Meet Gordon Peace | Physical Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gordon Peace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gordon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting OrthoAthletic Physical Therapy came from a desire to provide a higher standard of care for active individuals, especially golfers, tennis players, and pickleball athletes, who weren’t getting the focused, sport-specific treatment they needed in traditional clinic settings. I saw a gap in the market: athletes dealing with injuries or performance limitations were being rushed through generic rehab protocols, often with little one-on-one time or attention to the demands of their sport.

I wanted to create a practice where every session was dedicated, personal, and driven by real expertise in both physical therapy and sport performance. That’s why all our treatments are one-on-one for a full hour, and why we focus on manual therapy, dry needling, and tailored strength training, all designed specifically for the movements and challenges of your sport.

Ultimately, OrthoAthletic was born from the belief that athletes deserve more than a cookie-cutter approach; they deserve a partner who understands their goals and helps them stay at the top of their game.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
OrthoAthletic Physical Therapy is a concierge-style practice that brings specialized, one-on-one care directly to golfers, tennis players, and pickleball athletes within their country clubs. What sets us apart is our focus on performance-driven rehab—we don’t just help clients recover from pain or injury, we help them return to their sport better than before. Every session is a full hour of undivided attention, combining manual therapy (including dry needling, cupping, joint mobilization, and soft tissue work) with sport-specific strength training tailored to each athlete’s goals.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made in just a short amount of time—helping active adults not only recover, but thrive. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone return to the court or course with more confidence, less pain, and a better understanding of how their body moves.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Starting a business from scratch meant stepping outside the comfort of traditional clinic structures and taking on everything from marketing to scheduling to care delivery. But the biggest challenge was educating people on a model of care they may not have known existed—one that’s outside of the insurance-driven system, but far more effective and personal.

I overcame those challenges by staying true to the mission: delivering exceptional care that puts the athlete first. Word of mouth, client success stories, and building relationships within local country clubs helped build trust and momentum.

Along the way, I’ve learned that people crave a deeper, more connected approach to healthcare, especially when it comes to staying active in the sports they love. They don’t want to be rushed through generic rehab plans. They want a provider who listens, understands their sport, and helps them perform at a higher level.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got the full experience of what makes this area such an awesome place to live and play. Here’s how I’d show them a great time:

Day 1 – Chill Start
We’d kick things off with a slow morning at Tenfold Coffee, hands down one of my favorite spots for a high-quality pour-over and a laid-back vibe. After that, we’d take a leisurely stroll through Memorial Park, maybe even hit the trails if they’re up for it. It’s a great way to move, talk, and soak in some nature right in the city.

Day 2 – Local Flavor
For lunch, we’d hit Local Foods, the perfect spot for a fresh, seasonal meal that never disappoints. Whether it’s their crunchy chicken sandwich or one of their rotating salads, it’s always a win. From there, we’d check out a local brewery in the Heights to catch a game and enjoy the neighborhood feel. Great beer, friendly people, and a relaxed atmosphere to kick back.

Day 3 – Foodie Night Out
Dinner would definitely be at Gypsy Poet, I’m talking legit artisan pizza and an energy that’s just unmatched. To end the night on a high note, we’d head over to Lei Low, a tucked-away tiki bar with killer cocktails and island vibes. It’s the perfect nightcap spot, whether you’re talking story or just soaking it all in.

Rest of the Week – Mix of Movement and Fun
The rest of the week would be a mix of morning workouts at MADabolic, maybe a few pickleball or tennis matches, depending on their sport, and some exploring through the Heights and Montrose for shopping, coffee, and culture.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to Jeff Ryg, owner of Mend Physical Therapy and one of my instructors during the Emory Orthopedic Residency Program. In a field where most physical therapists don’t pursue residency training, choosing that path was one of the most pivotal decisions I’ve made in my career. The residency challenged me to grow clinically, think more critically, and, most importantly, it completely reshaped how I viewed the potential of physical therapy.

Jeff played a major role in that transformation. He not only modeled what exceptional, evidence-based care looks like, but also introduced me to the world of performance physical therapy and practice ownership. Until then, I hadn’t truly seen how physical therapy could blend high-level manual therapy with strength and conditioning to help active individuals return to sport stronger than ever.

His mentorship and example were a big reason why I ultimately had the confidence to start OrthoAthletic Physical Therapy. Jeff showed me that you can build something that’s both clinically excellent and deeply fulfilling, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Website: https://orthoathleticpt.com

Instagram: orthoathletic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orthoathletic-physical-therapy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orthoathletic

Image Credits
Ashlen Ronca