What does “usual care” really mean in physical therapy research — and why is it so inconsistently applied across studies?

In this episode, Dr. Amy McDevitt joins us for a deep-dive conversation into the limitations of current PT research and how vague terms like "usual care" are impacting evidence-informed practice.

Dr. McDevitt discusses:

• Why “nothing” should never be a control in clinical trials
• How heel pain and orthotic studies show cracks in research design
• The evolving role of manual therapy and therapeutic alliance
• Her collaborative work with Dr. Moyo Tillery on minority faculty representation
• Advice for early-career academics and clinical researchers
• The connection between burnout, purpose, and academic productivity

This episode is a must-listen for PTs, educators, researchers, and anyone passionate about improving the quality of care through better scholarship.