It all started with a question echoing in the mind of one determined woman: "Can physical therapy truly help people heal?"
At the time, patient referral systems were complicated and did not allow physiotherapists much say in assessment or treatment decisions. This led to many questions about the real effectiveness of physical therapy for patients
To prove that it could make a difference, Associate Professor Kanya Palwiwat opened her own small physical therapy clinic in a humble shophouse near Sam Yaek Fai Chai. She received kind support from physicians who understood the value of physiotherapy and referred patients to her clinic — and that was the beginning of Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic
From that small clinic at Sam Yaek Fai Chai, we expanded in 2002 by forming a team of leading physiotherapy educators and moving to a new location at Arun Amarin Junction.
This growth allowed Kanya Clinic to provide care to more people, even during the economic crisis of the late 1990s. Word-of-mouth — from friends to friends, children to families — kept our doors open and our purpose strong.
In 2008, the clinic was formally established as a company and relocated to Sirindhorn Road. A new team joined to help develop both our clinical services and academic standards, including:
At that time, our mission was clear: to train high-quality physical therapists, develop specialized in-house training programs, and build the foundation needed to expand our services to meet the growing needs of our community.
From generation to generation, Kanya Clinic’s founding vision has been carried forward by our team of dedicated physical therapists. In 2012, we expanded our services by opening the Mengjai Branch, which was warmly welcomed by the community. This growth allowed us to share the expertise of our licensed physiotherapists who provide evidence-based, modern care for every patient.
Today, Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic has become more than just a clinic — it is a nurturing ground for growing talented physiotherapists who bring meaningful value to Thai society. This commitment has driven our steady expansion to 9 branches, along with the establishment of Kanya Academy our training institute that partners with leading international institutions to advance professional development for physical therapists.
To reach even more people in need, we also offer Senior Home Care services for patients who have difficulty traveling. And in 2025, we are taking the next step with the opening of Kanya IMC Physical Therapy Hospital, which will provide intermediate care for patients who need more comprehensive rehabilitation support.
While many new physical therapy clinics have emerged over the years, Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic continues to uphold the highest standards of care.
We develop specialized treatment approaches for various conditions to serve people of all ages — from children to seniors and athletes. Our mission is not only to deliver excellent treatment, but also to uplift the physical therapy profession through our clinical practice.
Our ultimate goal is to help build a healthier society — one where people truly understand their health, take charge of their well-being, and continue to care for themselves sustainably for years to come.
In an era when Thai people are becoming increasingly health-conscious, physical therapy has emerged as an essential, trusted choice for prevention and recovery. But looking back over 40 years ago, few people knew what physical therapy could truly achieve. Only a handful of dedicated clinics existed at that time — and Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic was among the pioneers who laid the foundation for modern, evidence-based physiotherapy in Thailand.
Our Founding Vision
Assoc. Prof. Kanya Palwiwat, our founder, recognized that many health conditions people face daily could be improved through preventive care and physical rehabilitation, without relying solely on medication. Her belief that “good health is the foundation of a happy life” led her to open her first clinic By 1981 — a single shophouse at Sam Yaek Fai Chai, Bangkok. At the time, she was still a lecturer in physical therapy at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. As patients began to see real results, they spread the word to friends and family. By 2001, the growing trust and demand inspired her to launch the clinic as a full-fledged operation, joined by a team of faculty members from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Physical Therapy — to ensure that high-level academic knowledge and accessible care would go hand in hand.
Spark the Idea — Uplifting Health for All
Our guiding principle — “Quality with Integrity: Caring for You Through Every Stage of Life” — continues to shape every decision we make. This vision sparked the idea for Assoc. Prof. Kanya Palwiwat, her teaching colleagues, and the management team to grow Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic into a trusted destination for patients seeking comprehensive, tailored care. Our approach focuses on analyzing root causes and creating individualized treatment plans for every patient — from children and working adults to athletes and seniors. It’s this commitment to quality and ethical practice that drives our success to this day.
It’s common to see entire families visiting Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic together. When one person recovers and sees real improvement, they often bring their loved ones too — parents, grandparents, children, and even athletes who seek advice on how to move, play, and live without injury. We’re always proud to see our patients enjoy activities they love with strength and confidence, and we aim to support a community that values health and well-being for generations to come.
What truly sets us apart is our sincerity in business and our management approach. Our leadership team is composed entirely of expert physical therapists and respected academics, ensuring that every decision is guided by the highest professional ethics and a patient-first mindset. With a strong focus on research, modern techniques, and up-to-date equipment, we have built an in-house system for continuous training and professional growth. Our Kanya Academy and regular internal development activities help ensure that every therapist is equipped to deliver world-class care. This dedication is why Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic has earned the trust and recommendation of patients for more than four decades.
