Philip Hill’s career in physiotherapy, like many in the athletic world, began with his own injuries.
“I played sports and got injured, and I liked helping people,” he said. “I wanted to stay a part of sports. And as I got older, I realized there were a lot more people who didn’t have anywhere to turn after physical therapy (PT). There was a gray area that no one was able to fill.”
After graduating from Huntland High School, Hill put aside his basketball shoes and cleats and pursued an education at Middle Tennessee State University. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and a master’s in exercise physiology. He followed up with an internship at the University of the South, diving deeper into sports performance.
After a brief detour to celebrate his son’s birth, Hill returned to school, earning a physical therapy assistant degree from Volunteer State Community College. He also became a certified strength and conditioning specialist and a pain-free performance specialist.
Hill’s extensive background in PT, sports medicine, and athletic training led him to work as a physical therapy assistant in a clinic and home health for a while.
About 10 years ago, Hill experienced a turning point. During her final session, a woman who had undergone a total knee replacement expressed her concerns to him.
“I really love going to the gym. That’s who I’ve always been,” she said. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do once I leave here.”
Hill realized traditional therapy often left patients unsure about how to continue their post-therapy recovery or improve their physical performance. He advised her to try the gym again but knew more could be done. Hill began meeting clients in gyms after hours to help them return to physical activity safely.
“Initially, I didn’t charge people for it,” Hill said. “But so many people were asking about it. That’s where Fit Beyond Therapy came from.”
Building a unique niche, like Fit Beyond Therapy, was innovative but not easy. He had no idea that such a unique idea could be both daunting and necessary.
“We’re so multifaceted that the hard part is explaining exactly what we do,” Hill said. “We work with everyone — from 6-year-old athletes wanting to get faster to people recovering from past surgeries like total knee replacements.”
Inside Fit Beyond Therapy, an atmosphere of endurance and excellence inspires clients to push beyond their physical limits. Growing athletes fine-tune their agility, older adults regain balance and stability, and individuals rediscover their strength after athletic or nonathletic injuries.
Hill’s eyes follow every stride and lift as he gauges progress, always offering a hand to guide and encourage, never settling for “good enough.” At Fit Beyond Therapy, recovery is not the end but the beginning of a lifelong journey toward sustainable strength and self-confidence.
Fit Beyond Therapy bridges the gap between PT and sustained fitness, helping clients of all ages and backgrounds regain confidence, overcome limitations, and pursue holistic health through tailored, multifaceted care. The foundation of the business is transforming training and recovery into a lifestyle. Hill guides his clients from the end of their PT journey to a point where they are ready to return to the gym.
Hill created a program called the “Three Pillars of Core,” which allows him to assess clients and tailor plans to their goals, whether they’re still recovering from post-surgery rehab or aiming to get stronger. The program focuses on mechanics and progression, helping clients recover and improve their overall fitness and performance.
While the Three Pillars of Core programs provide a strong foundation for recovery and fitness, Hill elevates the experience by prioritizing the quality of his relationships with clients. The titles of athletic trainer, physical therapist, and sports medicine professional don’t fully capture the trusted coach and friend known by many. His open-door policy proves it.
“I have an open-door policy. Once you become a client of mine, I’m there for you no matter what,” he said. “If something comes up, they can text me, and I’ll bring them in the next day to assess the issue.”
This open-door policy has helped him build trust and a direct line of communication with his clients.
“They feel comfortable knowing someone cares about them past the typical 8-to-5 hours,” he explained.
Recovery often ends with PT, but for Hill, that’s where the true journey begins. By connecting rehabilitation and sustainable fitness, Hill has built a community where clients of all ages push beyond their limits with confidence. His personalized styles help clients regain physical strength and equip them with longer-lasting tools for health and wellness. Creating strong relationships and promoting a sustainable, active lifestyle is Hill’s key to empowering clients to thrive well into the future. GN
