Stop, ReThink, ReFresh, ReFocus: Therapist Thoughts 2020
A Guest Blog from Wayne Ghosh of BodyAdvance; an inspiring gentleman with a totally positive take on life. Knocks are an opportunity, surrounding yourself with great people is a must and going into 2021 with a clinic that specialises in non or minimally-invasive therapies, well, this guy is certainly going places..
"In 2015 after a year conception, I set up BodyAdvance, a clinic to treat muscle dysfunction through massage therapy.
I left my recruitment job after a period of personal trauma and focussed on retraining, whilst as a day job, setting up the clinic space.
Upon graduating April 2016, I now had a real strong collection of clients, as during my student days working within limits of my insurance, all my case studies were paying clients from day one. These clients became long term clients until life circumstances meant I had to move.
In December 2018, I had already crafted a really good clinic model, I said goodbye to my Glossop clinic, moving into a brand-new wellness centre in the heart of my hometown, Doncaster.
I relaunched my website and the trickle of clients started to come, but not as quick I would like. I put numerous marketing plans in place but it was a struggle and I really started to struggle with my energy levels being just me. Also having to deal with an ongoing health concern, as I suffer daily with myofascial pain syndrome and severe sleep deprivation.
In mid 2019 after a major lull, I regrouped and decided I needed to take a look into Lymphatics as part of a test treatment and rehab model focussing on clients with dysfunction and medical conditions. Also working in an exclusive aesthetics clinic, I got a real insight into how I could help people post surgically and use my skills as a soft tissue therapist.
I took my self down to Ealing London, my bank account severely depleted with 2 weeks of subsistence and a four-figure sum training course. I trained as a Vodder MLD therapist in order to work with clients with post-operative swelling and trauma.
As a therapist who embraces technology, I looked into Deep Oscillation therapy to give my clinic the edge it needed.
I’d previously contacted PhysioPod and placed an order that same year. Having worked in a hospice as part of my training, I’d seen the Hivamat (Deep Oscillation) in action and thought this would be awesome in clinic. And it has proved to be the case.
Advance Lymphatics was born July 2019, a dedicated service treating pain conditions and post-operative clients who have had orthopaedic and cosmetic surgery. I work with clients who are straight out of surgery.
And now 2020. The U.K. and the rest of the world hit by a global pandemic.
During lockdown 1, given directives to close, I didn’t stop. I marketed the living daylights out of two businesses that couldn’t trade. Why? Because I knew if I didn’t, the chances were that I’d not have a business to return to. I didn’t in theory have a clinic space. My lease had expired and the NHS had moved in as 7 therapists including myself responded to a local crisis to provide a readymade treatment centre for Covid. When I finally returned July 2020, I came back fighting.
I set about plans to aim higher and be a clinic specialising in non or minimally-invasive treatments. Soft Tissue Therapy, Post-Surgical Recovery and now Laser Therapy. Yes, I’ve opened up a Laser Clinic for hair removal, skin rejuvenation and from next year , tattoo removal.
I can’t do this alone, so have employed a Clinic Manager , a Laser Therapist and will recruit 2 more.
I had to dig deep, do a lot of soul-searching. I took a very lean approach and concluded, I love this industry, I need to invest in marketing and drop the perfectionist attitude. It’s been a tough two years and Covid 19 has really hurt. However, my relentless work ethic has put me in an exciting and better financial position.
I now have a real energy that I’ve not had before. My goal is really clear and I’m now racing to it by accelerating plans. I now have a team of great people around me who inspire confidence.
If the last few years have taught me a few things it’s these:
- You can’t be all things to all people
- You need ground yourself and repurpose
- You need to give yourself space and time to replenish your energy
- You need to be bold and brave.
In summary, I’ve surfed a big wave of this pandemic and actually Im in in a better place now than I’ve ever been. Lots of challenges ahead and lots to look forward too. 2021 is on the horizon and I’m very much looking forward to what comes next.."
