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.

Seth interviews Carl DeRosa about the shift to competency-based education (CBE) and entrustment in physical therapy.

Highlights:

• Designing backwards: from competencies to curriculum
• How integration dismantles siloed courses
• Faculty adoption & team-teaching complexities
• The profession's position versus medicine, pharmacy & vet
• University of Arizona’s agile 3‑year medical school model
• Entry‑level “workforce readiness,” especially in the AI era
• The pitfalls of overvaluing NPTE pass rates
• Capstones focused on professional identity, not low-value research
• Building master adaptive learners using EPAs
• Advice for faculty and programs beginning their CBE journey

Is it the technique—or the therapist—that really drives manual therapy outcomes?

In this episode of the AAOMPT Podcast, research expert Dr. Jason Beneciuk dives into the latest findings around spinal manipulation, patient-provider dynamics, and the contextual factors that could redefine how physical therapists deliver care.

Guest: Dr. Jason Beneciuk – Associate Professor at the University of Florida and Clinical Research Scientist at Brooks Rehabilitation.

In this episode:

Skip Gill interviews Dr. Jason Beneciuk about his evolving research on manual therapy and the crucial role of contextual factors. They explore the development of the Biolosky model, the impact of both patient and therapist beliefs, and Jason’s latest funded study through the Paris Family Foundation. A must-listen for OMPT clinicians, researchers, and anyone aiming to provide better care by understanding not just what we do—but why it works.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Biolosky Model of Manual Therapy Mechanisms (2009, updated 2018)
• Paris Family Foundation & OMPT Research Grant
• Brooks Rehabilitation: Website
• University of Florida DPT Program

In this episode, AAOMPT interviewer Nick Rainey is joined by Dr. Natalie Turrentine, orthopedic physical therapist and educator at Rosalind Franklin University, to unpack her CSM 2024 research on obstetric education in DPT programs.

They cover:

• Differences between pelvic health and obstetric terminology
• Why orthopedic PTs need training in pregnancy-related considerations
• Accessibility issues and referral trends
• CAPTE standards and what’s actually required in PT education
• How her program threads obstetric content across curriculum
• Opportunities to better prepare students without extending program length

In this episode of Hands On, Hands Off, we dive deep into the largest systematic review on SMT to date with researcher and chiropractor Casper Glissmann Nim. What he and his team discovered may shake the very foundation of manual therapy education and clinical practice.

We explore:

• Whether SMT is more effective than placebo or non-recommended therapies
• Why the way you perform SMT might not influence patient outcomes
• How contextual factors and therapeutic alliance play a bigger role than we once thought
• The implications for fellowship training and manual therapy education
• What the future holds for low back pain research and self-management strategies

This is a must-listen for any PT, chiro, educator, or student wrestling with the role of manual therapy in modern practice.

We break down a high-profile industry report making bold claims about the effectiveness of virtual musculoskeletal (MSK) care. Is the science solid—or is it strategic marketing masked as research?

Joining host Derek Clewley are two powerhouse PTs and researchers who aren't afraid to challenge the narrative: Dr. Megan Donaldson and Dr. Jake Magel. Together, they peel back the layers of bias, examine the limitations of observational studies, and explain why clinicians and patients should be cautious about AI- and app-based MSK care models.

In this episode, we explore the power of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) with Tom from Sarah Health. Discover how RTM helps clinics stay connected with patients between visits, improves adherence to care plans, and provides a streamlined, reimbursable way to enhance patient outcomes. Tom breaks down how Sarah Health automates engagement through SMS, removes administrative burdens for clinicians, and ultimately increases clinic revenue while improving patient retention.

Key Takeaways:

✅ How RTM keeps patients accountable between visits

✅ The reimbursement model: How clinics get paid for RTM

✅ The impact of daily SMS check-ins on adherence & engagement

✅ How Sarah Health simplifies RTM for clinicians

✅ Increasing patient retention & referrals through better communication

In this episode, we sit down with Drake from Weave to discuss how their all-in-one communication platform is transforming the way clinics manage patient interactions. From automated call pop-ups to seamless text messaging, Weave integrates with your EHR and practice management system to create a more efficient, patient-friendly experience.

We explore:

✅ How Weave reduces front desk workload by automating patient communication

✅ The power of texting from your office number for patient engagement

✅ How Weave’s missed call text automation improves patient retention

✅ Enhancing practice efficiency with real-time patient data integration

✅ How mobile access allows clinicians to stay connected from anywhere

In this episode of Hands On, Hands Off, we welcome back Paul Mintken for a deep dive into mindfulness in manual therapy, patient expectations, and career longevity in physical therapy.

Paul shares how mindfulness transformed his career and patient care, helping both clinicians and patients manage stress, pain, and expectations. He also discusses the power of patient beliefs in shaping outcomes, the importance of shared decision-making, and burnout in academia.

Should spinal manipulation be used in pediatric care? In this episode, experts Dr. Anita Gross and Dr. Nikki Evans break down the findings of the Pediatric Manipulation Task Force, highlighting evidence-based recommendations, safety concerns, and the need for better adverse event reporting.