In the early 1980’s a group of like-minded entrepreneurial physical therapists felt as if the particular needs of the practice-owning therapist were not being addressed effectively within the state Physical Therapy Association. IPPT was formed by an initial group of around a dozen clinic-owning physical therapists to fill this gap. The initial meetings consisted of just the clinic owners and covered business-related issues ranging from billing and insurance companies to employee benefits and hiring concerns. IPPT was, and is, about providing a supportive atmosphere for clinic-owning physical therapists – a collegial gathering where lessons learned could be shared and assistance provided.

IPPT has grown from these informal biannual gatherings to a formalized annual meeting in Asheville, NC. While intra-member interaction is still the cornerstone of IPPT, outside speakers are also brought in to provide expert information on areas of need. IPPT has tripled in size from those first gatherings, now welcoming physical and occupational therapists, as well as their support staff, from NC, SC and GA.

For a personal history of IPPT, please check out IPPT History By Bob Madtes.