Aquacare Physical Therapy

What Aquacare Physical Therapy does

Aquacare Physical Therapy is a privately held outpatient physical therapy practice operating 12 clinic locations across Maryland and Delaware, with its founding site in Salisbury, MD (opened June 1998). The company delivers one-on-one, hour-long physical therapy sessions across a broad specialty portfolio that includes warm-water aquatic therapy, orthopedic rehabilitation, pelvic floor therapy (for which it claims the largest regional therapist bench), sports medicine, LSVT BIG therapy for Parkinson's, vestibular and balance rehabilitation, lymphedema management, dry needling and cupping, concussion therapy, TMJ treatment, pediatric care, and workers' compensation programs. Service delivery is primarily in-clinic, supplemented by the Aquacare PT PLUS mobile/concierge program and telehealth visits.

The business model combines insurance-reimbursed clinical services (Medicare, Tricare, workers' compensation, commercial payers) with cash-pay offerings (dry needling, cupping, dance medicine) and a recurring revenue medical fitness membership at the Milford Fitness Center ($25-$30/month). Patient acquisition is driven by physician referrals, direct self-referrals, a multi-channel marketing approach (health articles blog, Fit&Well Podcast, Instagram, pickleball newsletter, community events), and partnerships with schools and sports organizations. The sister brand Fitness Forum Physical Therapy (Annapolis and Kent Island) operates within the same organizational structure under the Aquacare umbrella.

The company is women-owned and physical-therapist-owned, founded and still led by CEO Cara Konlian (MSPT) alongside CFO Steve Konlian (MD) and COO Jennifer O'Neill (MPT), with a leadership team that includes a Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Business Analytics, and Director of Maryland Regional Clinics. Aquacare has operated for 26+ years without disclosed outside funding and holds a 2025 Great Place To Work Certification (85% employee endorsement versus a 57% national benchmark). Strategic emphasis is on specialty depth, multi-unit expansion across the Eastern Shore, and lifecycle extension of the patient relationship through fitness, mobile, and content channels.

Name

Aquacare Physical Therapy

Legal name

Aquacare Physical Therapy

Website

https://aquacarephysicaltherapy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Aquacare Physical Therapy operates 12 outpatient physical therapy clinics across Maryland and Delaware, delivering specialty rehabilitation — aquatic therapy, pelvic floor, orthopedic, sports medicine, Parkinson's, and vestibular care — to patients across the Eastern Shore region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outpatient Physical Therapy Services

NAICS

Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (62134), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340), Offices of Other Health Practitioners (6213), Ambulatory Health Care Services (621)

SIC

Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093), Services-Home Health Care Services (8082), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Outpatient Rehabilitation & Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy Centers (HLAFABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aquatic Physical Therapy & Hydrotherapy (HSADAIAL), Home Health Physical Therapy & Mobile PT (HSADAIAO), Vestibular Rehabilitation & Balance Therapy (HSADAIAF), Outpatient Occupational Therapy (OT) Clinics (HLADAJAE), Aqua Fitness Classes (HSADABAL)

Keywords

• Outpatient physical therapy
• Aquatic therapy services
• Orthopedic rehabilitation
• Pelvic floor therapy
• Sports medicine therapy

Headquarters

HQ city

Salisbury

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Insurance-Billed Physical Therapy Services: Standard outpatient physical therapy services billed to insurance companies and third-party payers including Medicare, Tricare, and workers' compensation. Services include aquatic therapy, orthopedic rehabilitation, sports medicine, pelvic floor therapy, and other specialized treatments.
2. Cash-Based Physical Therapy Services: Self-pay services not covered by insurance including dry needling, cupping, dance medicine programs, and cash-based PT for athletes. Billed per session or in discounted packages.
3. Fitness Center Memberships: Milford Fitness Center memberships at $30/month for general public and $25/month for post-rehab patients, offering supervised exercise programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Aquacare Physical Therapy operates 12 outpatient physical therapy clinics across Maryland and Delaware, delivering one-on-one, hour-long therapy sessions in both gym-based and warm-water aquatic settings. Core offerings include orthopedic rehabilitation, sports medicine, aquatic therapy, pelvic floor therapy, lymphedema management, vestibular and balance therapy, LSVT BIG for Parkinson's, dry needling, pediatric physical therapy, and workers' compensation / injured worker programs, complemented by mobile therapy (Aquacare PT PLUS), telehealth, and a medical fitness center (Milford Fitness Center).

