3 Important Cash-Based PT Trends in 2025

What’s changing in the world of cash-based physical therapy? In this episode, Danny Mattei breaks down three emerging trends in 2025 that every clinician should know—whether you're just starting your practice or trying to scale past yourself. These shifts are reshaping the profession and will impact how you grow, hire, and stay profitable.

📈 The 3 Trends

1. Clinicians are starting younger than ever: More DPT grads are skipping traditional jobs and going straight into private practice. Is this the new norm?
2. The first growth cycle is getting harder: Inflation, higher overhead, and tougher competition make scaling past yourself a real challenge—and many get stuck or quit.
3. Compensation plans must evolve: Clinicians want more guaranteed income and less variable pay. Business owners need better systems and higher margins to compete.

💡 Big Ideas

• Why early-stage solo clinics are exploding in number
• Why it's harder (but more profitable) to grow past $20K/month
• How private equity interest shows the maturity of the cash PT model
• Why performance-only pay structures are being rejected—and what to do instead
• The importance of becoming a business owner first, clinician second

🔗 Resources & Links

• PT Biz Website – Coaching & strategy for starting or scaling your cash-based practice
• Join the 5-Day Challenge – Go from part-time to full-time with a clear plan
• Get the PT Biz Book – How 240+ clinicians grew thriving cash practices
• PT Biz YouTube Channel – Weekly training for entrepreneurial PTs

🧭 Final Takeaway

The landscape is better than ever for starting a cash-based clinic—but scaling is harder. The reward? Massive income potential and time freedom if you can push through. Know the trends. Prepare to lead. And build a real business, not just a side hustle.