About us
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
The Present: The Grind
Family Care Plus Physical Therapy & Wellness
Family Care Plus Physical Therapy & Wellness was established in 2006 and is now in its 20th year of service. The practice is led by Sachin Desai, PT, who brings 37 years of experience in exclusive outpatient physical therapy.
Sachin believes in personally treating his patients, applying his extensive clinical experience while continuously advancing his knowledge through ongoing, advanced educational programs.
Family Care Plus is a 100% independent practice—no corporation, franchise, or financial entity has any ownership or influence. Additionally, no referral sources, including physicians, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or networking organizations, receive compensation for patient referrals. This ensures that all care decisions are guided solely by patient needs and clinical judgment.
The practice operates in a well-equipped, well-maintained mid-sized facility designed to support high-quality, individualized care. Sachin Desai, PT, is deeply committed to serving uninsured and underinsured patients and regularly participates in local charitable initiatives—always with a focus on service rather than self-promotion.
To ensure accessibility and personalized attention, Sachin works alongside his patients in an open gym setting, making himself readily available throughout each session. He strongly believes in the importance of an active lifestyle and leads by example, participating in local running events such as the Crim Festival of Races, the Burton Race Series, and other long-distance races.
The Past: The Foundation
Sachin Desai, PT, grew up in a modest, education-focused family that instilled in him the values of service, simplicity, and compassion. From an early age, he learned to give back to the community without expectation—principles he continues to live by: live simply, give more, and expect less.
His father, a dedicated government servant, strongly encouraged Sachin and his brother to pursue education and develop a lifelong habit of reading. His mother, who came from a farming background, was a stay-at-home parent who played a central role in shaping the family’s values. Sachin’s elder brother went on to become a physician and later encouraged Sachin to pursue physiotherapy after he narrowly missed admission to the highly competitive medical school program.
Sachin completed his physiotherapy education and began practicing in 1988. He later earned a Master’s degree in Orthopedic Physiotherapy and also worked as a junior instructor during his early professional years, contributing to the education and mentorship of future therapists.
Deeply interested in exercise, sports, and outdoor activities, Sachin maintained an active lifestyle throughout his life. Growing up in a close-knit family and community environment further strengthened his commitment to volunteering and service. In addition, he learned the fundamentals of traditional Indian cooking from his mother and aunts—knowledge that became the foundation of his lifelong approach to nutrition, wellness, and movement.
The Move to USA:
In 1992, Sachin Desai, PT, was hired as a Physical Therapist at the former Saint Joseph Hospital in Flint, Michigan. That same year, he successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Board Examination and became fully licensed.
Sachin worked in a high-volume outpatient facility for 14 productive years, treating several thousand patients. Due to the organization’s extensive patient load, he gained broad clinical exposure and developed strong practical expertise. During this time, Saint Joseph Hospital merged to form Genesys Health System and was later acquired by Ascension Health System.
Despite ongoing corporate restructuring, frequent policy changes, and increasing administrative demands, Sachin remained steadfast in his commitment to patient care and professional growth. Rather than becoming distracted by mergers and organizational instability—which gradually created a less healthy and non-progressive work environment—he chose to focus on refining his clinical skills and expanding his knowledge.
Sachin actively participated in numerous advanced continuing education programs, sharpening his practice skills and deepening his clinical expertise. In parallel, he attended several leadership development programs during the merger period to better understand the evolving healthcare landscape and the future of the American healthcare system.
Through persistence, adaptability, and dedication to his profession, Sachin continued to grow as a clinician despite significant changes in the corporate healthcare environment.
“If you do not change, you can become extinct.”
’The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you find new cheese.”
”Movement in a new direction helps find new cheese.”
My Journey to the Unknown
During the period of hospital mergers and constant organizational change, I was introduced to a small but powerful book—Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson. That simple story shifted my perspective completely. With the encouragement and guidance of close friends, I began to think differently about change, uncertainty, and purpose. I had learned that when faith is present, guidance follows.
Putting ideas on paper and reading were easy steps. Taking action was not.
On a particularly stressful evening, just before Good Friday in 2006, a close friend from Chicago called me. After a long conversation, he said something that changed my life: “Start your own practice.” He offered a substantial amount of startup support and gave me one clear piece of advice—“Be honest in your practice.”
With faith, personal savings, and a loan from my retirement funds, I opened a small physical therapy office in Burton, Michigan, stepping fully into the unknown.
Dr. Daniel Lechota, a dentist, and his wife, Susan Lechota, graciously offered me part of their building at an affordable rent and supported me from the very beginning. During the lease signing, Dr. Lechota joked, “Enjoy the joy of ownership—and one day, buy this building.” Nervous and uncertain, I smiled politely. Sensing my hesitation, he reassured me not to worry.
For 14 years, Dr. Lechota and Susan stood by me with unwavering support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Dr. Lechota decided to retire, he generously offered me the opportunity to purchase the property. Though he had every ability to take advantage of the situation, he chose integrity and kindness instead. For that, I remain deeply grateful.
The values instilled in me by my family, the trust and financial support of my friend, and the compassion shown by Dr. and Mrs. Lechota shaped the foundation of my practice. Because of these influences, I have never turned away a patient solely due to financial hardship. Patients facing genuine difficulties are treated at no cost, with the same quality, dignity, and respect as any other patient.
This journey into the unknown taught me that integrity, faith, and service are not just ideals—they are practices that shape lives.
MOTION IS LIFE, KEEP MOVING
““You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him”
Community Involvement
After opening my clinic in 2006, I reached out to the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic and offered my physical therapy services at no cost, without expectations. At the time, Ms. Reema, the program coordinator, welcomed the idea with enthusiasm, as access to physical therapy services was greatly needed for their patients.
One act of service naturally led to another. Linda Bloss and her husband, who were operating a dairy farm at the time, introduced me to the 4-H “Gallon of Milk” Program, which supports local families. I began contributing to this initiative as a way to support kids involved in the dairy farms within the community.
Around the same period, a small group of dedicated volunteers in the City of Burton—Steve, Vaughn, Jim, and Tony—were seeking sponsors to establish local road races that would encourage residents to stay active and healthy. Through their efforts, I became involved with the Burton Race Series, which initially consisted of four races.
More recently, I began supporting the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic 5K Run, further aligning physical activity with community wellness. I also developed a select wellness program, donating all proceeds first to the Food Bank, and later to the Shelter of Flint, after witnessing firsthand the struggles of patients who had lost their homes.
A recent partnership with the newly established Mundy Senior Enrichment Center led to my involvement in sponsoring players for the Miracle League, supporting children and adults with special needs.
While many of these organizations kindly offered opportunities for business promotion during events, I chose to refrain. I believe it is a moral responsibility to support the local community without self-promotion. My guiding philosophy remains: