Armadale Physiotherapy opened its doors 43 years ago, but owner Jim Vanderplas says he’s finally ready to step back.
“I’m leaving on a high,” Mr Vanderplas said.
“Having been here for so long, I think now is a good opportunity to do some other things because I’ve been so devoted to the practice.”
Mr Vanderplas operated the clinic as a solo practitioner with the help of his wife Meta who did administrative work.
When the clinic opened in 1982, he said there were only two other private practices in the area.
“I had lived in the Kelmscott Armadale area and grew up here,” he said.
“So, I knew the area well and had a link to it.
“I knew the people here and it was close to where I lived so it was a big advantage.
“A lot of other areas were already fairly well provided for with physiotherapy so I thought this would be a good place to start with a view to the potential growth in this corridor because it was on the edge of the suburban area.”
Throughout the years, Mr Vanderplas said he’s noticed a shift in community awareness about the benefits of physiotherapy.
“I think it’s because some people have benefited and they’ve spoken about it to others,” he said.
“So that’s really helped the practice grow and I’ve had a really good and strong private clientele through that.
“There’s just been a steady progression throughout the decades and that’s the benefit of having been here for a long time.”
Mr Vanderplas said being client-oriented was the reason behind the business’ success.
“Dealing with patients as people and recognising that they are not here just for a problem but it’s part of their life,” he said.
“If treating their particular injury or condition helps them to improve then that means they can also function better in their activities at home, at work (or) at sports.
“It’s about getting to know patients as people and recognising that they have particular interests and trying to tap into that to try make a connection between what they’re here for and what the rest of their life consists of.”
Through the conversations with his clients, Mr Vanderplas said he’s made many personal connections.
“That’s been a great privilege, to have made so many good connections with people, not just as patients but as people as well,” he said.
“You spend so much time with them that you have conversations about so many things, not just the things that they’re here for.
“That’s one of the really satisfying and rewarding aspects of the profession.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and the privilege to have been able to be here for so long and to sustain it.”
From Friday, November 14, Armadale Physiotherapy will have closed its doors.
