A new physical therapy clinic opened its doors recently in Stansbury Park.
For the past 10 years, Stansbury resident Robert Pagnani has worked as director of rehabilitation operations at Mountain West Medical Center. At the same time, he managed nine physical therapy clinics for a separate company.
His busy schedule was one motivating factor for changing jobs, and last year he decided to start his own clinic.
“We opened last September … it’s been a rocky road,” he said.
The biggest challenge for Pagnani Physical Therapy was to spread the word about the new business. However, Pagnani has maintained relationships with several people throughout his career, which helped, he said.
“It’s still very much a small town, where news travels by word of mouth,” he said. “That’s why I chose to call my business by my last name, because people know it’s me.”
Now, Pagnani said business is more stable. In the future, he hopes to open a clinic in Tooele City.
For Pagnani, a Dugway native, it’s important to maintain a small-town feel in his clinic. Staff members are Tooele County natives, and the walls are decorated with sports jerseys from people Pagnani has worked with over the years.
“I had a guy tell me, ‘Coming to your clinic is like going to an old-time barber shop,’” he said. “It has a laid-back feel. I think that was the highest compliment he could’ve paid me.”
Pagnani always knew he wanted a career in the medical field. Growing up, his mother worked in the hospital and his father worked in the dental clinic in Dugway.
“Physical therapy was an opportunity to stay close to sports, one of my passions,” he said. “Also, in other professions, you don’t get to spend as much time with patients as you would like. This profession is unique in that you get to spend more time with patients. I also pride myself on being a really hands-on specialist, to help people recover or help them prevent injury.”
One of Pagnani’s favorite things about his job is its diversity. The majority of his patients are recovering from knee replacements, but he also treats high school athletes, “weekend warrior dads,” rodeo cowboys and dirt bikers.
“The fun thing is, you have to be ready for anything,” he said. “It keeps you on your toes; no two days are ever the same. … Between the rodeos and dirt bike community, I feel pretty confident about my job security.”
Pagnani also enjoys feeling like he’s part of the growth of the medical field in Tooele County.
In addition to working in Stansbury, Pagnani likes to stay involved in the community. He coaches youth football, basketball and baseball.
Pagnani Physical Therapy is located at 6727 SR-36 #300, near Soelberg’s Market.