A Life-Changing Case That Sparked the Start of a Physiotherapy Business

For physiotherapist Vinodh Antony, starting a business in Singapore wasn’t part of the original plan. Having lived in Singapore for nearly 15 years and worked at top medical institutions such as Gleneagles Hospital and Singapore General Hospital, Vinodh had always envisioned eventually returning to India, where his family lives.

 

But fate had other plans.

 

Back in 2017, Vinodh received a request from a doctor in Singapore to treat a young patient in critical condition. Although he was in India then, Vinodh went straight to Gleneagles Hospital to see the patient the morning he flew back to Singapore. That very day, the little boy’s condition improved—a moment that would change the course of Vinodh’s career. Grateful and deeply impressed, the boy’s parents—whom had a background in finance—encouraged Vinodh to start his own physiotherapy practice. Eventually, they became his co-founders.

 

Still unsure, Vinodh hesitated. “I had planned to move back home,” he recalls. But with stars aligning—including a forgotten ticket to a Chelsea match in Singapore (he’s a huge fan)—he took it as a sign to stay and give the business a go. That marked the start of his entrepreneurial journey.

 

Three years into the business, Vinodh and his partners found themselves with differing visions for growth. With the support of new investors, Vinodh made the decision to buy out the business. In 2020, he rebranded the practice as River Physio—a name that came to him randomly one morning, but felt just right. Today, River Physio has a dedicated and growing team of physiotherapists aligned with Vinodh's commitment to care and results.

 

 

After a few years of running his own clinic at Sixth Avenue, Vinodh began to feel the weight of managing an independent space—especially when unexpected issues, like a broken air conditioner, disrupted the day-to-day. “That’s when I realised how many moving parts there are in running a business,” he says. “You’re responsible for everything—marketing, operations, repairs.” Joining Core Collective was a game-changer. “The biggest difference is that I can now focus on what I do best—treating patients—without getting caught up in all the little things,” Vinodh shares. “It’s the little things that make a difference. While I’m usually focused on my clients, I sometimes overlook the smaller admin details—and the Core Collective team has been incredibly helpful with gentle reminders and support.”

Today, Vinodh and his team operate from Core Collective Anson and Core Collective Dempsey, tapping into the flexibility of multiple locations and the community of professionals that Core Collective brings together.

 

 

When asked what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur, Vinodh hesitantly replies: “Patience.” It’s the quality he believes every founder needs—along with a steady belief in your ability and the willingness to adapt when faced with challenges. Looking ahead, Vinodh envisions expanding River Physio’s team and continuing to create an environment where both patients and practitioners can thrive.

 

 

Vinodh's advice to aspiring business owners?
“There will always be challenges. But it’s your ability to adapt that makes you a good businessman.”