Claim OwnershipPhysical Therapy: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
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© 2026 Physical Therapy: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
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Bringing you all things physical therapy. From being successful in school, navigating the PT profession, growing professionally, business development and everything in between.
81 Episodes
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In this episode, we break down what actually mattered in physical therapy in 2025 — the wins, the challenges, and the trends that didn’t get enough attention. We also look ahead to 2026, including what to expect with reimbursement, the growing role of technology and hybrid care, and how the gap is widening between outcome-driven practices and volume-based models. If you’re a physical therapist trying to navigate where the profession is headed — clinically, financially, and professionally — th...
Imaging Addiction: When More Scans Mean More Problems” We live in an era where MRIs, X-rays, and scans are only a click away—but are we actually helping patients, or just complicating care? In this episode, we dig into the overuse of medical imaging in musculoskeletal care and why “just getting an MRI” often creates more confusion, fear, and barriers to recovery. As physical therapists, we see the downstream effects every day: patients identifying with findings that don’t match their pain, de...
Direct access to physical therapy is often framed as a win for patients—faster care, lower costs, and fewer unnecessary steps. And in many ways, it is. But only when it’s used the right way. In this episode, we break down what direct access in physical therapy actually means, when it works extremely well, and where it can go wrong. We’ll discuss why physical therapists are trained to screen for red flags, refer out when needed, and practice within clear clinical boundaries—contrary to the ide...
Physical therapists are trained to fix problems, restore movement, and change lives—but there’s a fear most will never say out loud. What if the exercises aren’t working? What if the patient isn’t really getting better? What if, at the end of the day, we’re not actually making an impact? In this episode, we unpack the quiet anxiety many PTs carry: the fear of becoming a protocol-following technician instead of a true clinician. We talk about chronic pain cases that don’t improve, productivity...
Why Patients Are Losing Trust in Their Doctors In this episode, I breaks down why so many patients today feel disconnected from the traditional medical model. For decades, healthcare has relied on an outdated, provider-centric approach built around quick visits, prescription pads, and surgery as the default answer. But patients are demanding more. We’ll explore how this old, archaic system is failing modern patients, why trust in physicians is declining, and what people are really looking for...
Why Every Physical Therapist Needs to Be in the Gym In this episode, we break down why stepping into the gym isn’t optional for today’s physical therapists—it’s essential. We’ll talk about how training improves clinical skills, enhances your ability to demonstrate proper movement, and builds trust with patients who expect their PT to practice what they preach. You’ll hear how strength training sharpens your eye for biomechanics, reduces burnout, and helps you stay physically capable in a prof...
Are Physical Therapists Really Professionals? The Hidden Impact of Degree Classification on Student Loans In this episode, we dive into one of the most confusing—and critical—topics in the physical therapy world: why PT is labeled as a graduate level degree with our doctorate rather than a professional degree, and how that classification quietly shapes the entire student loan experience. We break down: The history behind the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) titleWhy some agencies classify PT...
In today’s episode, we dive deep into one of the biggest challenges facing new physical therapists: massive student debt. With the average PT owing around $185,000, the pressure can feel overwhelming—but what if becoming debt-free in under five years was actually possible? Join us as we break down the exact strategies I used to pay off six-figure loans fast without burning out or sacrificing their quality of life. We explore smart how from outpatient PT to travel along with, side-hustles that...
What’s Missing in Physical Therapy: The Truth Behind the System Is the physical therapy profession losing its identity? In this episode, we take an honest look at what’s truly missing in PT today — from authentic patient care to clinical creativity. We discuss how insurance-driven models, productivity standards, and burnout culture have turned passionate therapists into paperwork machines. You’ll hear real talk about: Why PTs feel restricted by insurance codes and time constraints.How overemp...
Youth sports are booming — and so are the opportunities for physical therapists who know how to position themselves as experts in prevention, performance, and recovery. In this episode, we break down how PTs can ethically and strategically capitalize on the growing youth sports industry. From injury prevention programs and sideline consultations to partnerships with clubs, schools, and parents — we’ll talk about how to build trust, create value, and turn your passion for movement into a thriv...
