After working together for two years in a hospital-based outpatient clinic, Geert Audiëns and Heather Reeves felt dissatisfied with the insurance driven healthcare their patients received. They were convinced that quality care and profitability could go hand-in-hand. After researching the physical therapy market, they came to the conclusion that a small but well organized clinic could provide the level of care to which their patients were entitled.

Patients would be seen by their physical therapist for the entire time of their treatment and would not be passed on to non-licensed personnel. Furthermore, all therapists would receive intensive orthopedic/manual training to guarantee the same level of skill among all providers. In addition, all providers would take 2 to 3 hands-on courses per year, setting the framework for excellent care.

In March 2001, Geert and Heather opened Avante Physical Therapy in Cary as their alternative to corporate physical therapy clinics. In April 2002 Geert and Heather were awarded the Board Certification in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, a certification held by only 2 percent of physical therapists nationwide at that time. Their newest addition, Avante Physical Therapy of Raleigh, was opened in February, 2010. 

Geert and Heather are so proud of how Avante Physical Therapy has grown. "Our success is an indication of our love for what we do, our desire to help as many people as we can, and a direct reflection of the high quality of our staff. Without our team, Avante would not be as successful as it is and continues to be!"