Healthy Wealthy & Smart 387: Kevin Schmidt, PT: Bike Fitting & Physical Therapy
On this episode of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast, I welcome Kevin Schmidt on the show to discuss cycling in physical therapy. Kevin Schmidt is a Physical Therapist and Clinical Bike Fitter in Portland, Oregon who founded his own niche bike-centric PT practice ‘Pedal PT’ in 2012. His office is a unique hybrid insurance/ cash-pay model which is 95%+ direct access, that sees the full gamut of Orthopedic musculoskeletal rehab clients, with a specialty in bike fit and solving complex cycling injuries. Pedal PT also is the first private practice in the country to be certified in both Sustainability practices and Bike Friendliness, and is active in the local cycling community, including their popular monthly ‘Free Coffee for Bicyclists’ events.
In this episode, we discuss:
-Kevin’s journey to becoming a bike-centric physical therapist
-Why physical therapists are uniquely qualified for bike fitting
-The benefits of franchising a cyclist physical therapy business model
-Strategies to build mutual engagement and support from local businesses
-And so much more!
“This job is part PT, part wrench monkey.”
“The physical therapist is the best person to perform bike fits.”
“I estimate that roughly 70% of equipment that’s sold during bike fit these days is unnecessary for people to achieve pain free cycling.”
“When we are talking about a franchise, we are selling a business model.”
“The more that you give away, the more it comes back to you so much more.”
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself into situations that make you nervous.”
For more information on Kevin:
Kevin Schmidt is a Physical Therapist and Clinical Bike Fitter in Portland, Oregon who founded his own niche bike-centric PT practice ‘Pedal PT’ in 2012. His office is a unique hybrid insurance/ cash-pay model which is 95%+ direct access, that sees the full gamut of Orthopedic musculoskeletal rehab clients, with a specialty in bike fit and solving complex cycling injuries. Pedal PT also is the first private practice in the country to be certified in both Sustainability practices and Bike Friendliness, and is active in the local cycling community, including their popular monthly ‘Free Coffee for Bicyclists’ events.
At it's core, Pedal PT is value-driven company, and all employees are required to cycle to work year-round. Pedal PT's model of Bike Fitting is designed to be a collaborative approach with local bike shops vs competing with them. The office design was fully built-out with bike amenities, indoor bike parking, bike tools/equipment, bike fit station (with proprietary designed and built bike trainer), and changing rooms.
As of June 1st, Kevin completed the final FDD paperwork to be able to Franchise this innovative model, and is now on a mission to build a community of Pedal PT “cycling healthcare revolutionaries” throughout the US to elevate the PT profession within the realm of treating cyclists, and create a united voice to address bike fit without being driven by bike industry.
Resources discussed on this show:
Email: kevin@pedalpt.com
2018 PPS Annual Conference: Bike Fitting roundtable with Erik Moen, PT
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Have a great week and stay Healthy Wealthy and Smart!
Xo Karen