Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monica Vandervoort, Founder of Summus Rehabilitation, located in Lakewood, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Summus Rehabilitation is a private physical therapy practice specializing in the treatment of complex orthopedic conditions and pelvic health conditions. Summus Rehabilitation specializes in the treatment of urinary incontinence, urinary urgency/frequency, pelvic pain, low back pain, hip pain, constipation, abdominal pain, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, erectile dysfunction, nonbacterial prostatitis, and prenatal and postpartum symptoms. Furthermore, Summus provides education and help resolve as well as prevent symptoms associated with pregnancy and postpartum. Summus Rehabilitation specializes in taking on patients who have medical imaging and scans that are negative for significant findings and yet still continue to experience pain and discomfort.
Tell us about yourself
I graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. After graduation, I worked for corporate physical therapy. I then had the opportunity to build out a pelvic health program at a hospital outpatient clinic. I had extensive mentorship during this time and became a Board Certified Women's Health Clinical specialist. In February 2021, I moved from Chicago to Denver and decided to open Summus Rehabilitation. Summus Rehabilitation strives to provide compassionate care and develop individualized treatment plans based on patient values, clinical expertise, and recent research to restore and promote overall health, well-being, and comfort.
I provide a safe space for my patients to feel heard and then helped. I help each patient reach their goals through various types of treatment such as manual therapy, cupping, dry needlings, strengthening, stretching, and postural education to improve movement patterns causing dysfunction so they may return to the activities they love doing. I aim to empower and educate patients about their bodies and encourage patients to be their own advocates for their health. I work for my patients and get joy when my patients have finished their plan of care and have returned to the activities they enjoy doing, whether this is cycling, running, or having pain-free pelvic exams and/or intercourse. Having patients feel cared for, heard, and return to their activities is the whole purpose of owning and operating Summus Rehabilitation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is building a consistent patient base just after 18 months of opening my doors and being able to help everyone that walks through my doors feel better. It is an honor to be a part of peoples healing journeys.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the biggest challenges is balancing time. For example, it is important to treat patients and work in the business, but also protecting time for administration and growing the business. There will be ebbs and flows in growing a business, and I have to make sure to have a good support system in place, and I keep my head up when some days and weeks seem more challenging than others.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Begin with a vision and a culture in mind, but allow that vision to adapt and evolve as you grow into being a business owner.
- Find mentors within your field to talk with, set goals with, and bounce ideas off of as your business develops.
- Patience! I have to always remind myself that Rome wasn't built in a day and that slow, steady growth sets you up for success and sustainability.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.summusrehabilitation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summusrehabilitation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summus_rehabilitation/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.