Inside the APTA: How Kyle Covington Sees the Future of Physical Therapy

In this episode, Doc Danny sits down with APTA President Dr. Kyle Covington for a candid conversation about the future of physical therapy. From navigating insurance and burnout to embracing AI and education reform, this episode covers the real challenges and massive opportunities facing the profession today. Whether you’re a student, seasoned clinician, or clinic owner, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about the evolution of PT.

🎯 Topics Covered

• How physical therapy has evolved over the last 20 years
• The rise of cash-based, hybrid, and non-traditional models
• Direct access laws, payment reform, and advocacy wins
• Burnout, staffing issues, and why reimbursement needs to change
• What the APTA is actually doing—and why most PTs don’t know
• Why communication, sales, and emotional intelligence matter more than ever
• The future of AI in PT: where it helps and where it can’t replace us
• How PT education is adapting to meet new demands
• What Kyle sees coming next for the profession

💡 Key Quotes "If we take bad contracts, the insurance company wins. It’s that simple." "Cash-based PTs are often forced to advocate and communicate better—that’s a skill every PT needs." "We're not replacing the human element. AI can be a force multiplier, not a threat." "The problems are obvious. The solutions are complex. And that’s why we have to work together." 🧠 Pro Tips

• If you're frustrated by reimbursement, learn to negotiate contracts or consider a hybrid model
• Don’t wait for the system to change—educate patients on your value right now
• Use tech and AI tools to reduce burnout and streamline admin work
• Get involved locally with your APTA state chapter to actually influence change
• PT school isn’t just about technique—learning communication and business skills matters just as much

🔗 Resources & Links

• Visit APTA – Explore advocacy updates and get plugged in locally
• Join the 5-Day Challenge – Get clarity and a plan to go full-time in your cash practice
• Meet Claire AI – Try 10 free SOAP notes and save hours on documentation

🧭 Final Thought

Physical therapy is changing—fast. But that’s not a bad thing. Whether you're frustrated with insurance, curious about AI, or wondering how to make a bigger impact, the profession needs voices like yours to move forward. As Dr. Covington says, we’re in our adolescence as a field—and what we do next will shape the future for decades.