In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Associate Editor Jason Beneciuk, PT, DPT, PhD, MPH, talks with Lena Thiveos, PT, MPhty, and Mark Hancock, PT, PhD, about their recent systematic review that investigated the effectiveness of cognitive functional therapy in the management of chronic low back pain. Thiveos and Hancock define cognitive functional therapy, discuss how their review differs from prior studies based on that definition, and consider how variability in clinician training methods and treatment delivery can influence the results of a study.

Thiveos and Hancock are co-authors of the article "Cognitive Functional Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Read the article on the PTJ website.

A brief introduction from the secretary of the academy. Matt Glassoff, PT, DPT, interviewed APTA Federal Secretary Renee Schroeder, PT, DPT, MHA, at APTA CSM in Boston. Learn more about what it means to be a PT or PTA in the federal sector, including providing care across the continuum and being an entry point provider.

Visit the APTA Federal website to learn more about the academy. Watch a video of this interview on the APTA Magazine webpage.

Allen Wicken, PT, MSPT, a longtime physical therapist and APTA member, reflects on the interconnectedness of the profession. Access the article on the APTA Magazine webpage for photos and to learn more about this episode’s speaker.

The countdown has begun for the 50th Annual APTA Combined Sections Meeting, which will be held Feb. 13-15, 2025, in Houston, Texas.

Whether you’re seeking to advance your clinical skills, earn continuing education credits, explore the latest products and services, or connect with thought leaders in the field, APTA CSM offers something for everyone. 

APTA Vice President of Strategic Affairs Drew Contreras, PT, DPT, shares how attendees can make the most of their time at APTA CSM in Houston. Plus, he describes the new programming options available for students.

Visit csm.apta.org to:

• Register for APTA CSM.
• Discover the top sessions identified by each APTA academy and section.
• Enhance your APTA CSM experience by connecting with colleagues and friends at networking events.

National Physical Therapy Month is supported by HPSO.

A brief introduction from the president of the academy.

Lauryn Goff, SPT, interviewed APTA Private Practice President Mike Horsfield, PT, MBA, at APTA CSM in Boston. Learn how the skills that PTs have translate to running businesses.

Visit the APTA Private Practice website to learn more about the academy. Watch a video of this interview on the APTA Magazine website.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, PTJ Student Social Media Lead Gaylan Randle interviews Shannon Richardson PT, DPT, EdD, and Kimberly Varnado, PT, DPT, DHSc, about what inspired the transition from traditional grading practices to equitable grading practices at the College of Saint Mary DPT program. Richardson and Varnado discuss what they have learned from the experience, the long-term impact on learner retention, and recommendations for institutions interested in implementing a similar practice. 

Richardson and Varnado are co-authors of the article "Equitable Grading Practices in Physical Therapist Education: A Case Report,” which was recently published as part of the education focus for the PTJ Featured Collection on Health Disparities in Rehabilitation. Read the article on the PTJ website.

J. Kele Murdin, PT, MPT, board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy, discusses why PTs should be leaders in falls prevention efforts. Justin Elliott, vice president of government affairs at APTA, shares what APTA is doing to improve access to PT-led falls prevention for Medicare Beneficiaries and veterans.  

The following were discussed in this episode. For the full list of links mentioned and a transcript for this episode, visit apta.org/podcasts.

Jasmine Blocker, PT, DPT, learned perseverance and determination after failing out of — and subsequently being reinstated into — PT school. Access the article on the APTA Magazine webpage for photos and to learn more about this episode’s speaker.

In this episode of the PTJ Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Steven George talks with Jason Silvernail about his perspective paper on defining orthopaedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) as a subspecialty of the profession. Learn about the “all-star” author team behind the article, what it was like to publish in PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, and why now is the time to classify OMPT for future studies. Silvernail is co-author of the article "Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy: A Modern Definition and Description." Read the article on the PTJ website.

Moral spaces provide a safe harbor in perilous waters. 

In this podcast, APTA Ethics and Judicial Committee member Becca Edgeworth Ditwiler, PT, DPT, interviews Ruth Purtilo, PT, PhD, FAPTA, and Gail Jensen, PT, PhD, FAPTA, about the importance of building moral communities to guide decision-making in today’s challenging health care environment.

Read Purtilo’s McMillan Lecture about ethics in a shifting landscape. 

Read more about common and emerging ethical issues facing PTs, PTAs, and students in APTA Magazine’s Ethics in Practice series, written by EJC members.