Husband-and-Wife Franchisees Grew Their Clinic to More Than 400 Monthly Patient Visits
Simon and Christine Buesnel (above) set out to find a franchise that reflected their values and allowed them to make a meaningful impact in their community. With the help of a franchise consultant, they discovered FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers — a mission-driven brand that aligned perfectly with their passion for care and connection. They launched their clinic in Reno, Nev., in 2024, creating a welcoming, supportive environment around services that matter deeply, especially as the CDC highlights fall prevention and balance support as key to helping older adults maintain independence. Today, it serves more than 400 patients each month, powered by FYZICAL’s marketing suite and the Buesnels’ family-centered approach and work ethic.
Q: What attracted you to FYZICAL, and why did you choose the franchise?
Christine: One of my life’s missions is enabling health and wellness, so this aligned very tightly with that goal, and I liked that there was structure but flexibility in implementing it. A franchise model with only structure but no flexibility, or vice versa, would not have been a good fit.
Simon: We wanted a franchise that aligned with our purpose, offered the right level of support and showed resilience. When we found FYZICAL, we got a deeper understanding of what it can offer the community, and it resonated with us. If my mother had access to a FYZICAL in England, she could have regained confidence in her mobility and likely extended her independence and quality of life. FYZICAL was the right choice.
Q: You achieved 400 patient visits per month by month five. What fueled your rapid growth?
Christine: Simon took on community marketing while I focused on hiring, management and setup. We built strong connections through the chamber of commerce; many patients have come from those relationships. By being enthusiastic and believing in what we do, we’re not selling at all. People sense that. They’re sending us their mothers, grandmothers, friends and relatives. They say, ‘I have balance issues and want to see what you’re all about.’ It’s fantastic.
Simon: We attended FYZICAL’s annual Brand Triumph event (above), which helped us build a strong, collaborative network with other owners. That has been so powerful for sharing ideas and learning. FYZICAL’s on-site training was invaluable, and the franchise team offered outstanding operational support with clinic opening guidance. Our marketing consultant has also been an incredible source of support.
As part of our outreach strategy, we designed a QR code card to highlight what makes our clinic unique.
Q: How would you describe the culture you’ve created?
Christine: A strong company culture is critical to short- and long-term success. Our employees give their best to our patients when they feel supported, respected, valued as decision-makers, and in complete partnership. We check in, hold them accountable, and meet their needs. Celebrating small wins early on created momentum, which has been key to our success. We focus on clarity of vision and values, leading by example, fostering teamwork, open communication, employee development, acting on feedback, celebrating achievements and promoting work-life balance. We also fund and provide time for employee development, and celebrate achievements with bonuses for training and individual performance to show we value opinions and input.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of the FYZICAL family?
Christine: I truly enjoy our patients. They leave healthier, move better, and are happier. When they walk out of our clinic, they are literally smiling, laughing and talking. I have connected with every patient; they make our day better. I just can’t get enough of seeing people’s lives improve and FYZICAL’s impact on them.
Simon: Patients love coming here, not just for the results they get but for the environment they’re coming into. For us, that’s very much a part of our philosophy.
Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of this journey?
Simon: Hearing patients say, ‘It almost feels like we’re coming home,’ inspires us every day. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing lives transformed and knowing FYZICAL is making a real difference.
About FYZICAL
FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is a fast-growing physical therapy franchise focused on rehabilitation, wellness and specialized balance care. Founded in 2012 by franchising veteran Jim Abrams, the brand began franchising in 2013 and has grown to more than 600 franchise locations in 46 states. FYZICAL stands out for combining traditional physical therapy with balance, vestibular and fall-prevention services that help patients improve mobility and quality of life.
Learn more about the FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers franchise.
