The Renaissance of Private Practice

There's reason to be hopeful as the private physio renaissance period is upon us.

Here’s what’s happening:

• The NDIS bubble that has dominated and disrupted the industry is showing cracks.
• Many NDIS-dependent clinics are either downsizing, restructuring, or on the brink of collapse.
• This means the talent pool—currently stretched thin—will swing back toward private practice.

For the private practice owner, this is your moment to capitalise.

2026 is shaping up to be a boom year, but the groundwork begins now. Here's why:

Why 2026 Will Be a Boom Year for Private Practice

1. Interest Rates Will Soften
2. A Talent Surge Back to Private Practice
3. Stronger New Graduate Cohorts
4. NDIS Fallout Benefits Private Practice

What Does This Mean for Practice Owners?

This pendulum swing represents a huge opportunity to rebuild and strengthen your clinic. Here’s what you should do:

1. Build Your Dream Team

• Recruitment opportunities will peak as experienced physios and eager new grads flood the market.
• Take this chance to attract high-performing practitioners who align with your clinic’s values and culture.
• Get ahead: start networking and hiring in 2025, before the competition heats up.

2. Focus on Clinical Excellence

• With better-trained grads and experienced practitioners, you can set higher standards for care.
• Invest in professional development to elevate your team’s skills and reputation.

3. Refine Your Business Systems

• As the market shifts in your favour, ensure your clinic is ready to scale. Automate, optimise, and streamline your operations.
• Prepare your systems for an influx of patients by upgrading software, refining workflows, and ensuring marketing channels are primed.

4. Position Yourself as the Employer of Choice

• Many physios are leaving unstable sectors and will value a practice that offers clarity, stability, and growth.
• Highlight these factors in your recruitment strategies and public messaging.

5. Market Aggressively

• While the NDIS and aged care sectors see continued chaos, private practice can market itself as a stable, trusted alternative for patients.
• Leverage this narrative to attract both clients and top-tier therapists.

A Christmas Message of Hope

As the year wraps up, it’s important to take stock of the resilience you’ve shown in navigating these turbulent times.

If you’ve weathered the challenges of the NDIS disruption and recruitment struggles, you’re well-placed to thrive in the coming renaissance.

Twenty-twenty-five is about laying the foundation, and 2026 is when the private practice boom begins. But wait that's not all Tim Shaw...

If you're keen to get started, I've got even more tips next week as I run through my final webinar for the year on... you guessed it - recruitment and retention!

PS. You can sign up here for the free webinar, "Don't Lose Your Physios Over Xmas".

Create Purpose-Driven Physio Practices

Shane Gunaratnam

Founder, Culture Of One