Empowerment in Motion: Dr. Kelsey Kuehn's Physiotherapy Adventure with Empower Physiotherapy & Training
Dr. Kelsey Kuehn is undeniably a powerhouse. Relocating to Buena Vista in 2017, she embarked on the challenging task of establishing her company in 2019, a feat made even more formidable during the global pandemic. Despite the hurdles, Kelsey, having rooted herself in Buena Vista, immersed herself in travel physical therapy throughout Covid. In 2021, she firmly planted her feet on solid ground, officially launching Empower Physiotherapy & Training.
As a Doctor of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Strength Conditioning Specialist, Kelsey has designed her business around three pillars: physical therapy, performance, and education. Her approach caters to diverse needs, from aiding recovery from injuries to supporting postpartum pelvic floor strength, a niche she particularly cherishes. For performance, Kelsey crafts personalized exercise and nutrition programs, while in education, she imparts knowledge through clinics, particularly with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). She passionately states, “My sweet spot is transitioning someone from physical therapy back into training for sport.”
Kelsey's 'why' is deeply rooted in personal experience. Having faced multiple injuries as a soccer athlete, her mission as a physical therapist extends beyond athletes to encompass individuals like grandmothers wanting to walk with their grandkids and construction workers aiming to lift plywood overhead. In essence, she is dedicated to empowering people towards better health.
Blending in-person treatments with primarily remote coaching, Kelsey's schedule is anything but typical. Over the past two years, she has tirelessly worked on expanding her business. Her home office serves as a private treatment room, and now, in collaboration with Fortitude Fitness & Crossfit BV—a local crossfit gym occupying the historic firehouse—she is adding an office and treatment room, providing her with access to equipment and the chance to coach clients in the gym. This partnership also opens doors for increased business traffic.
Kelsey openly shares her biggest challenge—marketing effectively in a small town where word of mouth prevails. This challenge led her to the Central Mountain Small Business Development Center (CMSBDC), where she received invaluable assistance not only in marketing but also in financial processes, including depreciation and capital expenditures. With her consultant, she has meticulously crafted a game plan and timeline for her grand opening, ensuring meaningful community engagement. Her strategies include reaching out to local mom’s groups, midwives, doulas, and chiropractors, resulting in promising referrals. The idea of pop-up clinics is also on the horizon. Kelsey appreciates the wealth of resources and classes provided by CMSBDC, acknowledging their pivotal role in navigating challenges.
In the current year, Kelsey achieved a remarkable $20,000 increase in sales, a testament to her growing awareness within the community. Offering a nugget of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, she recommends spending time at a coffee shop—whether working or not—having found that this simple presence has led to significant leads and connections.
In addition to her local endeavors, Kelsey remains active in travel physical therapy and proudly serves as the official physical therapist for Guam’s Women’s National soccer team. This role seamlessly combines her love for travel, soccer, and physical therapy—a synergy she envisions continuing for the foreseeable future.
