In this episode of Hands On, Hands Off, host Amy welcomes two international physiotherapists to discuss the growth of orthopedic manual physiotherapy (OMPT) in East Africa. They explore the challenges of clinical training, specialization, and accessibility, as well as how mentorship and international collaboration are shaping the future of physiotherapy in their countries.

The conversation covers:

• The evolution of OMPT education in East Africa and its integration into physiotherapy training
• Challenges in advancing specialization, including access to structured programs and recognition within the healthcare system
• The role of mentorship and international partnerships in expanding knowledge and practice
• Clinical reasoning vs. protocol-driven treatment approaches and how shifting perspectives improve patient care
• Advocacy efforts to increase awareness, acceptance, and resources for physiotherapists

This episode is a must-listen for physiotherapists, educators, and advocates looking to understand the unique barriers and opportunities in growing manual therapy education and practice in low-resource settings.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Hutting, a leading physical therapist, researcher, and vice president of IFOMPT, to discuss safety in cervical spine treatment, person-centered care, and the future of manual therapy education and research. Fresh off his keynote presentation at IFOMPT 2024, Nathan shares insights on how clinicians can navigate safety concerns, integrate patient-centered care, and adapt to evolving best practices in manual therapy.

We sit down with Dr. Mary Beth Geiser, President of the Academic Clinical Faculty Special Interest Group (ACF SIG) within AOMPT. Dr. Geiser shares insights on how physical therapy educators can collaborate, share resources, and improve teaching methods, including the development of a national resource bank, best practices for Edutopia sessions, and how involvement in special interest groups (SIGs) contributes to professional growth.

If you’re a current or aspiring PT educator, looking for tips, collaborations, or ways to contribute to ACF SIG, this episode is for you!

In this episode, we chat with Chuck Hazle, a veteran educator and expert in manual therapy and clinical reasoning, about the challenges of preparing students for the real world. He discusses the evolution of teaching methods, the importance of rigorous practical exams, and how imaging and medical screening complement manual therapy.

Alex Bengtsson, winner of the Emerging Leader Award, joins us to break down the neurophysiology of pain and the role of manual therapy in modern practice. In this insightful interview, Alex discusses:

How our nervous system blocks or amplifies pain signals.

The intersection of graded mobilization techniques and neuroscience.

His journey from clinical practice to research at Northwestern University.

Alex also addresses common misconceptions about manual therapy, its role in dependency, and how fellowship programs are adapting to include cutting-edge neurophysiological findings.

Jennifer Boudreau, PT, and Shanker Krishnan, PT, share their experiences at professional conferences like the AAOMPT event, emphasizing the invaluable benefits of in-person connections, inspiration, and transformative growth. 

From chance meetings that led to lifelong friendships and professional collaborations to key moments of learning and rejuvenation, Jennifer and Shanker delve into how attending conferences can propel your career forward. They highlight the essential benefits that go beyond what can be captured in online interactions, including networking opportunities, face-to-face inspiration, and tactile learning.

Key Points Discussed:

The value of attending professional conferences for physical therapists

Networking and connection opportunities that can transform careers

Overcoming imposter syndrome and seizing new opportunities

Engaging with industry legends and accessing cutting-edge technology

Why in-person interactions are more impactful than digital connections

Key Points Discussed:

 • How Dr. Kelli Wilson’s journey led to merging orthopedic and pelvic health approaches

 • Success stories that demonstrate the transformative power of pelvic interventions

 • Key orthopedic techniques manual therapists can use to address pelvic health issues

 • Strategies for overcoming discomfort and confidently addressing sensitive topics with patients

 • Opportunities for PTs in treating pelvic health issues, including hernia and testicular pain

Special Guest:

 • Dr. Kelli Wilson, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT - Specialist in Orthopedic and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (https://pelvicrehab.com/practitioner/kelli-wilson-pt-dpt-ocs-faaompt/)

John Heick joins host Jimmy McKay live from the AAOMPT Conference in Orlando to explore the evolution of physical therapy education, AI integration, and competency-based learning. John shares his journey teaching musculoskeletal health and differential diagnosis, the impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare diagnostics, and the power of modern learning methodologies. They discuss AI’s potential for streamlining complex diagnoses, how education can transform through competency-based models, and how physical therapists can best prepare for the future. From engaging student learning strategies to creating impactful clinical care, this conversation dives into the art and science of modern physical therapy.

