should not be a limiting barrier to care.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I have several podcasts and blogs I regularly follow! I love Barbell Rehab, Lynn Schulte, Birthing Instincts and the Institute of Clinical Excellence. For fun I love reading novels and self help books- there is always room to grow!
Pricing:
- One hour of care is $175. Flat rate, whatever interventions are necessary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Tendandrelease.com
- Instagram: @tendandreleaseptandwellness
- Youtube: @tendandreleasept
