Pt Pintcast

Stop Being the “Nice PT”Live from CSM in Anaheim, Eric Bellm joins PT Pintcast to challenge one of the most uncomfortable truths in physical therapy:Are we too focused on being liked?This episode tackles:The difference between support and accountabilityWhen to have the “coming to Jesus” conversation with a patientWhy labeling someone “noncompliant” is often lazyHow to introduce accountability from the first evalWhy educators must model humilityHow PTs should approach AI and healthcare changeThe importance of professional prideKey Takeaways“Help me understand” changes conversations.Accountability starts at evaluation.Treat the human, not just the diagnosis.Have an accountability buddy at work.Don’t fight change. Evolve with it.GuestEric Bellm, PT, DPT, OCSAssistant Professor – Saint Louis University

Circus Is Sport — So Why Aren’t We Treating It That Way?Performing artists train like elite athletes — but they’re rarely treated like them in healthcare.In this episode, Emily Scherb (The Circus Doc) shares:How she transitioned from professional circus performer to PTWhy circus participation is exploding across the U.S.What “adult-onset circus” meansWhy pole dancers avoid seeking careThe stigma problem in healthcareHow load management applies to performing artistsWhy saying “I don’t know” builds trustThe massive business opportunity PTs are missingKey TakeawaysCircus artists are athletes.Performing arts lack a strong culture of training load management.PTs don’t need to be experts — just curious and respectful.Niching down builds authority and trust.This population is actively looking for clinicians who understand them.Guest LinksWebsite: https://www.thecircusdoc.comInstagram: @thecircusdocLinkedIn: Emily Scherb

At CSM 2026, Jimmy sits down with Devon Morris to discuss generational differences in physical therapy — and why clinic culture may matter more than compensation for retaining Gen Z clinicians.Key themes include:The impact of growing up in a “phone-based world”The Zoom communication shiftWhy stereotypes about “kids today” miss the pointBurnout and student debt realitiesWhy some therapists leave higher pay for better cultureHow intentional leadership improves retentionIf you're a clinic owner struggling with retention — or a PT navigating your early career — this episode delivers practical insight. 00:00 – CSM 2026 Live 02:15 – Gen Z Explained 04:20 – The Zoom Effect 06:05 – Culture Over Salary 07:30 – Retention Crisis 08:40 – Parting Shot

From CSM 2026 in Anaheim, Jimmy sits down with Ben Lindaman to discuss one of the biggest identity tensions in physical therapy:Generalist vs. Specialist.Healthcare rewards depth.Marketing rewards niche positioning.But patient care often demands integration.Ben argues that:Early over-specialization can stunt developmentGeneralist thinking is critical in rural and primary care settingsMost patients don’t need hyper-specializationConfidence and competence matter more than credentialsPT’s versatility is both a strength and communication challengeIf you’ve ever felt pressure to define your niche immediately — this episode is for you.???? Key TakeawaysSpecialization has value — but so does breadthYoung clinicians should explore before committingValue-based care demands better triage and integrationRural PTs must be adaptable generalistsClinical identity should be internally driven, not externally pressured???? GuestBen Lindaman, PT, DPTAssistant Professor, Tufts UniversityPRN Clinician, Philadelphia???? Benton.Lin

Recorded LIVE from CSM 2026 in Anaheim, Jimmy sits down with Ami Faria from the APTA Board of Directors to discuss:The honest conversation happening around PT student debtWhy the Department of Education’s proposed rule could create bottlenecksHow APTA prepares PTs for real advocacy on Capitol HillWhy AI in healthcare needs guardrails — not avoidanceThe strategic push toward Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM)This episode highlights the Earned Attention principle in action: Attention → Trust → Action.The profession cannot outsource its future. Collaboration is the strategy.

