Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shelly Williams.
Dr. Williams, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in New Orleans, which I feel ultimately added to my background of caring for and helping others. There, we’re very down to earth, loving, and want to feed or care for everyone, strangers or not! I graduated from Edna Karr High School and since then, they have been featured in Beyonce’s videos, Ciara recently visited, and they are the reigning football State Champs for four years in a row now! My Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology is from LSU- the National Champs! So, it’s safe to say I’m very proud of where I come from! I finished my doctoral degree in Physical Therapy in 2014 and have been a Licensed Physical Therapist for five years now.
Growing up, I always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When I was eight years old, I became what we know is NOLA as “The Candy Lady.” We moved, and there was no longer a corner store my friends and I could safely walk to. I asked my mom to take me to Sam’s where I purchased snacks in bulk and sold them at a profit out of our dining room window. I recognized the need in the community, calculated the return on investment, and kept inventory. HA!
As a girl, I always wanted to be in organized activities like ballet, dance, or gymnastics but my parents did not have the extra money to afford it. Public schools in N.O. often did not have those programs. The dance was my passion so, around the age of 12, I formed my dance team with local girls in the neighborhood. I collected dues, scheduled practices, picked out costumes, choreographed routines, and found some gigs for us to perform at.
As an adult, having my own business intimidated me, especially in the medical field, where strict insurance guidelines and reimbursement runs the world. I always told myself I’d start any company, but a Physical Therapy company. Yet, here we are! After graduating for the last time, I moved to Houston, where I fell in love with this great city and plan to grow here.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not been smooth but has been well worth it. I scaled back as a hospital Physical Therapist to pursue my passion to practice Physical Therapy privately, with my own company. I didn’t start with a backing from investors or a big business loan so financially starting this company has been a sacrifice. My motivation to do it and to keep doing it, is purpose. It’s the right thing to do for my clients. I can practice by doing the ethical thing- the things that will actually heal, quickly, not the things that will pay the most from insurance companies or that keeps our patients coming back for 6-12 weeks.
Another challenge is that our clinic does not accept insurance, and that concept is new to most people when seeking healthcare. Some people get turned off and will rather go somewhere where they only have a co-pay but have to go for about 2x a week for at least six weeks vs. coming to a “cash based” business, where you may pay more initially, but will need fewer sessions and receive amazing quality. This, on the other hand, affords me a clientele base that is passionate about their recovery, and I find that when we work together, the results are astonishing.
Also, dry needling frightens a lot of people. So commonly, we hear “I’m scared of needles!” or “I don’t do needles!”. While we specialize in dry needling because of the powerful and immediate results, we have many more techniques besides that to achieve good outcomes when clients are too afraid or not good candidates for the procedure.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Body On Point, PLLC is a Physical Therapy company that specializes in dry needling and alignment analysis. Dry needling is a technique that can only be performed by certified and licensed professionals. It uses very thin needles to break up what is referred to as myofascial trigger points and connective tissue, and stimulates periosteum, among other things. What this means is sometimes muscle tissue doesn’t contract evenly, and we get what feels like knots in our body. Often these are felt when people get massages. Massages may make painful knots feel better temporarily because it stimulates blood flow and releases some of the waste trapped in the area, but the needle is designed to break up the trigger point vs. superficially rubbing over it. Also, with traumas like a fall, fracture, surgery, or accident, many muscles besides the area injured spasm and lead to more issues.
We are most proud of our results and client reviews. People who have previously tried therapy, surgery, or have been living in chronic pain for years are now seeing results with us after just one session!
Another thing that makes our clinic very unique is the alignment analysis equipment that clients can stand on. It has lasers that simulate the force that comes from the ground with each step that we take. The poles and lasers give visual feedback regarding where your joints are vs. where they should be. More often than not, the source of the issue begins with the feet. We believe in treating the pain and eliminating the root cause of the issue, in keeping our clients healthy and enjoying life!
One great thing about Physical Therapists is we emphasize preventative care. People don’t have to wait for pain, arthritis, the need for surgery to arise. And one of the worst things we can do is notice little changes like not being able to do the activities we enjoy and do nothing about it. Having to cut back on your favorite sport, not being able to run like you want to, a little pain causing a limp is not normal and should be addressed.
Our services and our products have been beneficial to the athletic community. They find that after dry needling, they can get more reps, lift heavier, or have more longevity with their workouts. The foot support system keeps their bodies from taking the impact from running & plyometrics and enhances speed & agility with the heel and arch structure. We use and sell CBD products for the anti-inflammatory and ultimate healing response.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success within my business is when a client gets off my table and is amazed at how much better they feel; it’s getting that text message saying “my migraines are gone” or “I can turn my neck when I drive now”! Success is treating other healthcare professionals who sacrifice their bodies to take care of the public, oftentimes hurting themselves in the line of duty or feeling unappreciated. Success is duplicating the process so that my company can run without me without sacrificing quality. Success is my company being well known, not to be popular, but to be connected with the people that need me most. I’ve treated so many people at their wits-end from pain or having to stop an activity they enjoy. Chronic pain makes people depressed and wanting to give up on life. Success is taking people from those dark places and giving them comfort once again.
Pricing:
- Initial Evaluations and Treatment Sessions are $200 (60 mins)
Contact Info:
- Address: 720 Rusk St.
Suite 241
Houston, TX 77002 - Website: bodyonpointpt.com
- Phone: (832)748-4545
- Email: bodyonpointpt@gmail.com
- Instagram: bodyonpointpt
- Facebook: facebook.com/bodyonpointpt
- Twitter: queenofneedles
- Yelp: Body On Point, PLLC
- Other: linkedin: Body On Point, PLLC
Image Credit:
KnightNDay Visions
Kris D Photography
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