Meet Ken Usui | Physical Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ken Usui and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ken, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My goal has always been to provide a comprehensive solution for athletes and exercise enthusiasts at every stage of their journey—whether it’s injury treatment, daily conditioning, injury prevention, or recovery. In my experience, most facilities tend to specialize in only one aspect of care, which often forces clients to seek multiple providers in different locations, resulting in unnecessary time and effort.

I saw an opportunity to create a space where individuals could access all the essential services they need in one location. Since I couldn’t find an existing facility that met this vision, I decided to build one myself. That’s why I founded my business with a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts such as physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, Rolfers, strength coaches, and personal trainers under one roof. By doing so, we ensure that our clients receive seamless, efficient, and high-quality care tailored to their specific needs, all in one place.

What should our readers know about your business?
I founded my clinic with a clear vision: to create a space where athletes and exercise enthusiasts can access everything they need—injury treatment, prevention, conditioning, and recovery—all in one location. Unlike many traditional clinics that focus on just one area, we operate with a multidisciplinary model that brings together physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, rolfers, personal trainers, and strength coaches under one roof. This integrative approach ensures that our clients receive comprehensive, science-backed care without having to go to multiple places for different services.

I am incredibly proud of what we offer at the clinic, but building this business has been far from easy. While I have extensive experience in sports medicine, I had little knowledge of business and marketing when I first started. Running a business requires constant balancing—figuring out what I want to provide, understanding what potential clients need, and ensuring that we can deliver our services in a sustainable way, both physically and financially.

One of the biggest challenges has been marketing. Because we offer a wide range of services, it’s difficult to define our clinic in just one word. Traditional businesses like “Physical Therapy Clinics,” “Chiropractic Clinics,” or “Conditioning Gyms” have clear identities, making them easier for people to understand and seek out. In contrast, our broad scope sometimes makes it harder to explain what we do, and people may hesitate to try our services because they don’t fully grasp the value of having everything in one place.

Despite these challenges, I have full confidence in what we provide. While we may still be a hidden gem, our clinic has already attracted professional and Olympic athletes, including those who visited us for treatment and conditioning ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics. These experiences reaffirm that we are on the right path.

Our ultimate goal is to become a well-known and trusted resource in Boulder County—a place where high school, college, and professional athletes consistently turn to for top-tier care. As I continue to navigate the business and marketing aspects, I remain committed to growing our reputation and ensuring that more athletes can benefit from the unique and comprehensive services we provide.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I would want to give them the best experience that captures the essence of Colorado—its breathtaking nature, outdoor adventures, relaxation spots, and vibrant city life.

We would start with a trip to the Rocky Mountains, where we could go camping, hiking, fishing, and even horseback riding through scenic trails. There’s nothing quite like waking up to fresh mountain air and spending the day exploring the great outdoors. In the evening, we’d have a BBQ by the campfire, sharing stories and enjoying the peaceful wilderness.

Next, I would take them to Glenwood Springs, known for its incredible hot springs. After days of adventure, soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by mountain views would be the perfect way to relax. If we’re feeling adventurous, we could visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which offers thrilling rides and underground cave tours.

On the way back, we’d stop at Black Hawk, a historic town turned casino resort, for a fun night out. Whether trying our luck at the tables or just enjoying the lively atmosphere and great dining options, it would be a great way to mix a bit of entertainment into the trip.

Back in the city, we’d explore Denver’s sports scene. Depending on the season, we could watch the Colorado Avalanche, the reigning NHL champions, or the Denver Nuggets, the top basketball team. If baseball is in season, catching a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field would be a great way to experience the city’s energy.

This trip would perfectly balance adventure, relaxation, entertainment, and sports, giving my friend a full taste of what makes Colorado such an amazing place to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s impossible for me to choose just one person or group who has influenced me—my journey has been shaped by so many incredible individuals.

It all began when I was a college student in Japan with a clear vision: I wanted to help athletes through sports medicine. However, I wasn’t sure how to turn that dream into reality. A professor in Japan encouraged me to start studying English and pursue physical therapy in the United States, believing it was the closest path to achieving my goal. That advice changed the course of my life.

After arriving in the U.S., I had the privilege of learning from many great physical therapists who reassured me that I was on the right path. When I decided to pursue my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at New York University, I was faced with a difficult challenge—at the time, I was married and living in Colorado, and my wife was pregnant with our first child. Her parents made an incredible sacrifice, moving from Japan to Colorado to support her and our baby while I focused on my studies in New York for three years. I am forever grateful to them and to my wife for their unwavering support during that time.

At NYU, I was fortunate to meet Dr. Marilyn Moffat, a world-renowned physical therapist whose expertise and passion deeply inspired me. After becoming a physical therapist, I had the privilege of working with two incredible mentors: Dr. Takada in New York and Dr. Fathalikhani in Colorado. Both of them not only helped shape me as a clinician but also taught me the realities and challenges of owning a sports physical therapy practice.

When I eventually opened my own clinic, I was lucky to meet my amazing team: Dr. Eamen, a chiropractor; Elana, a massage therapist; Maryam, a personal trainer; and many other incredible colleagues who have contributed to our shared mission.

And finally, my father. Though he has always been physically distant, living in Japan, he has never wavered in his support for me. He doesn’t say much, but I always know that he believes in me. Knowing that people like him stand behind me gives me the strength to keep pushing forward.

Every person I’ve met along this journey has played a role in shaping who I am today. I am deeply grateful for their guidance, support, and belief in my dream.

Website: https://psphysio-clinic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performancesportsphysio

Twitter: https://x.com/Physiohub101

Other: Japanese Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kenusui
Japanese Twitter: https://x.com/PhysioAcademia7

Japanese Online Academy Project [Physio Academia]: https://physio-academia.com
Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Science Article Project [Physio Hub]: https://psphysio-hub.com

Image Credits
Ken Usui, Tomoko Taniguchi, Miyu, Yuna, Kevin, Sora, Yuka Suzuki