For licensed physical therapists: a therapy clinic gives exercise, manual therapy and electrotherapy sessions to patients recovering from injuries, strokes and surgery, on a doctor's prescription. Most start as a small clinic with two therapists in a ground-floor space near hospitals or clinics. The money is made on full appointment books, patients who finish their packages, and good ties with referring doctors.

This guide walks through what it takes to start a therapy clinic in the Philippines: the capital, the monthly costs, the permits and the first 90 days. The peso figures are sample estimates for a two-therapist clinic in Cebu as of October 2026; get your own quotes before you decide.

How much capital you need

The sample comes to about ₱838,300 including one month of fixed costs kept as a cash buffer. It splits into clinic fit-out (₱225,000), therapy equipment (₱358,000), office and records (₱47,000), permits and deposits (₱87,000), opening supplies (₱33,000) and working capital (₱88,300). Other ways to start: home-visit therapist at ₱80,000–₱200,000 and rehabilitation centre at ₱3 million and up.

Monthly costs and break-even

Fixed costs in the sample are ₱88,300 a month; the biggest are clinic rent (₱25,000), physical therapist (₱23,400) and clinic aide and receptionist (₱15,600). Each session sold earns about ₱646 after its own costs, so the break-even is 5.3 sessions a day, and the startup capital takes about 11 months to come back at full sales.

Permits and registration

Register the business name with DTI (or SEC or CDA), then get the barangay business clearance, the Mayor's permit through the city or municipal BPLO, and BIR registration; register with SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG once you hire. A therapy clinic also needs: professional tax receipt (PTR), ask about DOH facility licensing and HMO accreditation (optional). Requirements and fees differ by city, so ask each office for its checklist first. DTI Negosyo Centers help for free.

Where to set up

  • Near hospitals and orthopaedic clinics
  • Ground floor with a ramp and parking
  • A medical building where doctors refer patients downstairs
  • Near subdivisions with many seniors

Mistakes to avoid

  • Patients stop before finishing. Packages paid ahead, clear plans with goals, and a call after any missed session.
  • Too few referrals. Visit doctors regularly, send progress notes with consent, and answer referrals the same day.
  • A patient falls or is hurt. Grab bars, clear walkways, supervision during exercise, and staff trained in first aid.
  • Machines break down. Service them on schedule, keep spare pads and cables, and buy from dealers with local repair.

Plan it with the starter kit

The Therapy Clinic · Negosyo Starter Kit has every worksheet behind this guide in a 26-page PDF, plus an Excel calculator: type in your own quotes and it works out your capital, break-even, profit and payback month. It costs ₱499 and downloads right after payment.