Meet Kelly Ruther of Ruther Health and Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Ruther

Hi Kelly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into physical therapy began with a personal health crisis during graduate school. Experiencing unexplained symptoms that traditional medicine couldn’t solve, I found relief through an out-of-network physical therapist who thought outside the box. This experience ignited my passion for helping others live pain-free lives. After obtaining my doctorate in physical therapy in 2010, I spent six years in an in-network practice before taking a leap of faith to found Ruther Health + Wellness. This decision allowed me to provide personalized care without insurance restrictions, seeing fewer patients daily but giving each my undivided attention. My own struggle with pelvic floor dysfunction led me to specialize in this area, along with orthopedics and postural restoration. Today, I’m proud to have expanded my impact beyond my clinic walls. I’ve trained another physical therapist, amassed over 190,000 online followers, and created an online course that has helped hundreds reduce their pain significantly. My journey reflects my commitment to patient-first care and my belief in the power of specialized, holistic physical therapy.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While my journey has been incredibly rewarding, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. One of the major challenges I faced was the burnout I experienced working in a traditional in-network practice. Seeing 13 patients a day left me exhausted and unable to provide the level of care I believed each patient deserved. This led to a critical turning point where I had to decide between continuing in a system that didn’t align with my values or taking the risk of starting my own practice.

The decision to go out-of-network and start Ruther Health + Wellness was daunting. It meant going against the grain of traditional practice models and required an enormous amount of work. The fear of the unknown and the challenges of running a business were very real obstacles I had to overcome.Additionally, my personal experience with pelvic floor dysfunction presented both a challenge and an opportunity. Unable to afford specialized treatment due to a high deductible, I took it upon myself to gain the necessary expertise to treat my condition. While this was a struggle, it led to a new specialization and a deeper understanding of the challenges my patients face.

Lastly, expanding into online education and building a significant social media following came with its own set of challenges. It required learning new skills, managing time effectively, and finding ways to translate hands-on therapy techniques into digital formats.

Despite these struggles, each challenge has ultimately contributed to my growth as a practitioner and business owner, allowing me to better serve my patients and reach a wider audience with my expertise.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ruther Health and Wellness?
At Ruther Health + Wellness, we’re redefining physical therapy with our holistic, patient-centered approach. We see each person as more than just their symptoms, offering comprehensive care in a private, quiet setting. Our therapists, seeing only 6 patients daily, provide undivided attention and create tailored treatment plans based on thorough testing. We specialize in diverse areas, including pregnancy and pelvic health, and employ cutting-edge techniques like dry needling and postural restoration. As an out-of-network practice, we’re free from insurance limitations, allowing us to prioritize patient needs. We empower our clients through education, celebrating every step of their progress. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond, even between appointments, ensuring each patient receives the care they deserve. This approach has earned us recognition as a top clinic, attracting patients nationwide who seek lasting relief and a return to pain-free, active living.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For those just starting out, my main advice is to trust your instincts and stay true to your vision, even when faced with skepticism. When I began my own practice, many said it wouldn’t work, but I knew it was the right path to give my best to every patient.

Don’t let others’ doubts deter you from your dreams. If you have a vision for better patient care, have the courage to pursue it. Remember, you’re not just starting a business; you’re creating a space to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Be prepared for hard work and continuous learning. While I believe my journey unfolded at the right pace, having more business knowledge early on would have been helpful. Don’t hesitate to seek resources and mentors for the business aspects.

Remember, you have a unique gift to offer. Don’t let fear hold you back. Trust in yourself, your skills, and your vision. The journey may be tough, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rutherhealth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyrutherpt
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyrutherpt