In Episode 8 of Future Proof PT, hosts Dana Strauss and Alex Bendersky engage in a deep discussion with veteran physical therapist Ben Galin about the critical evolution of physical therapy practice. With 25 years of diverse clinical experience, Galin shares valuable insights on the transition from traditional fee-for-service models to value-based care.

The conversation delves into several key themes:

• The "51% substance" principle - emphasizing the importance of delivering meaningful, evidence-based care while acknowledging the role of patient engagement techniques
• How this ratio often becomes distorted in traditional fee-for-service models, potentially leading to only 25% substantive care
• The challenge of maintaining clinical value while meeting patient expectations
• Treatment modalities and their true value
• Critical examination of common interventions like cupping, needling, and manual therapy
• The role of placebo effects and their ethical implementation in treatment
• Breaking away from historical expectations of passive modalities
• Digital health transformation
• Benefits of removing non-substantive elements in virtual care delivery
• Focus on evidence-based therapeutic exercise and education
• Collaborative care model
• Horizontal integration with other healthcare providers
• Importance of timely referrals and professional networks
• Recognition of treatment limitations and appropriate escalation of care
• The episode concludes with a compelling vision for the future of physical therapy, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practice, strategic collaboration, and a commitment to meaningful patient outcomes rather than traditional treatment metrics.

Subscribe to our newsletter here, and receive a link to resources that we update weekly after each episode!