FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers stands at the forefront of the health and wellness industry as the nation’s fastest-growing physical therapy franchise, boasting an extensive network of over 600 locations that span across 47 states. Committed to a holistic approach, FYZICAL provides top-notch, personalized care plans to treat patients of all ages experiencing muscle, joint, and neurological conditions including balance and vestibular issues. As an advocate for patient choice and direct access, FYZICAL empowers individuals to take control of their well-being to achieve optimal physical health and balance.
Scott Wendrych, COO at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, is a veteran in the franchise industry. Wendrych’s franchising journey began after he and his wife became franchisees, inspired by his father’s advice to learn from a strong franchise partner. What started as local ownership quickly evolved into a corporate franchising career spanning over 14 years, where Wendrych held leadership roles across multiple health and wellness brands before joining FYZICAL in 2020.
In this interview, Wendrych shares the inspiration behind FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, what sets it apart, and how the brand is scaling rapidly through innovation, efficiency, and a franchisee-first mindset.
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Colin started as a team member at 21 and now owns 6 locations in Tampa Bay. Lisa came from marketing and built 21 in San Diego. The most successful multi-unit owners move early and secure markets with room to grow. Use our free tool to search multiple ZIP codes and find franchises where you can still stack locations, before someone else does. A franchise specialist will be in touch to present what's available.Franchise Chatter (FC): Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in franchising.
Scott Wendrych (SW): I’ve been in franchising for about 18 years now, but my journey didn’t start there. I studied operations and logistics management at Arizona State University. I worked at BF Goodrich Aerospace as a production supervisor right out of college. I led a team of about 20 people manufacturing aircraft evacuation vehicles. From there, I moved into the pharmaceutical industry in Phoenix, and eventually transitioned into contract manufacturing across several industries, including medical devices, automotive, and cell phones.
At some point, I realized I wanted something different, more aligned with building lasting businesses and culture. My dad had owned multiple franchises and independent businesses when I was growing up, so I’d always had an interest in entrepreneurship. When my wife and I started talking about opening a business, he gave us one piece of advice that really stuck:
“If it’s your first business, find a great franchise partner you can learn from.”
That led us to become franchisees with a brand called Fitness Together, based in Colorado.
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When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code, and a territory specialist will walk you through the franchises still available near you, drawing on information that isn't publicly accessible, saving you months of wasted research.🔴Free Webinar: 6 Under-the-Radar Franchise Concepts That Serious Buyers Should Know
Every month we feature 6 standout franchises that could be the opportunity you've been looking for, each evaluated on disclosed financials and matched to the type of buyer most likely to succeed with it. Can't attend live on October 27 at 6PM EST? Register now and we'll send you the full recording the next day. Reserve your spot here.At first, my wife ran the day-to-day, and honestly, I was jealous. She was immersed in the culture and community. So, I got more involved, started networking with the brand’s founder, and eventually joined the franchisor team full-time. That was the start of my franchising career on the corporate side.
Over the next 14 years, I held various leadership roles across multiple health and wellness brands, supporting the launch of new concepts and eventually advancing into an executive operational role. I stepped away for a bit in 2018 to buy and run an independent business in Denver, but franchising pulled me back in. FYZICAL reached out in late 2019, and after learning more about the mission and model, I came on board in April 2020.
FC: What sets FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers apart from other physical therapy concepts in the industry?
SW: In my journey, I’ve seen a lot of franchisors take an “us vs. them” approach with their franchisees, instead of working together. At FYZICAL, we don’t operate that way, we know our franchisees are the ones driving our growth and that supporting them is the key to everyone’s success.
What makes FYZICAL different is the combination of scalable business potential, a clinically proven Balance Program founded on a proprietary paradigm, and the ability to meet a growing need in the healthcare space.
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When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code, and a territory specialist will walk you through the franchises still available near you, drawing on information that isn't publicly accessible, saving you months of wasted research.📈Dreaming of Multi‑Unit Success? Lock In Prime Territories Before They're Gone.
Colin started as a team member at 21 and now owns 6 locations in Tampa Bay. Lisa came from marketing and built 21 in San Diego. The most successful multi-unit owners move early and secure markets with room to grow. Use our free tool to search multiple ZIP codes and find franchises where you can still stack locations, before someone else does. A franchise specialist will be in touch to present what's available.What’s really unique being in the franchise world, is our Operational Support team. Many of them are physical therapists themselves and/or still own and manage FYZICAL clinics. That real-world experience translates into practical, hands-on guidance that’s rooted in the realities of day-to-day clinic operations.
Our flexible model is designed to help franchisees build meaningful businesses with the structure, tools, and guidance they need to grow steadily and confidently over time. It’s a strong business model built around real partnership.
FC: What is the story behind FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers? How did the brand get its start and how have they evolved over the years?
SW: Jim Abrams founded FYZICAL in 2012 and brought his experience in building successful business models for independent owners with a mission to improve the physical therapy profession. We began franchising in 2013, and the response was immediate thanks to our Balance Paradigm, developed by our National Director of Balance Education, Brian Werner, PT, MPT. This innovation helped us stand out immediately by addressing a huge need in healthcare: fall prevention for the aging population.
Since then, we have evolved into one of the largest physical therapy franchise systems in the country. We’ve been recognized on the Franchise 500 list for eight consecutive years and now have over 600 clinics open across 47 states, adding over 80 new locations annually on average. It’s been an exciting and transformative journey of growth.
FC: How has the brand embraced or led innovation in the industry?
