SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE Assists Physical Therapist’s Transition to Entrepreneur

SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE Assists Physical Therapist's Transition to Entrepreneur

Innovative, education-driven healthcare business expands access to non-invasive pain management while supporting local economic growth

After more than two decades in physical therapy, licensed physical therapist and movement educator Alex Schaefer opened Recovery Through Movement in O'Fallon. By applying a brain-based approach, Schaefer's practice is centered on education, empowerment, and long-term outcomes rather than short-term symptom relief. The therapist received guidance in his new role as entrepreneur from the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

"I've always been interested in how movement is controlled by the brain," Schaefer said. "Pain isn't just physical; it's something the brain produces. When people understand that, they can begin to change how they move and how they feel."

Recovery Through Movement serves a wide range of clients, including athletes seeking performance improvements, working adults managing chronic pain, and older adults striving to maintain independence. The practice emphasizes pain neuroscience education and brain-based movement strategies that help patients better understand their own bodies and actively participate in the recovery process.

In addition to one-on-one physical therapy services, Schaefer offers Awareness Through Movement classes based on the Feldenkrais Method. These gentle, voice-guided sessions focus on strengthening the connection between the brain and body and are accessible to individuals of all ages and movement abilities. The classes are designed to promote ease of movement, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall well-being.

"These classes aren't about pushing harder-they're about moving smarter," Schaefer explained. "They help people learn how to move more efficiently and comfortably in their everyday lives."

Schaefer chose to establish his practice in O'Fallon, returning to the Midwest to be closer to family while building a business grounded in both professional expertise and personal purpose. His decision reflects a broader commitment to investing in the local community.

The SBDC played a key role in helping him navigate business planning, marketing strategy, and operational development during the launch of the practice.

"Having someone to meet with regularly and talk through my goals made a huge difference," Schaefer said. "It kept me accountable and helped me take action on things that were outside my comfort zone."

Through the SBDC, Schaefer gained access to vital resources including professional referrals, marketing support, and strategic advising, helping him establish a strong and sustainable foundation for his business.

"It has been a privilege to support Alex in his mission to provide exceptional patient care," said Jo Ann Di Maggio May, Director of the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE. "His dedication to his patients and his commitment to sharing his clinical expertise are the foundation of this practice. We are proud to be part of his journey and look forward to supporting the continued growth and success of the business."

Recovery Through Movement continues to grow, offering an education-driven approach to physical therapy that empowers individuals to take control of their health while contributing to improved community wellness and local economic development.

About Recovery Through Movement
Recovery Through Movement is an O'Fallon-based physical therapy practice specializing in brain-based movement education, pain neuroscience, and functional rehabilitation. The practice serves individuals of all ages and abilities, offering both one-on-one therapy and group movement classes.

Contact: [email protected] | 808-283-9949

About the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE
The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists entrepreneurs like as well as existing business owners operating in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. SBDC enhances the region's economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses.

SBDC offices in Illinois are funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement among the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a service to the community. To learn how these no-cost services may help your business venture, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or [email protected].

PHOTO: Alex Schaefer, founder, Recovery Through Movement