Product overview

Aquacare and Fitness Forum Physical Therapy operates as a unified multi-location physical therapy practice with 12 outpatient locations across Maryland and Delaware. The core offering consists of one-on-one, hour-long physical therapy sessions delivered in both gym-based and aquatic therapy settings. The product portfolio centers on specialty physical therapy services including aquatic therapy (using warm-water pools at multiple locations), orthopedic rehabilitation, and an extensive range of specialized programs. The practice has developed particular expertise in pelvic floor therapy (serving as the region's largest provider), lymphedema management, LSVT BIG therapy for Parkinson's, balance and vestibular rehabilitation, sports medicine for athletes of all ages, and pediatric physical therapy. Additional services include dry needling, cupping, pregnancy/postpartum care, concussion therapy, TMJ treatment, and neuropathy treatment using ReBuilder electrical stimulation. The company has expanded to offer mobile therapy through Aquacare PT PLUS, concierge services, a medical fitness center (Milford Fitness Center), telehealth appointments, and educational content via the Fit&Well Podcast. All services are delivered with the company's stated 'WOW factor' commitment to individualized patient care.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Aquacare Athletics: Sports performance and athletics program offering injury prevention, recovery, and athletic training services
• Aquacare PT PLUS
• Milford Fitness Center
• Fitness Forum

Products and services

• Aquatic Therapy Warm-water pool therapy provided at multiple locations, used for orthopedic rehabilitation, sports recovery, and pediatric care. Aquacare is one of the only providers in Delaware and Maryland offering advanced aquatic physical therapy.
• Pelvic Floor Therapy Specialized therapy for men and women addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse. Aquacare has the largest pelvic floor therapy team in the region.
• LSVT BIG Program for Parkinson's Evidence-based treatment protocol for Parkinson's Disease using large amplitude exercise for re-education of the sensorimotor system. Delivered as 16 one-hour sessions four days per week for four weeks with one-on-one instruction.
• Balance and Vestibular Therapy Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) minimizing dizziness, enhancing balance, and mitigating fall risk by restoring function to the inner ear. Includes BPPV tune-ups using maneuvers such as the Epley maneuver.
• Orthopedic Rehabilitation Orthopedic physical therapy to decrease pain and swelling, improve strength and range of motion, and help patients meet functional goals, including pre-surgery and post-surgery planning.
• Sports Medicine Sports medicine physical therapy program for athletes of all ages, including specialized tracks for golfers, pickleball players, and dancers, aimed at rapid and safe return to sport.
• Dry Needling and Cupping Physical therapy technique using thin filiform needles to stimulate myofascial trigger points and muscular tissues; cupping uses specialized cups to create suction for increased blood flow and muscle tension reduction.
• Lymphedema Management Therapy Specialized lymphedema therapy with certified therapists who tailor programs to individual patient needs and goals, including massage techniques and compression stocking guidance.
• Pediatric Physical Therapy Pediatric physical therapy assessing and meeting needs of children from birth to 21 with physical or developmental issues preventing independent movement, learning, and thriving.
• Injured Worker Program Workers' compensation physical therapy program using a sports medicine approach that prioritizes early intervention with aggressive, hands-on education for swift and effective recovery.
• Aquacare PT PLUS Mobile Therapy Mobile physical therapy program bringing licensed therapists to patients' homes, workplaces, fitness centers, community pools, or other locations for patients who cannot visit clinics.
• Telehealth Physical Therapy Virtual physical therapy appointments allowing patients to complete sessions from home via video, offered as an alternative during inclement weather or when in-person visits are not possible.
• Milford Fitness Center Medical fitness and wellness center offering state-of-the-art exercise equipment, customized wellness programs, post-rehabilitation programs, and personalized workouts under physical therapy supervision. Membership $30/month ($25/month for post-rehab patients).
• Aquacare Athletics Sports performance program with a dedicated team for athletic training, injury prevention, and recovery, including Athlete of the Week recognition and sports performance clinics.
• Stretch360 Assisted Stretching Physical therapist-assisted stretching service designed to improve flexibility, mobility, and range of motion.
• Pickleball Program Specialized physical therapy program for pickleball players including injury treatment, movement therapies, free clinics, and the Big Dill Pickleball newsletter with health resources.
• Auto Accident Injury Treatment Physical therapy services for patients experiencing personal injury from automobile accidents, providing immediate care and coordination with insurance providers.
• TMJ Therapy Physical therapy for temporomandibular joint (TMJ/TMD) problems offering non-surgical, drug-free treatment to reduce pain, improve jaw movement, and address jaw pain, clicking, and headaches.
• ReBuilder Neuropathy Treatment Electrical stimulation treatment using biofeedback and electrical stimulation to encourage increased blood flow, addressing peripheral neuropathy symptoms such as tingling and numbness.
• Dance Medicine Specialized physical therapy for dancers addressing injury recovery, body awareness, alignment, and pain management as part of the Aquacare Athletics sports performance program.
• Concussion Therapy Physical therapy program for concussion management and recovery, helping patients return to activity safely after head injuries.
• Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy

