Success Story: MoveWell Physical Therapy

MoveWell Physical Therapy Builds a Strategic Growth Roadmap with Support from OCIE SBDC and the City of Cypress

Location: Southern California | Orange County | Cypress

Business Type:Physical Therapy / Health and Wellness

Small Business Center: OCIE SBDC

Assistance Received: Business Planning, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, AI Tools, Financing/Capital Access

California State Assembly District: 67 

California State Senate District: 36 

Visit MoveWell Physical Therapy online

MoveWell Physical Therapy is a physical therapy practice located in Cypress, California. Owned by Karen Wakamoto, the practice has been serving the Los Alamitos and Cypress community since 2009. MoveWell Physical Therapy was founded with the mission of helping people move well and stay active so they can enjoy life and continue doing the activities they love. As the business continued to grow, Karen reached a point where she needed to make important decisions about the future of her practice, including whether and how to expand. Through the Cypress Next Up Grant Program, Karen worked with the OCIE SBDC to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for MoveWell Physical Therapy. The program provided training, consulting, and practical guidance to help her clarify her business goals, identify growth opportunities through marketing strategies, AI tools, and create a clear roadmap for the future.  

Karen shared that participating in the SBDC program was especially valuable because much of her business learning had previously come through trial and error and on-the-job experience. Through the program, she was able to access organized, relevant, and immediately useful business education delivered by experienced consultants including developing an understanding of growth strategies and digital and AI tools to support her business growth.  

“As a business owner for nearly 8 years, most of my learning has been by trial and error and ‘on-the-job training,’” said Karen. “What a tremendous privilege and help it has been to be able to participate in the SBDC program. The material is presented professionally in a way that is organized, relevant and immediately useful. Each of the consultants clearly is an expert in his/her area, demonstrating passion in sharing their expertise with small business owners like myself. Learning principles of Strategic Planning has been especially helpful to me as I’m at the point of making decisions as to whether or not to expand my business. I find myself revisiting and refining the very fundamentals, the mission and vision of the business, which is critical in shaping my proceedings as the business owner. I would recommend participation in the SBDC program to any small business owner. To have the instruction, support and guidance of business experts who are eager and willing to help is an invaluable gift from the City of Cypress. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to learn and grow as a business owner.”  

With OCIE SBDC support, Karen was able to clarify her business goals, better understand her growth options through marketing strategies and the use of digital and AI tools, and develop a strategic roadmap for MoveWell Physical Therapy, including how to best utilize the $10,000 grant received through the Cypress Next Up Grant Program. The combination of training and consulting helped her feel more confident in making informed decisions and positioning the practice for long-term success. As a result of the assistance received from the SBDC, MoveWell Physical Therapy confirmed that the business increased sales by $39,118, year over year, and hired one part-time employee. 

If you are a small business owner in Orange, Riverside, or San Bernardino County ready to move from instinct to strategy, connect with the OCIE SBDC to learn about their no-cost consulting, training programs, and access to local grant opportunities. And visit MoveWell Physical Therapy online to learn more about their services.

7/28/2026