A Commitment Rooted in Professional Integrity
Our success also stems from our patient-centered approach: we treat each person as an individual, carefully analyzing the true causes of pain and providing the right techniques and technologies for each condition. Alongside this, efficient business management is key. As we’ve grown, we’ve adopted smart financial solutions — like TTB Smart Shop — to simplify payments, streamline transactions, and gain valuable insights through analytics. These tools help us manage our resources effectively, so we can continue delivering the best care possible.
It’s common to see entire families visiting Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic together. When one person recovers and sees real improvement, they often bring their loved ones too — parents, grandparents, children, and even athletes who seek advice on how to move, play, and live without injury. We’re always proud to see our patients enjoy activities they love with strength and confidence, and we aim to support a community that values health and well-being for generations to come.
What truly sets us apart is our sincerity in business and our management approach. Our leadership team is composed entirely of expert physical therapists and respected academics, ensuring that every decision is guided by the highest professional ethics and a patient-first mindset. With a strong focus on research, modern techniques, and up-to-date equipment, we have built an in-house system for continuous training and professional growth. Our Kanya Academy and regular internal development activities help ensure that every therapist is equipped to deliver world-class care. This dedication is why Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic has earned the trust and recommendation of patients for more than four decades.
Understanding Root Causes — And Growing with the Right Support
Our success also stems from our patient-centered approach: we treat each person as an individual, carefully analyzing the true causes of pain and providing the right techniques and technologies for each condition. Alongside this, efficient business management is key. As we’ve grown, we’ve adopted smart financial solutions — like TTB Smart Shop — to simplify payments, streamline transactions, and gain valuable insights through analytics. These tools help us manage our resources effectively, so we can continue delivering the best care possible.
The Heart of Our Success
As Asst. Prof. Dr. Jitvaree Khamdet explains, our long-standing success comes down to five core strengths:
Our Founding Expertise: Assoc. Prof. Kanya Palwiwat and her dedicated team have built a clinic people trust, generation after generation.
Today, Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic has expanded to ten branches across Bangkok and surrounding areas. Even in a highly competitive landscape, our unwavering focus on sincere, holistic care has made us a first choice for families seeking not just recovery, but lasting well-being.
When Assoc. Prof. Kanya Palwiwat first opened Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic in a small shophouse more than 40 years ago, physical therapy was still unfamiliar to most people in Thailand. Many believed it was needed only after major accidents or paralysis. But she asked herself: Could physical therapy do more? Could it truly help people recover and live well again? Associate Professor Kanya Palwiwat
She believed so — and set out to prove it. The first patients came after work hours, often referred by trusted doctors. They experienced real improvements, spread the word to their families, and returned for follow-up care. Over time, what started as one tiny clinic at Sam Yaek Fai Chai grew into a trusted network, run not by businesspeople but by physical therapists with one mission: to help people heal.
At Kanya, treatment goes beyond quick fixes. Each patient is seen as a whole person — not just an injured knee or a painful neck. Therapists spend an average of 90 minutes per session, listening deeply to understand each patient’s lifestyle, movement patterns, and goals. The aim is clear: find the root cause, guide the patient to recover, and empower them to care for themselves long after they leave the clinic.
Kanya Clinic has never relied on flashy promotions or big advertising budgets. Instead, every satisfied patient is a testament to what works: care that people trust enough to share. Many patients come in with chronic pain and leave with not only relief, but the knowledge and confidence to keep themselves healthy.
As Dr. Nunt Udomchalermpat, one of Kanya’s directors, says:
“True success isn’t about having patients keep coming back forever. It’s helping them get well and stay well.”
This honesty is why Kanya has no expensive treatment packages. There are no unnecessary repeat visits. If a patient doesn’t need 10 sessions, they won’t be sold 10 sessions. The goal is not profit, but real, lasting recovery.
Every therapist at Kanya must pass a rigorous three-month training — blending technical skill with an understanding of human nature. New staff aren’t chosen just for grades, but for their warmth, patience, and genuine care. The team often calls themselves coaches rather than therapists, guiding each patient step by step, respecting individual differences and motivations.
For four decades, Kanya Physical Therapy Clinic has expanded branch by branch — always keeping the founder’s vision at its heart:
“Don’t expect fame or fortune from your patients. Just do your job well. Everything else will follow.”
Through word of mouth alone, Kanya has grown to serve thousands each month across Bangkok and surrounding areas — still run by professionals who believe good health should be accessible to all.
The Kanya Physical Therapy Foundation was established to make physical therapy accessible to monks, novices, nuns, and members of the public who need support but may not have the means to afford care. The foundation also aims to advance physical therapy education and promote professional development at the societal level. In addition, it serves as a hub for sharing knowledge and building a strong academic network both in Thailand and internationally.
The Kanya Physical Therapy Foundation remains committed to serving society and those in need through sustainable initiatives that promote equal access to quality physical therapy and continuous academic growth for the profession.
