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/)

Dr. Kelli Wilson, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, joins Jimmy McKay live from the AAOMPT Conference to discuss the powerful intersection of orthopedics and pelvic health in physical therapy practice. Dr. Wilson shares her experiences bridging the gap between these two critical areas, recounting transformative patient success stories, and how manual therapists can confidently address pelvic-related issues, including male genital and scrotal pain, without fear. Through relatable anecdotes and expert insights, she encourages clinicians to move beyond discomfort and embrace opportunities to create impactful, lasting patient outcomes.

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

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.

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

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

Amber Custodi, an accomplished Residency Program Coordinator at Brooks, to explore how curiosity, humility, and mentorship have shaped her journey in physical therapy. Amber shares invaluable insights on how residency and fellowship can build a solid foundation for clinical reasoning, why curiosity is the most critical trait for PTs, and how to foster growth in future orthopedic specialists. This candid discussion covers strategies for integrating research into practice, striking a balance between patient care and mentoring, and the challenges of nurturing the next generation of PT professionals.

Key Takeaways:

• The transformative role of residency and fellowship in developing a PT career.
• Key traits Amber looks for in residency applicants and how she mentors them.
• The importance of curiosity, humility, and adaptive learning in physical therapy.
• Bridging the gap between research and clinical practice through collaboration.
• Challenges and opportunities in shaping the future of orthopedic manual therapy.

Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome & Conference Insights

0:35 - Amber’s Role at Brooks: Residency & Fellowship Explained

2:12 - Why Amber Chose Residency & Fellowship

4:02 - Mentorship & Building Clinical Reasoning Skills

6:30 - Qualities of an Ideal Residency Candidate

8:45 - Balancing Patient Care and Mentoring Residents

11:00 - Integrating Research into Clinical Practice

13:15 - The Future of Orthopedic Manual Therapy

15:30 - Final Thoughts: Staying Curious and Humble

In this inspiring episode of Hands On/Hands Off, Said Mendez shares his journey from a Mexican immigrant family to pursuing his dream as a physical therapist at Duke. Said’s story is filled with grit, resilience, and a passion for serving others.

Host Jimmy McKay and Said discuss how personal experiences shaped his approach to physical therapy, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving role of empathy and connection in modern PT practice. They dive into what excites him about the future of the profession, key lessons learned from his clinical rotations, and the power of networking at conferences like AAOMPT.

Key Points Discussed:

• Overcoming obstacles: Said’s journey from Mexico to the U.S. and pursuing PT
• How Said’s experience with his father’s rehabilitation inspired his PT path
• The evolving role of touch, empathy, and connection in patient care
• Insights from Said’s clinical rotations and surprising lessons learned
• The transformative power of networking and mentorship in PT

Special Guest:

• Said Mendez, Physical Therapy Student at Duke University

On today’s episode of the AAOMPT podcast, Jimmy McKay sits down with Dr. Steve Karas, a seasoned clinician, educator, and researcher with nearly 30 years of experience in physical therapy.

Dr. Karas teaches and conducts research at Chatham University while practicing in clinics owned by his former students. He’s also the author of the upcoming book, Living Better with Low Back Pain, which challenges the traditional narrative of 'curing' low back pain, urging clinicians and patients alike to focus on sustainable management strategies.

Dr. Karas shares valuable insights into how physical therapists can empower patients by shifting from a 'cure' mindset to one of realistic management, especially with chronic pain conditions. Through this interview, we delve into:

The evolution of low back pain treatment and why Dr. Karas believes it's time to reframe the conversation.

Strategies for helping patients manage chronic pain more effectively, and the crucial role of manual therapy in long-term pain management.

Balancing the demands of teaching, research, and clinical work while staying current in the evolving field of chronic pain management.

How AAOMPT has influenced Dr. Karas' career and helped him grow as a clinician, educator, and researcher.

The future of chronic pain management in physical therapy and new developments in the field.