As the managing partner of what was formerly named Performance Physical Therapy, Ryan Flipse has been involved in expanding locations within the Northwest Indiana region over the past several years.

In September, a new facility was opened which has access to Fuel Fitness, a new 16,000-square-foot fitness center in Cedar Lake.

"We chose this location because there are no physical therapy clinics in Cedar Lake," Flipse said. "Also, Fuel Fitness Center was opened by a friend of mine, and I thought it would be great to be affiliated with them. Wellness needs to be more than temporary, it needs to be a lifetime thing."

A physical therapist for nine years, Flipse lives in St. John and feels that being local is important to the success of the business.

"The best physical therapists are involved in the community to increase wellness programs," he said.

Flipse has a master's degree and significant training in manual therapy.

With the aging population and the increasing number of Baby Boomers, more people are experiencing aches, pain and stiffness. That means an increased number of patients for medical professionals.

"As the average age of a patient increases, they have to be treated differently than an athlete," he said. "There is more research on the benefits of physical therapy and people are becoming more aware of all it can do."

While 14 states have direct access to physical therapy, Indiana is not among them. So a physician's referral is necessary.

"Patients still have a choice about where they go for physical therapy," Flipse said. "The competition in the whole medical field is great and that only makes all of us improve on our skills. Patients want someone who cares. I think it's my compassion and caring which sets me apart."

Flexeon Rehabilitation of Cedar Lake

Location: 12937 Wicker Ave., Cedar Lake

Phone: (219)374-5451

Owner: Ryan Flipse

Number of employees: Two

When it opened: September

Type of business: Provides management, clinical and educational services primarily in the outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine areas

Web site: www.4ppts.com