Guest: Dr. Rachel Zoffness – Pain Psychologist | UCSF + Stanford Faculty | Author of Tell Me Where It HurtsTopic: Revolutionizing Pain Education and TreatmentWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why the brain—not the body—is the control center for painHow chronic pain can be managed and treated (not just medicated)Real case study: “Sam” and the power of biopsychosocial careWhy PTs, MDs, and psychologists must collaborateWhy medical education fails to teach modern pain scienceHow you can create your own “pain recipe” for better outcomesBehind the scenes of Rachel’s new book, publishing journey & outreachLinks + Resources???? Website: zoffness.com???? Book: Tell Me Where It Hurts — Order Now???? Follow: @TheRealDocZoff, @drzoffness???? Want Rachel to record your voicemail? Preorder and submit at zoffness.com

Physical therapy isn’t just about movement anymore — it’s about models, messaging, and mindset. In this episode, Jimmy interviews Ryan Sharkey and Jonathan Ide-Don, co-founders of Full Stack Healthcare, a platform and newsletter helping clinicians think beyond fee-for-service.They break down the differences between RTM and telehealth, how asynchronous care changes outcomes, and why communication — not Theraband color — is your next clinical edge.???? Who this is for: Clinic owners, ambitious PTs, policy-curious rehab pros, and anyone who feels like the system is broken but isn’t sure how to fix it.???? Topics covered:What "full stack" really means for healthcareWhy PTs need to think like product buildersRTM vs Telehealth: Reimbursement realitiesWhy communication > exercise selectionScaling care without sacrificing qualitySubstack as a clinic strategy???? Game Segment: Full Stack Fire RoundRTM vs TelehealthFee-for-service vs Value-basedClinician-led vs Venture-fundedOne Substack post every PT should read???

Many PTs expect APTA membership to deliver immediate, visible ROI — discounts, perks, and fast results. In this conversation, Rebekah Griffith explains why that mindset misses the real value of professional advocacy.This episode covers:Why advocacy work happens whether you’re paying attention or notThe “sprinkles vs cake” analogy for APTA benefitsWhy some PTs feel disappointed — and how to realign expectationsHow to approach CSM as a relationship-building opportunityWhy passive attendance leads to zero returnThe mindset shift that separates frustrated attendees from successful onesKey takeaway: You don’t get value from APTA or CSM by watching. You get it by participating.

How do you build confident pediatric PTs and decode complex diagnoses like dyspraxia or EDS?Cheri Woodson has spent 45+ years treating children, educating families, and mentoring therapists. In this episode, she shares how physical therapists can better support kids with executive function and motor planning challenges — even without a formal diagnosis.✅ Why motor delays often go undiagnosed ✅ The biggest myth in pediatric PT ✅ What PT schools miss (and how to fix it) ✅ Strategies to accelerate clinical reasoningTimestamps: 00:00 - Intro02:15 - Cheri’s 45-year journey in pediatric PT05:44 - Mentoring the next generation of PTs09:30 - Treating without a formal diagnosis13:20 - What PT schools still miss about peds16:47 - Strategies for dyspraxia + motor planning19:40 - The myth that still hurts pediatric care22:00 - Cheri’s parting shot Sponsored By:PRE-ROLL: SaRA Health — Remote Therapeutic Monitoring made simple → https://sarahealth.comMID-ROLL: Empower EMR — EMR designed for speed and simplicity → https://e

Most PT marketing fails because it chases moments instead of relationships.In this episode, Jimmy McKay breaks down:Why conference booths don’t create trustHow familiarity actually drives hiring and patient decisionsWhy copying trends kills credibilityThe difference between storytelling and telling storiesWhy frequency beats perfection every timeIf you’re a clinic owner, healthcare exec, or PT leader trying to grow without burning cash — this episode reframes everything.SponsorsSaRA HealthEMPOWER EMRU.S. Physical Therapy

