The most obvious way for a physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA) to integrate wellness into his or her offerings is in the clinical setting. Make a wellness focus part of every interaction you have with patients and clients. But you have additional options—paths to promote wellness that aren't limited to patients and clients at your clinic or facility. Let's look at some ways you can expand your wellness reach.

Tap your network. As a PT or PTA, you're well connected. Even if you consider yourself to have an introverted personality, the fact is, you know a lot of people who trust you. So, if you begin offering an additional service, you have instant credibility, based on your title and history. That's a big advantage. Now, look over the list of your contacts at health clubs, running stores, and the like. Might it behoove the powers that be at some of those places to complement their offerings by providing the types of wellness instruction and coaching you can offer? Think about the ways in which you can help those contacts look good and expand their business—while you enhance your own business and practice. Rehearse your "elevator speech" and compile the facts to back it up. Next, touch base with your network, and start pitching.