Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Gearhart.
Hi Jason, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my career in physical therapy with a simple but powerful belief: movement matters, and no two people move the same way. I completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), where I built a strong foundation in human movement and rehabilitation. After graduating, I went on to complete a post-graduate fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, which further shaped how I think about movement, biomechanics, and patient care.
Early in my career, I realized that many people were being pushed through cookie-cutter rehab models that focused more on protocols rather than the person in front of them. While those systems worked for some, they often left others frustrated, confused, or stuck.
As I gained more clinical experience, I became increasingly interested in understanding why people moved the way they did, not just where they hurt. That curiosity led me deeper into biomechanics, movement variability, performance training, and systems-based thinking. I saw firsthand how taking the time to truly assess someone’s movement, lifestyle, stress, and goals could completely change outcomes.
That realization ultimately led me to build Vital Six Physical Therapy and Performance. I wanted to create a space where movement is treated as a vital sign, where care is individualized, and where people feel heard, educated, and empowered throughout their recovery process. Today, my work sits at the intersection of rehabilitation, performance, and long-term health, helping people not just get out of pain, but move better, perform better, and build confidence in their bodies again.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many people who choose to step outside traditional healthcare models, there was a lot of uncertainty early on. Building something from the ground up meant wearing every hat at once, learning business skills on the fly, and navigating the discomfort of doing things differently than the norm.
There were challenges in gaining trust, educating people on the value of individualized care, and staying patient while the practice grew. There were also moments of self-doubt and burnout, especially when balancing clinical work with the demands of running a business. But each challenge reinforced why I started in the first place. Those struggles helped clarify my values, sharpen my approach, and ultimately led to a model of care that’s more sustainable, more effective, and more aligned with how I believe people should be treated.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Vital Six Physical Therapy and Performance is a cash-based physical therapy and performance clinic built around the belief that movement is a vital sign and that no two people should be treated the same. We work with a wide range of individuals, from people dealing with chronic pain or recurring injuries to athletes and active adults who want to move, train, and perform at a higher level without breaking down.
What we specialize in is individualized care. Every assessment starts with understanding how someone moves, how they live, and what matters to them. Instead of relying on generic protocols or symptom-based treatment, we focus on identifying movement patterns, loading strategies, and behaviors that contribute to pain or performance limitations. That approach allows us to address root causes rather than just managing symptoms.
What truly sets us apart is time, attention, and education. Sessions are one-on-one, unhurried, and built around collaboration. Clients leave not only feeling better, but understanding why they feel the way they do and how to manage their bodies long term. We intentionally sit at the intersection of rehabilitation, performance, and prevention so people don’t feel like they have to “graduate” out of physical therapy before they can move confidently again.
From a brand perspective, what I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built. Vital Six has become known for honesty, transparency, and results, but also for meeting people where they are. Our brand isn’t about quick fixes or hype. It’s about empowering people with the tools, confidence, and movement options they need to stay active for life.
What I want readers to know is that Vital Six isn’t just a place you go when something hurts. It’s a long-term partner in movement, health, and performance. Our goal is to help people move better today while building resilience for the future.
How do you define success?
define success as helping people build confidence in their bodies and giving them the tools to move well long after they leave our doors. It’s not just about eliminating pain in the short term, but about creating lasting change in how someone understands, trusts, and uses their body.
From a business perspective, success also means building something sustainable and values-driven. That includes creating an environment where clients feel heard, the care is high quality, and the work remains fulfilling for everyone involved. If the business can grow without compromising those standards, while positively impacting the community it serves, that’s success to me.
At the end of the day, success is alignment. When the way you practice, the way you lead, and the way you live all support the same mission, you’re doing meaningful work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.myvitalsix.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vital_six
