Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Bergman.
Hi Eric, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I decided to pursue physical therapy because it allowed me to combine two passions: helping people improve their quality of life and working in an active, movement-focused field. Throughout physical therapy school, I realized that my long-term goal was to open my own practice so I could create a patient experience centered on individualized care rather than volume.
Earlier this year, I opened my clinic in Thousand Oaks with the vision of providing patients with more one-on-one time, greater attention, and treatment plans tailored to their unique goals and lifestyles. I believe that quality care comes from truly listening to each patient and customizing every aspect of their rehabilitation to meet their specific needs. That personalized approach has led to meaningful outcomes, helping patients recover more effectively, return to the activities they enjoy, and move with greater confidence.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges so far has been balancing the many responsibilities that come with owning and operating a private practice while striving to be as effective as possible in every area. As a new business owner, I’ve had to navigate medical billing, scheduling, learning new electronic medical record (EMR) systems, marketing, and the day-to-day operations of running a clinic. While those responsibilities have come with a steep learning curve, my top priority has always remained the same: providing exceptional patient care. No matter how busy things become behind the scenes, I make it a point to ensure that every patient receives the time, attention, and individualized care they deserve.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bergman Physical Therapy & Movement was founded with a simple philosophy: every patient deserves individualized, one-on-one care that is tailored to their specific goals. We specialize in orthopedic physical therapy, helping individuals recover from injuries, manage pain, recover after surgery, and improve their overall movement so they can return to the activities they enjoy.
What sets our practice apart is the time and attention we dedicate to each patient. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, every treatment plan is customized based on a thorough evaluation, the patient’s lifestyle, and their personal goals. We emphasize hands-on care, movement analysis, strength and mobility training, and patient education so individuals understand not only how to recover, but how to stay healthy and prevent future injuries.
As a locally owned private practice, we have the flexibility to put patient care ahead of productivity metrics. That allows us to build meaningful relationships with our patients and provide a level of personalized care that is becoming increasingly rare in healthcare.
What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve created in such a short period of time. Our patients know they will be heard, treated with respect, and receive care that is truly centered around their needs. Seeing people regain confidence in their movement, return to the sports and activities they love, and improve their quality of life is the most rewarding part of what we do and the reason I started this practice.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that building meaningful relationships is just as important as developing clinical expertise. Whether it’s earning a patient’s trust, collaborating with physicians and other healthcare providers, or connecting with members of the local community, strong relationships are the foundation of a successful practice.
I’ve also learned that growth requires being willing to step outside of your comfort zone. As a clinic owner, I’ve had to wear many hats and continuously learn new skills, from business operations to marketing and billing. While those challenges can be intimidating, they’ve made me a better leader and have allowed me to create a practice that reflects my values.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that if you consistently put patients first, everything else tends to follow. When people feel heard, cared for, and receive high-quality, individualized treatment, they not only achieve better outcomes but also become your strongest advocates. That’s the principle I want to continue building my practice around.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bergmanphysicaltherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bergmanpt/ (@bergmanpt)
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bergman-physical-therapy-and-movement-thousand-oaks?osq=Bergman+Physical+Therapy%C2%A0%26+Movement
