Community Highlights: Meet Adam Laraway of Focus Physical Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Laraway

Adam , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been a Physical Therapist for almost 25 years. I began my career at UCLA Medical Center, which provided a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge as a new Physical Therapist. After about three years, I relocated to the Antelope Valley for my wife’s job and transitioned to a position in private practice. Shortly thereafter, I had the opportunity to become a co-owner and co-director of the practice, which I managed for approximately 16 years as part of a larger network of clinics.
In 2019, I decided it was time for a change. I wanted to fully own and operate my own clinic to focus on providing quality, one-on-one patient care and help as many people as possible. Additionally, I envisioned opening a clinic in my hometown, allowing me to become more involved in the local community and give back to the place where I live.
During the process of establishing my clinic, I was introduced to Neufit and its Neubie device through my business coach. Intrigued, I began researching how this innovative piece of equipment could integrate into my practice and support my vision. The Neubie is an FDA-approved, pulsed direct current device approved for treatment in September 2017. In July 2019, I opened Focus Physical Therapy with just myself and a front desk assistant. Over the past five years, we have grown significantly, now boasting a team of four treating providers and two front desk/aides. During this time, we have been honored with several awards, including:
Ultimate Physical Therapist (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Best Physical Therapy Practice (2021)
Top Three Physical Therapists (2023, 2024)
Santa Clarita Best of 2024 Clinic
Quality Business Awards Best (2023, 2024)
At Focus Physical Therapy, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized, high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Our practice addresses a wide range of patient concerns and conditions, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A significant challenge arose just seven months after opening the clinic when the COVID-19 pandemic began. As many clients and practices were forced to close, I faced the daunting task of navigating this unprecedented situation. This involved determining how to safely remain open, managing and complying with evolving restrictions, rules, and regulations for healthcare, and continuing to provide exceptional care to our patients.

In addition to the challenges brought on by the pandemic, finding highly qualified Physical Therapists has been a persistent struggle, as the nation currently faces a 17% shortage in the field. According to the APTA Private Practice Section in 2022, approximately 22,000 therapists retired or left the profession, while only about 12,800 new therapists graduated or entered the workforce during the same period.

Another pressing challenge has been managing the impact of declining insurance reimbursement rates. These cuts directly reduce revenue per patient visit, forcing practices to see more patients to maintain profitability, which can lead to provider burnout and ultimately compromise the quality of care. Additionally, the administrative burden of handling insurance claims, denials, and appeals continues to grow, requiring more resources and staff, which further increases operational costs. This issue is compounded by rising expenses, such as rent, equipment, billing fees, marketing, and staff salaries. Private practices like mine also face increasing competition from larger corporate-owned practices and hospital systems, which often have greater negotiating power with insurers, larger staffing resources, and the ability to see upwards of 4–5 patients per hour to maintain revenue—often at the expense of quality care.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I chose the name Focus Physical Therapy because we are focused on patient care and delivering high-quality treatment. In an overburdened healthcare industry, where many clinics are forced to see an overwhelming number of patients to offset declining reimbursements, inflation, and rising business costs, we are committed to maintaining the quality of care that changes lives and helps patients recover.

At our clinic, we utilize the Neubie device by Neufit, a pulsed direct electric current device that maps the nervous system to accurately identify underlying dysfunctions. This innovative approach allows us to pinpoint the root cause of the problem, rather than simply chasing pain as is often the case in traditional healthcare. We take a holistic view of each patient, incorporating all aspects of their recovery—including diet and nutrition, sleep, and addressing both orthopedic and neurologic issues.

We are known for truly listening to our patients during evaluations and getting to the root cause of their problems, rather than following the all-too-common practice of assigning a few generic exercises or simply putting patients on a bike. Our approach is personalized and thorough, ensuring that every patient receives care tailored to their specific needs.

Beyond clinical care, we are actively involved in our community, sponsoring multiple high school athletic programs, local charity races, health fairs, and other events. This involvement reflects our commitment to giving back and supporting the well-being of those we serve.
We also distinguish ourselves by ensuring that patients see their Physical Therapist at every visit. We do not rely on aides to provide treatment, as this practice is not only unethical but also illegal—though, unfortunately, it has become common in larger clinics. Our commitment to ethical, patient-centered care sets us apart and reinforces our dedication to doing what is right for our patients.

At Focus Physical Therapy, our mission is to deliver exceptional care, prioritize patient needs, and make a meaningful difference in every life we touch.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Spreading the word about what makes us different is essential to our mission. Our patients are our greatest advocates and referral source. They often share their positive experiences with friends and family, and many return to their doctors to describe how our care stands apart from other clinics. Their testimonials about the exceptional, personalized care they receive are a powerful testament to the difference we strive to make every day. Featuring testimonials from our patients within the magazine to build trust and showcase real-world results, as well as highlight awards and recognitions our clinic has received can help reinforce our reputation as a leading provider.

Pricing:

• Evaluation $175
• Follow ups $125
• Accept most insurances.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.focusphysicaltherapyscv.com or www.focusptscv.com
• Instagram: @focusptscv
• Facebook: focusptscv
• Twitter: focusptscv