Rodney Steven starts a new business within his Genesis Health Clubs

Sometimes, a business within a business makes sense, which is why Rodney Steven II has started a new physical therapy practice within his Genesis Health Clubs.

“It’s kind of a natural tie-in,” he said. “Who’s not dealing with an injury?”

The clinics will offer physical therapy, sports rehabilitation and be recovery clinics all in one.

Steven said at 54 — he’s even a grandfather now — he’s dealing with multiple issues that can benefit from physical therapy.

“Longevity’s the key these days,” he said.

He’s calling the concept Fitness Physio.

“We’ll be doing about one a month,” he said of adding the clinics.

One recently opened at the Genesis on West Central. A couple more will open in Wichita by October, and all six Wichita Genesis clubs will have a Fitness Physio by the end of the year.

About 20 of the 87 Genesis clubs nationally already had outside physical therapy clinics as tenants.

Steven is replacing those with Fitness Physio clinics. He said staffing is his biggest hurdle.

“That’s what’s taking the time to continue to grow.”

Finding space for the clinics isn’t a problem, Steven said.

“When you own, it’s easy to convert space.”

As each clinic is established, Steven will continue to add therapists to grow the practices.

He said he sees offering physical therapy as a continuation of care for his members, with the on-site rehabilitation making it easy for them to recover, feel less pain, be more mobile and get back to exercise.

The clinics, which take health insurance like any other physical therapy practices, offer a range of services. That includes traditional physical therapy and sports rehabilitation along with services such as dry needling and cupping therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and assisted stretching and percussion therapy.

There’s a benefit for the therapists, too, Steven said. He said a lot of therapists thrive in a club setting.

“They love being in the club, working with people who are interested in improving their health.”