Key Points Discussed:

• Evolution of PT education: from problem-based to competency-based learning
• AI’s influence on differential diagnosis and clinical care
• Engaging strategies for teaching students, residents, and fellows
• The role of "make it stick" learning principles in healthcare education
• Insights on effective science communication and knowledge translation

Special Guest:

• John Heick, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic, Sports, and Neurologic Physical Therapy

Dr. Damian Keter is interviewed by Dr. Tony Varela.

The focus of their discussion is Dr. Keter’s research, “Priorities in updating training paradigms in orthopedic manual therapy: an international Delphi study,” investigating expert consensus on modifications and adaptions to training paradigms required for orthopaedic manual therapy education (OMT) to align with current evidence. This conversation further explores how neurophysiological, psychological, and biomechanical principles inspires person-centered approaches and patient factor effects that contribute to successful OMT intervention.

REFERENCES:

Keter D, Griswold D, Learman K, Cook C. Priorities in updating training paradigms in orthopedic manual therapy: An international Delphi study. J 

Educ Eval Health Prof. 2023 Jan 27;20:4. doi: 10.3352/jeehp.2023.20.4.

Keter D, Hutting N, Vogsland R, Cook CE. Integrating Person-Centered Concepts and Modern Manual Therapy. JOSPT Open. 2023;2(1):60-70. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2023.0812

Silvernail JL, Deyle GD, Jensen GM, Chaconas E, Cleland J, Cook C, 

Courtney CA, Fritz J, Mintken P, Lonnemann E. Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy: A Modern Definition and Description. Phys Ther. 2024 Jun 4;104(6):pzae036. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzae036. PMID: 38457654.

John M Mayer, Michael Jason Highsmith, Jason Maikos, Charity G Patterson, Joseph Kakyomya, Bridget Smith, Nigel Shenoy, Christopher L Dearth, Shawn Farrokhi. The influence of active, passive, and manual therapy interventions on escalation of health care events after physical therapist care in Veterans with low back pain. Phys Ther. 2024 Oct;104(10):pzae101, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzae101

Peter Westlund Sørensen, P., Nim, C., Poulsen, E., Juhl, C. Spinal manipulative therapy for nonspecific low back pain: Does targeting a specific vertebral level make a difference?: A systematic review with meta-analysis. JOSPT. 2023 Sep;53(9):529-39.   doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11962

Nim, C.G., Downie, A., O’Neill, S. et al. The importance of selecting the correct site to apply spinal manipulation when treating spinal pain: Myth or reality? A systematic review. Scientific Reports. 2021 Dec 3;11(1):23415. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-02882-z

Jorge E. Esteves, Rafael Zegarra-Parodi, Patrick van Dun, Francesco Cerritelli, Paul Vaucher, Models and theoretical frameworks for osteopathic care – A critical view and call for updates and research. International J of 

Osteopathic Med. 2020 Mar 1;35:1-4. Doi 10.1016/j.ijosm.2020.01.003.

McDevitt AW, O'Halloran B, Cook CE. Cracking the code: Unveiling the specific and shared mechanisms behind musculoskeletal interventions. Arch Physiother. 2023 Jul 6;13(1):14. doi: 10.1186/s40945-023-00168-3.

Jeremy Lewis joins host Jimmy McKay to explore the evolving role of manual therapy in modern healthcare. Jeremy reflects on his journey from focusing solely on "fix-it" physical therapy methods to embracing a more holistic view of patient care, including behavioral and lifestyle factors. He shares captivating stories from teaching abroad, highlights the challenges of unproven manual therapy philosophies, and emphasizes the need to incorporate broader health factors like sleep, nutrition, and stress management into care plans. Listen in for a powerful discussion about moving beyond old debates and reshaping the profession for the future.

Key Points Discussed:

• Jeremy’s journey from a "fix-it" therapist to a broader focus on health
• The universal nature of touch and manual therapy techniques
• Why manual therapy should not be used in isolation
• Reframing health care conversations around meaningful behavior change
• Bridging lifestyle factors (sleep, nutrition, smoking) with physical therapy

Special Guest:

• Jeremy Lewis, PT, PhD, Professor & Specialist in Shoulder Pain