For many adults over 40, staying active and pain-free becomes more complicated with time—yet most traditional healthcare models intervene only after injury. In 2021, PerformanceAbove LLC opened its doors to challenge that reactive approach, offering targeted, one-on-one physical therapy with a different swing.
As the area’s only physical therapy clinic specializing in golf performance, the women-owned, South Carolina–based provider focuses on proactive, personalized care that helps adults stay mobile, independent, and engaged in the activities they love. That forward-thinking model earned PerformanceAbove recognition as a 2025 Honoree in the Growth Accelerators category of the CO—100 Awards for its blend of clinical expertise, digital expansion, and community-centered programming.
Reimagining physical therapy for active aging
PerformanceAbove’s primary mission is to provide tailored physical therapy and movement solutions to adults who want to move better, not slow down. With a focus on golf-specific fitness and injury prevention, the clinic offers services including dry needling, myofascial release, and custom movement programs to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support long-term wellness.
“We provide evidence-based solutions that help people move better, play longer, and live pain-free,” said CEO Hetal Acharekar. “Our 'product' is movement—for health, performance, and quality of life.”
The company’s eagle-eyed focus has attracted retirees, working professionals, and recreational golfers seeking proactive solutions, as well as corporate partners interested in workforce wellness—marking a deliberate departure from the high-volume model that dominates much of the industry today.
“Unlike many physical therapy clinics that rely on high patient volumes and generalized care, we focus on quality over quantity—ensuring every client receives focused, hands-on treatment in a supportive environment,” Acharekar noted.
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Turning innovation into a growth engine
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for many small businesses, including PerformanceAbove, whose most significant growth acceleration came from expanding beyond the clinic walls. During and after the pandemic, many older adults were hesitant to return to traditional healthcare settings but still needed guidance to stay active. Rather than wait for conditions to normalize, Acharekar pivoted.
“The most significant change has been shifting from solely in-person physical therapy to a hybrid model that includes on-demand and AI-driven wellness programs,” Acharekar explained. “This shift allows us to serve clients beyond the clinic, scale our reach, and diversify revenue.”
That digital-ready transition led to the creation of Golf Fit, an on-demand golf fitness course that gives clients access to expert-led programming anytime, anywhere. The course quickly became a new revenue stream for the small business, expanding its reach beyond its local South Carolina market.
Unlike many physical therapy clinics that rely on high patient volumes and generalized care, we focus on quality over quantity—ensuring every client receives focused, hands-on treatment in a supportive environment.Hetal Acharekar, CEO of PerformanceAbove
Today, the company is further building on that momentum by developing Mikro Move, an AI-powered wellness app that delivers bite-sized, therapist-approved exercises for busy adults over 40. Together, these digital tools allow PerformanceAbove to scale its impact while maintaining the personalized philosophy that defines its in-person care.
“Our ability to meet clients where they are—whether in the clinic, on the course, or online—has made PerformanceAbove a trusted leader in movement, longevity, and active aging,” Acharekar said.
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Growing with purpose and community connection
Even as PerformanceAbove expands digitally, its growth remains firmly grounded in community. The clinic offers free and low-cost wellness education sessions, leads programs such as Tee It Up, Ladies! to promote confidence and connection through golf, and partners with local employers to deliver injury-prevention and workplace-wellness initiatives.
“We prioritize hiring local contractors, partnering with area golf instructors, and promoting health equity by keeping services accessible for underserved populations,” Acharekar said. “Our goal is to help our neighbors move better, feel stronger, and live healthier lives—while keeping our business community thriving.”
As a board member of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Acharekar stays closely connected to regional workforce needs and economic development opportunities, allowing the business to adapt quickly and intentionally. The team tracks engagement metrics, referrals, retention, and client outcomes—measuring success not just in revenue, but in real-world impact.
“Ultimately, success is measured by impact,” Acharekar noted. “When clients move more confidently, stay active longer, and feel supported no matter where they are, we know our adaptability is making a difference.”
PerformanceAbove’s thoughtful balance between innovation and community proves that sustainable growth doesn’t require changing course—just a smarter way to play.
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