Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Bowes.
Claire, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I was all in when it came to competitive sports, but that passion came with a price—multiple knee injuries and some tough post-surgery recoveries. By the time I was 20, I’d already gone through four of my five knee surgeries, but that didn’t stop me from playing college basketball for four years. Those experiences, both the highs and the painful lows, shaped not just my career path but also my deep understanding of injury rehab and performance training.
After earning my Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I knew I wanted to break away from the traditional insurance-driven model that often limits care. I founded Perform Physical Therapy and Wellness, a cash-based practice designed to provide 1:1, patient-focused treatment without the restrictions of insurance. My mission is simple: to help people move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what they love—pain-free.
Through my in-person and virtual coaching programs, I work with athletes, active individuals, and those recovering from chronic injuries who have tried everything but still feel stuck. I also run a monthly rehab membership program, giving people access to a full library of rehab and prehab programs they can follow anytime, anywhere.
What sets my approach apart is that I’ve lived this journey myself. I know firsthand how frustrating and isolating injury recovery can be, and I also know the real, lasting results that come from science-backed training and personalized rehab strategies. Whether it’s returning to sport, rebuilding strength after surgery, or simply getting back to pain-free movement, I’m here to guide my clients through the process—because I’ve been there too.
When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me staying active in San Diego, creating educational content for social media, and mentoring other physical therapists looking to build successful cash-based practices. My goal is to not only help people heal but also change the way rehab is delivered—making it more accessible, personalized, and empowering.
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?
Struggles of Being a Solo Female Entrepreneur
No Business Education in PT School – I went to school to become a physical therapist, but no one taught me how to build a business. Everything I know about entrepreneurship came from trial and error, late nights of research, and figuring things out as I went.
Building My Own Space—Literally – When I decided to open my own practice, I didn’t have the funds for a fancy build-out. With the help of my brother, we laid down flooring, assembled equipment, and tackled construction projects—learning from YouTube as we went. My clinic wasn’t just built for my business, it was built by me.
Starting with Just Two Credit Cards – Instead of taking out a massive business loan, I took a leap of faith, opening two credit cards and using that as my startup capital. Every dollar was a calculated risk, but I bet on myself—and it paid off.
Growing Fast & Managing a Team – Just one year into starting my business, I went from being a solo entrepreneur to running a brick-and-mortar clinic with five employees. I had to learn how to be a leader, manage a team, and create systems—all while still treating patients and keeping my business afloat.
The Pressure & Self-Doubt – As a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, I’ve faced my share of doubts—both from others and from myself. Every challenge forced me to push forward, trust my instincts, and prove that I belonged at the table (even if I had to build that table myself).
Despite every struggle, it was all worth it—because I built my dream business from the ground up. I turned a vision into reality, and now I get to help others overcome their own struggles every single day.
We’ve been impressed with Perform Physical Therapy and Wellness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Perform Physical Therapy and Wellness, we believe that movement is the foundation of a healthy, active life. Our mission is to provide high-quality, one-on-one care that not only helps people recover from injuries but also optimizes their movement, strength, and overall performance.
We specialize in correcting movement patterns, improving function, and increasing mobility for youth, adults, and seniors. Whether you’re an athlete looking to enhance performance, someone recovering from surgery, or simply trying to move pain-free, our **4P approach—Prepare, Practice, Prevent, and Perform—**ensures that you receive a customized plan designed for your unique goals.
What sets us apart? Unlike traditional PT clinics, we operate in a state-of-the-art gym facility where patients can rehab, train, and build strength in a real-world environment. We also utilize PT Everywhere, a digital platform that keeps our clients accountable and progressing through their personalized programs.
Beyond physical therapy, we offer in-person and virtual training, sports performance coaching, injury prevention programs, and online sports nutrition guidance—all designed to help our clients move better, feel stronger, and prevent future injuries.
At Perform Physical Therapy and Wellness, we don’t just help you recover—we help you come back stronger than ever, ready to take on whatever life throws your way.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
We have our own app! Perform Online. Our app gives you instant access to a comprehensive library of rehab, prehab, and mobility routines designed for every body part—knees, shoulders, back, hips, and more. We even offer specialized programs for runners to keep you strong and injury-free.
What makes it stand out?
✅ Direct access to Doctors of Physical Therapy – Get expert advice, ask questions, and submit videos for form checks.
✅ New content every month – Stay engaged with fresh programming and educational videos.
✅ No long-term commitment – Join or cancel anytime.
Your recovery and performance, anytime, anywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.performphysicaltherapy.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perform.pt/
Image Credits
Charlie Wrzesniewski
