Chardon Physical Therapy has a new spot and view on the treatment of pain.
Chardon Physical Therapy has a new spot and view on the treatment of pain.
Formerly housed in Everybody’s Gym, the practice held a grand opening Nov. 9 at its new digs at 520 5th Ave.
Cookies, chocolates and a full-table charcuterie board — which Chardon Mayor Chris Grau said was the best he’s ever seen — greeted guests during the event, which owner Dave Nelson said was put together by his wife, Courtney.
“Our focus is our families first,” Nelson said. “How many other businesses get to say that that’s important to them?”
The practice’s mission statement — to “be present for our family, be present with our client, be present around our community” — is more important than their business goals, Nelson said.
Chardon PT opened in December 2020 on Washington Street. But having a new space, which includes a grassy area, as well as a golf swing simulator, allows Nelson and his therapists to get clients back to doing the things they love most.
In addition, Nelson and his staff specialize in therapy targeted at clients wanting to improve their performance in golf, equestrian sports and running.
Unlike other physical therapy practices, Chardon PT is a fee-for-service clinic that is not in-network for insurance plans. Clients can submit receipts for claims, but Nelson said bypassing insurance companies allows more freedom in treatment.
“It’s a much better way to practice medicine,” Nelson said. “We’re not bound by what insurance tells us that we can and can’t do. Our number one goal with our practice is to provide the best plan of care.”
Nelson said he wanted to create an environment that is the opposite of a doctor’s office.
“I want you to feel like you don’t want to leave because you feel like you’re almost outside, even though you’re inside,” he said.
One main goal of Nelson’s is to be present around the Chardon community — an objective he is working toward through his podcast, “Chardon BIZ,” which is available via Apple and Google podcast services, as well as on Spotify.
In each episode, Nelson profiles a business owner in the Chardon area. Especially important to him is allowing guests to talk about what motivates them besides work.
“I ask questions that are all about, where did they come from? Where are they now? Where do they want to be in the future,” he said. “What do they do outside of their work?”
The podcast isn’t only about fitness and health, Nelson said, adding he has featured local businesses, including Chardon ATA Martial Arts, King Kone and Ransom Sage Farm.
“With every story, there’s, like, a secret sauce,” Nelson said. “It’s really cool to hear those and to pull those out because every business is so different.”
