This is as yucky as a fermenting pail of sheep organs. :x

I have to say this, there is absolutely nothing stopping some ex-employee from opening a practice near you (in Canada at least). Sure it can be in a contract but it is an unreasonable expectation to have the sole means of income for an individual to be confined geographically. This is a capitalistic economy and if the person is a better physio than you and you find that your numbers are dropping then it might be better to upgrade your skills than to pursue a costly legal action where you WILL eventually lose and be seen as a "sore loser" in the community. (I can hear the nails scratching at the computer screen now)

Just have faith in your skills and your reputation in the community and it will carry you through. People will see your passion to heal as oppossed to you passion to make money and will trust their health care to you.

Adamo