SW: It’s very important to us that our franchisees feel supported, and that commitment drives our innovation. We take a lot of pride in the support system we’ve built, which evolves with the challenges our franchisees face, allowing us to remain at the forefront of the industry. That spirit of innovation is also reflected in how we bring new partners into the FYZICAL system.
That same commitment to alignment and support carries into how we evaluate potential franchisee partners. While many franchisors host a single “discovery day” at the end of the evaluation process, we take a different approach. We engage candidates in a series of virtual meetings with team members from across the system. It’s a two-way conversation that isn’t just focused on whether they’re a good fit for FYZICAL, but also whether we’re the right fit for them. That process of checks and balances along the way ensures both parties are a strong team from the beginning, making the journey ahead much more successful.
We take a strong stance on handholding our franchisees through their pre-opening process to ensure they have a strong start. This includes real estate selection, lease negotiation, construction, and clinic design. These are all pain points for any new business owner, layer on the complexities of a healthcare business and you’ll find our franchisees are especially appreciative of the tenured support within our expert teams.
Our clinical education team travels nationwide to deliver hands-on certification training, while our Franchise Regional Consultants and Local Marketing Consultants offer front line support to owners and their staff, offering ongoing operational and marketing guidance.
We’re continually finding ways to ensure our franchisees feel heard, supported, and positioned for success, including through our Franchise Advisory Committee (FAC), which serves as a vital liaison between the franchise system and franchisor. The FAC creates a continuous feedback loop that gives franchisees a platform to influence positive change across the franchise system.
That foundation allows us to layer on broader initiatives like launching an accredited orthopedic residency program, advocating for the profession alongside the American Physical Therapy Association, and empowering physical therapists to become clinic owners through our unique Partnership Advantage Program, all while staying aligned with what our owners need most.
Clinically, our Balance Paradigm transforms patients in a way no one else seems to reach. Our vestibular rehabilitation is comprehensive, effective, and has brought life-changing relief to millions of patients nationwide. We’ve built national visibility around this brand differentiator with initiatives like our annual “Fight the Fall” campaign in September, focused on fall prevention. This is an interdepartmental push from our headquarters team that equips franchisees with turnkey tools, virtual assets, and live trainings. We align our messaging system-wide, so every clinic can bring this powerful, community-centered campaign to life in their own markets. It’s one more way we combine our clinical leadership with real-world tools that help our franchisees stand out in theirs.
FC: Can you share something about FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers’ growth strategy and plans for franchise development throughout 2025?
SW: For 2025, we created a highly intentional, data-driven approach where we launched a minimum-fee co-op marketing campaign aimed at getting at least 50% of Area Representatives involved in localized franchise recruitment efforts and narrowed our audience by adjusting liquidity requirements to increase the quality of franchise inquiries in an effort to expand into new territories and deepen our market penetration in existing ones.
Right now, we’re actively looking for qualified single-unit and multi-unit franchise candidates and Master Franchisees in areas like Palm Beach County, FL, Kansas City, MO, and Cleveland, OH. But beyond that, we’ve been analyzing small market opportunities and identifying untapped potential across most markets.
FC: What makes FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers an attractive investment opportunity for potential franchisees?
SW: Our Balance Paradigm and Sensory Mismatch Theory have addressed a huge gap in healthcare and set our clinics apart by helping millions of people suffering from chronic, unexplained dizziness.
From an investment standpoint, franchisees can enter the system for under $500K with a 6% royalty fee, and in return, they gain access to world-class training, marketing support, operational tools and support, and a comprehensive team that helps them navigate everything from licensure to launch and beyond.
FC: From a franchisee perspective, what kind of support does FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers provide to help owners succeed?
SW: Going back to what my father advised, an interested franchisee can count on us to lead with empathy, offer clear guidance, and build a strong partnership that evolves over time. We place a lot of emphasis on supporting franchisees early on and continuing that support throughout their entire journey with us. That includes thorough initial training, ongoing education tailored to specific clinical specialties, and system-wide communications and support through our intranet so owners always feel informed and connected to our headquarters team.
Our Franchise Regional Consultants and Local Marketing Consultants work hand-in-hand with owners throughout their tenure with our brand and check in regularly, offering real-time insights and strategic support to help keep operations on track.
We understand the importance of business fundamentals, and we’re deeply committed to quality clinical care and patient outcomes. We’re here to help our franchisees grow confidently, stay abreast of industry shifts and changes, and build strong local connections.
FC: What advice would you give to someone considering franchising with FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers or entering the physical therapy space in general?
SW: First, I’d encourage anyone considering FYZICAL, or the physical therapy space in general, to take time to truly immerse themselves in the industry to understand the business side of healthcare, because that’s ultimately what you’ll be running day to day.
But passion alone isn’t enough. Running a successful clinic also means understanding the business side of healthcare. That’s where FYZICAL stands apart. As a franchisee, you’re not doing this alone. We’ve built a proven model backed by systems, training, and a network of experienced owners who have walked this path. Whether you’re a clinician, a business leader, or someone just looking to build a purpose-driven business, we surround you with the right tools and support to help you succeed.
If you’re ready to make a difference and grow something meaningful, FYZICAL might be the right fit. The best place to start is by checking territory availability at https://www.fyzicalfranchise.com/territory-check
FC: Finally, if you could sum up the FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers experience in three words, what would they be and why?
SW: Rewarding – You’re part of something bigger than yourself that truly changes people’s lives every day, and that kind of work keeps you grounded and motivated.
Stimulating – The learning never stops. This space stretches you, challenges you, and gives you the chance to grow in ways you might not expect.
Inspirational – You watch patients improve, sometimes you witness miraculous recovery, every day I get to see talented clinicians in action, and learn alongside a strong team.
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