Quantifiable outcome

• 85% of employees rated Aquacare as a great place to work (vs 57% national average)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)minorOthersAquacare is a proud member of the American Physical Therapy Association, indicating adherence to professional standards and access to APTA resources and continuing education.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers: Franchise-based PT network with particular emphasis on vestibular/balance therapy and other specialty programs. Highly comparable to Aquacare's specialty depth model (balance, vestibular, pelvic floor, orthopedics), and similarly built around a strong brand promise and specialty differentiation rather than commodity PT volume.
• Rehab Associates of the Pacific / BenchMark Physical Therapy: Multi-state outpatient PT chain offering orthopedic, sports, hand, and vestibular therapy programs directly comparable to Aquacare's specialty mix. Operates a similar de novo + acquisition growth playbook across multiple regional markets, making it a structurally comparable peer on expansion strategy and clinical positioning.
• Ivy Rehab Network: Multi-state outpatient PT and pediatric therapy network with specialty programs in pelvic health, vestibular, sports medicine, and orthopedics — closely matching Aquacare's clinical offerings. Both operate multi-specialty, multi-location outpatient models with strong pediatric and orthopedic sub-specialties, though Ivy has significantly broader geographic reach.
• Pivot Physical Therapy: Mid-Atlantic and Southeast outpatient PT chain offering orthopedic, sports medicine, and workers' comp services with overlapping clinical programs to Aquacare. Highly comparable on specialty mix, multi-location outpatient model, and regional density — though Pivot operates across more states than Aquacare's MD/DE footprint.
• Phoenix Rehabilitation and Health Services: Regional outpatient PT provider in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast with specialty programs in orthopedics, sports medicine, and industrial/workers' comp rehabilitation. Closely comparable to Aquacare on clinical mix and regional density, and operates a similar multi-location specialty clinic model across adjacent states.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Physical Therapy: Public holding company that acquires and operates outpatient physical therapy clinics through partnerships with local management teams. Comparable business model to Aquacare at the unit-clinic level (specialty PT clinics), and represents a likely strategic acquirer or benchmark for the Eastern Shore practice given its roll-up of regional PT brands.
• Select Physical Therapy (Select Medical): National outpatient rehabilitation brand operated by Select Medical, providing orthopedic, sports, and workers' comp PT across hundreds of clinics. Comparable in service line and patient mix to Aquacare, but operates as part of a much larger publicly traded healthcare services platform with significantly broader geographic and clinical scope.
• NovaCare Rehabilitation: Large national outpatient PT provider operating as part of Select Medical's network, offering orthopedic, sports, and hand therapy services comparable to Aquacare's core specialties. Serves as a broad incumbent competitor with national contracts and broader clinical scope than Aquacare's regional footprint.
• Athletico Physical Therapy: National outpatient PT chain with strong specialty programs in orthopedics, sports medicine, vestibular, and pelvic health — overlapping directly with Aquacare's clinical portfolio. Comparable in specialty depth and multi-location model, but at substantially larger scale across the Midwest and beyond.
• ATI Physical Therapy: One of the largest outpatient physical therapy chains in the U.S., offering orthopedic rehab, sports medicine, and specialty services comparable to Aquacare, but at national scale across 900+ clinics. Comparable as a directly competing outpatient PT provider, though ATI's broad geographic footprint makes it a broader incumbent rather than a regional specialist.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AquacarePT
• Facebookfacebook.com/aquacarephysicaltherapy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aquacare-physical-therapy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aquacare Physical Therapy