Most new grad physical therapists think mentorship means learning manual techniques or treatment progressions — but that’s only a fraction of what real mentorship should be. In this episode, we dive into why true mentorship must extend beyond patient care. From billing and documentation to handling productivity pressures, clinic politics, and even learning how to build a sustainable business — mentorship is what determines whether you survive or thrive in the PT industry. We’ll talk about wha...
In this episode, we take a hard look at the fine line between pain management and pain dependence. Are pain clinics truly helping patients recover—or are they creating a cycle of reliance that physical therapists end up cleaning up after? We break down how the medical system incentivizes symptom suppression over movement restoration, why quick fixes dominate healthcare, and how PTs can step up as the true long-term solution for pain management. Leave a review, rate the show and follow whereve...
In this episode, we break down why starting your own physical therapy practice in today’s world is more achievable than ever. From the rise of direct access, to affordable digital marketing tools and streamlined EMR systems — the barriers to entry are lower, and the opportunities are massive. We’ll talk about how social media can attract your ideal clients, why you don’t need a huge clinic space to start, and how modern PTs are building thriving practices with lean business models. Whether yo...
In this episode, we dive into one of the most important conversations shaping the future of physical therapy — the shift from manual therapy to exercise-based treatment. While manual therapy still holds undeniable value, the profession must evolve to emphasize movement, strength, and patient-driven rehabilitation. We discuss why therapeutic exercise is the key to long-term outcomes, professional sustainability, and recognition within the broader healthcare system. Tune in as we explore how fo...
In this episode, I sit down with student physical therapist Zac Farson to talk about the profession, where it’s heading, and how he plans to grow within it. Zac shares his vision for building an online platform while still in school, the lessons he’s learning as he prepares to enter the field, and where he sees himself as a professional in the years ahead. Whether you’re a PT student, a practicing clinician, or just curious about the future of physical therapy, this conversation offers insigh...
Welcome in on today’s episode! 🎙️ Gavin Cole, a PT student midway through his hybrid program, joins us to share his journey. We dive into his experience in PT school, his growing social media presence, and his hopes for the future. Tune in as we talk all things physical therapy, student life, and the next generation of clinicians. #PhysicalTherapy #PTStudent #HybridPT #FuturePT #DPTJourney #Physio #StudentLife #Rehab #StrengthAndConditioning #HealthcareFuture #PTPodcast #PhysicalTherapist Lea...
In this episode, we dive into a tough but necessary conversation: Who’s really living up to their end of the bargain—the physical therapist or the physical therapy industry? On one hand, individual PTs are showing up every day, committed to patients, outcomes, and advancing the profession. On the other hand, the larger industry—education, healthcare systems, and insurance—sets the stage, often with barriers, expectations, and costs that don’t always match the promises made. We’ll unpack the r...
In this episode, we dig into why physical therapists can’t—and shouldn’t—work in isolation. Strength and conditioning specialists, athletic trainers, and coaches bring unique expertise that complements rehab and bridges the gap between “cleared from PT” and “ready for performance.” We’ll explore how these collaborations not only benefit patient outcomes but also elevate the profession as a whole. From building resilience and preventing re-injury to pushing beyond baseline function, this conve...
Burning Out in Three Years: Is PT Losing Its New Grads Too Soon? More and more physical therapists are leaving the profession within just a few years of starting their careers. Is this a new trend—or have we simply started paying attention to it? In this episode, we dig into why so many new grads are burning out so quickly, exploring factors like crushing student debt, productivity demands, workplace culture, and the growing pressure to treat patients like numbers instead of people. We’ll als...
💬 Is physical therapy becoming a luxury service? With rising costs, shrinking insurance coverage, and the growth of cash-based practices, access to care is starting to look less like a right—and more like a privilege. In this episode, we dive into whether PT is drifting away from the average patient and what that means for the future of the profession. 🎙️ Tune in, share your thoughts, and let’s start the conversation. #PhysicalTherapy #HealthcareAccess #PTPodcast #LuxuryService #CashBasedPT #...
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