In this episode Dr. Tom Sellers sits down with Dr. Colin Rigney, a doctor of physical therapy, musculoskeletal ultrasound specialist, and co-founder of AMSKU. Colin is also the co-author of *The Diagnostic Awakening*, a mentor to Dr. Sellers, and a close collaborator in caring for patients. Together, they talk about why patients can get stuck in a cycle of referrals, imaging, and treatment without clear answers, and how a more connected approach to diagnosis can help move care forward.
Colin shares how growing up with a physician father shaped his approach to medicine, his introduction to ultrasound in physical therapy school, and the mentors who helped him build his career.
From ultrasound-guided injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to collaboration between physicians and physical therapists, this episode looks at the “middle path” between conservative care and surgery.
Connect with Dr. Colin Rigney & Explore His Work:
- AMSKU Ultrasound Training & Mentorship: https://www.amsku.com
- The Diagnostic Awakening Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHKNW2HM?lv=shuf&language=he&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback
- From Probe to Practice Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0340Zcjr3JAY9l4hFPAo7q
- Colin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-rigney-pt-dpt-ocs-rmsk-76a6687a/
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:16 Welcome to the Pain to Progress Podcast
02:50 Introducing Dr. Colin Rigney
04:41 Growing Up in Medicine & Finding His Own Path
08:36 Discovering Ultrasound in Physical Therapy School
19:20 The Story Behind *The Diagnostic Awakening*
22:21 When Billing & Insurance Get in the Way of Patient Care
25:07 The Problem With Fragmented Care
30:52 A Patient’s Story: Stuck in the “Vortex of Pain”
37:52 Dynamic Ultrasound: Seeing Injuries in Motion
42:39 Ultrasound vs. MRI: Rethinking the Gold Standard
46:43 Knowing Ultrasound’s Limits & When MRI Is Needed
50:08 When Imaging Reports & Clinical Findings Don’t Match
59:57 Helping Patients Understand Their Diagnosis
01:05:00 Lessons From Dr. Joel Sellers on the Art of Communication
01:08:31 Addressing the Fear of Surgery & Finding a Path Forward
01:12:35 The “Middle Path” Between Conservative Care & Surgery
01:15:01 PRP, Orthobiologics & Choosing the Right Patients
01:19:49 Why Diagnosis Comes Before the Injection
01:25:01 Why Ultrasound Guidance Matters for Injections
01:28:11 Building a Treatment Plan Beyond the Injection
01:30:34 A Collaborative Approach in the Procedure Room
01:32:35 Inside AMSKU’s Ultrasound Training & Mentorship Program
01:42:22 Closing Thoughts on Improving Patient Care
01:43:34 How to Connect With Dr. Colin Rigney & AMSKU
WORK WITH US:
Book an Appointment | Ready to take control of your recovery? Easily book your appointment online. https://sellerssportsmed.com/request-an-appointment/
Our Services | Learn more about our advanced ultrasound-guided Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, MFAT injections, and Osteopathic Manipulation. https://sellerssportsmed.com/#services
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Sellers Sports Medicine on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sellerssportsmedfamily/
Visit Our Website | https://sellerssportsmed.com/
Email Us | [email protected]
Office Phone | (480) 426-2667
Office Address | 1492 South Mill Ave, Suite 307, Tempe, AZ 85281
Dr. Tom Sellers is a Sports Medicine Physician and Arizona’s PRP & Regenerative Medicine Specialist. His work focuses on evidence-based regenerative treatment and ultrasound-guided Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy to help patients reduce pain and restore mobility without unnecessary medications or surgery.
Medical Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Discussions are not a substitute for evaluation or care from your own qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual medical needs.