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.

In this episode of Hands On, Hands Off, we sit down with Roger Chou, a leading researcher in low back pain, pain management, and clinical guidelines development. Roger shares insights from decades of research on why current healthcare approaches often fall short and how physical therapists play a critical role in transforming patient outcomes.

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!