David Abenante looks back on a decade at Elite Physiotherapy

Reflections on leadership, expansion, and staying true to your mission in a growing clinic.

In recognition of his leadership and community involvement, Abenante received the Trail Chamber of Commerce’s Business Person of the Year award in 2025. — Photos courtesy of Elite Physiotherapy

When David Abenante opened the doors of Elite Physiotherapy in Trail back in 2016, it was a one-man operation with a single receptionist and a mission to provide thoughtful, high-quality care to the community that had raised him. Over the past decade, that mission has grown exponentially. Today, Elite Physiotherapy operates across two locations with a multidisciplinary team that includes physiotherapists, massage therapists, a kinesiologist, occupational therapist, osteopath, pedorthist, and clinical counsellor—all working together to support patients through every stage of recovery and wellness.

Looking back, Abenante sees his path as one defined by building reliable systems, nurturing a dedicated team, and shaping a vision that stretches beyond the clinic itself. From pivotal expansions to the adoption of cutting-edge treatments like Shockwave Therapy, Elite Physiotherapy has evolved in step with the needs of Trail’s residents. 

When you think back to your first full year in 2016, what feels most different about your life and practice today?

When I look back at my first full year in 2016, the biggest difference is the scale and depth of what we’ve built. In the beginning, it was just me and one receptionist, focused on serving our community as best we could.

Today, we’ve grown into two locations with a diverse, multidisciplinary team—including four receptionists, three physiotherapists, five massage therapists, a kinesiologist, occupational therapist, pedorthist, osteopath, and a clinical counsellor.

What feels most different isn’t just the size of the team, but the impact. We’re now able to provide truly collaborative care and support patients at every stage of their recovery and wellness journey. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve come.

What’s something you believed about running a clinic 10 years ago that experience has reshaped?

Ten years ago, I really believed that you simply get out of a business what you put into it—energy, time, money. And while that’s still true to a degree, experience has reshaped that belief.

I’ve learned that it’s not just about how much you put in, but where and how you invest it. Pouring in endless hours isn’t the same as building the right systems, hiring the right people, and protecting your own capacity as a leader.

Now I understand that sustainable growth comes from intentional effort, not just hard work. It’s about building a strong team, creating a clear vision, and trusting others to help carry it forward.

In those early days of Elite Physiotherapy, what kept you up at night—and does that still apply today?

In the early days of Elite Physiotherapy, I was focused on every small detail—schedule gaps, cancellations, monthly numbers, patient feedback. When you’re building something from the ground up, those things feel critical because they are.

That attention to detail helped set our standard early on. It built discipline, accountability, and a culture of excellence.

Today, my focus has shifted. I’m not losing sleep over the small fluctuations. I’m thinking about strategic growth, developing within our team, strengthening our culture, and ensuring we continue to raise the bar in patient care. The concerns evolve, but the commitment to excellence hasn’t changed—it’s just operating at a higher level now.

What has been the biggest operational lesson you’ve learned as a clinic owner?

The biggest operational lesson I’ve learned is that organization and hiring are everything.

Strong systems create consistency and stability, but the real difference comes down to people. Hiring isn’t just about skill, it’s about finding the right fit for the clinic’s culture and standards.

Have there been any pivotal moments—expansions, setbacks, risks—that shaped the clinic’s direction?

Yes, there have definitely been pivotal moments. Expanding and doubling our original space was a major step. It was an adventure—managing construction, growth, and operations while still seeing clients and maintaining the level of care our patients expected.

Opening our second clinic was another defining moment. It wasn’t something we had aggressively planned at first, but as we grew, more clinical professionals began reaching out wanting to join our team. That demand created an opportunity we chose to step into. 

When you said you wanted to “give back” to the community that raised you — how has that taken shape over the last 10 years?

Giving back to the community that raised me has been a core part of Elite Physiotherapy over the last 10 years. We’re actively involved with local sports teams and associations, provide donations, and volunteer our services whenever we can.

Beyond that, we support the next generation of clinicians by welcoming students for university practicums and work experience whenever there’s a need. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our clinic not just treat patients, but also strengthen and give back to the community that has supported us from day one.

How has the health landscape in Trail and the surrounding Kootenays changed since you opened?

When we first opened, Trail had an aging population, which remains significant today. Over the years, though, we’ve seen more young families moving into the area, and with that comes an increase in youth sports.

That shift has changed the way people use our services—we’re seeing more families seeking care for their kids, and more community members prioritizing preventative and active health. It’s expanded both the types of care we provide and the ways we engage with the community.

What does practicing physiotherapy in a smaller community allow you to do that might not be possible in a larger urban centre?

Practicing physiotherapy in a smaller community allows for a level of personal, one-on-one care that’s harder to achieve in larger urban centres. You get to know people beyond just their injuries—their families, their stories, and what matters to them.

Having been born and raised in Trail, I’ve always been able to relate to the unique dynamics of a smaller community. I believe that connection has played a big part in Elite Physiotherapy’s success, helping us build trust and long-term relationships with our patients.

Are there new treatment approaches or tools you’ve incorporated that didn’t exist when you started?

Absolutely. While the human body hasn’t changed, the technology, treatments, and techniques we use are constantly evolving. One of the newest additions at our clinic is Shockwave Therapy, and we’ve seen excellent results with it in treating a variety of conditions.

Staying current with these advancements allows us to provide more effective, evidence-based care and continually improve the outcomes for our patients. 

What misconceptions about physiotherapy do you still encounter?

One of the biggest misconceptions we still encounter is that you need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist. In reality, no referral is required—physiotherapy is considered a first-line treatment service.

People often don’t realize they can access care directly, which means many could start their recovery or injury prevention sooner.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I would like to say how honoured I am that you reached out to do this interview. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share the story of Elite Physiotherapy and the incredible community we serve. Over the last 10 years, we’ve grown from a small clinic with just a receptionist and myself into a multidisciplinary team across two locations, but our focus has never changed: providing exceptional care and building real relationships with our patients.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, excited for what’s ahead, and committed to continuing to give back to the community that has supported us from day one.