COVID changed everything — and for many PTs, it left emotional wounds that haven't healed. Kristin Walls and Lisa Kohler join us to unpack “moral injury” — how it’s different from burnout, how it showed up in outpatient and acute care settings, and why it matters for the future of physical therapy.They preview their CSM talk, highlight new research on provider wellness, and share initiatives like the Wellness Committee and a national survey on professional sustainability.In this episode:Defining moral injury for PTsCSM talk preview: The Invisible WoundEthics vs. morals in clinical practicePost-traumatic growth and how to achieve itWhy PT needs moral communities — now more than everLinks:Kristin & Lisa’s CSM Talk: Thursday Feb 12 @ 8amLAMP Leadership Series (TED-style talks)Wellness Committee (OPTA)PT Pintcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ptpintcastWebsite: https://ptpintcast.com

Dawn Magnusson & Rachel Prusynski – PTJ Editorial TeamEPISODE SUMMARY:Is peer review really that scary? This special CSM 2026 preview pulls back the curtain on academic publishing with two editors from PTJ. Whether you're a clinician, student, or early-career researcher, you'll learn how to start writing, reviewing, and contributing to the scholarly conversation in physical therapy. Topics covered:Why PTs avoid peer review (and why they shouldn’t)The surprising benefits of being a reviewerWhere new writers should start (even if they’re not researchers)How PTJ is creating a more inclusive publishing pipelineThe emotional side of submitting your first article“Game time” insights from two seasoned editors CSM Session Info:Behind the Red Ink: Demystifying Peer Review and Empowering Emerging ScholarsFriday, February 13, 2026 | ???? 10:30 AM – 12:00 PMRoom 163, ACC North – Anaheim Convention CenterSponsored by:Pre-roll: SaRA Health – https://sarahealth.comMid-roll: Empower EMR – https://empoweremr.comPre-parti

What happens when the immune system turns into a weapon against cancer — and PTs aren’t sure what to expect?Join Jimmy McKay as he interviews three leaders in oncology rehab at CSM 2026. Scott Capozza, Amanda Giarratano, and Stephen Wechsler break down what immunotherapy means for PTs — and how to prepare for the tidal wave of patients already coming.You’ll learn:The real differences between immunotherapy and chemoWhy side effects often look like inflammation — and how to treat itWhat the data says about exercise improving survivalReferral patterns, clinical barriers, and how students are pushing changeThis is essential listening for any physical therapist working in oncology or interested in the future of personalized cancer care.

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America — especially with older adults. But with its explosive popularity comes a wave of injuries. PTs Diane Fleming and Kristin Walls join the show to share insights from their CSM 2026 session, covering:Why pickleball matters in geriatrics AND sportsCommon injury patterns PTs should be ready forThe SAFE exam and its use in screening athletic older adultsAdvice for PTs pitching fun, nontraditional sessionsWhat it looks like when two PTs present... in costume???? Includes a rapid-fire game: “Pickle or Pass”???? Sponsors MentionedPRE-ROLL: ???? SaRA Health — Remote care via text, easy RTM, no app needed. sarahealth.comMID-ROLL: ???? Empower EMR — Clean workflows, faster notes, real support. empoweremr.comPARTING SHOT: ???? U.S. Physical Therapy — Build your future in PT. usph.com

Rob Panariello has done it all — from strength coach at St. John's to Director of Health & Performance for the Carolina Panthers, to co-founding one of the largest PT practices in the country. In this episode, he shares:The real difference between routine and commitmentWhat new grads consistently get wrongThe value of strength (and when to add RFD)How to build a clinic-wide ROI mindsetWhy "being busy" isn't the same as building a career???? HERO CLIP MOMENT: "There’s a big difference between routine... and commitment."???? LIGHTNING ROUND GAME: Name That Coach! Rapid-fire quote game: Did this come from Parcells, Vermeil, or Lou C????? SPONSOR PLACEMENT:PRE-ROLL: SaRA HealthMID-ROLL: Empower EMRPRE-PARTING SHOT: U.S. Physical Therapy

Hear from the storytellers behind LAMP’s TED-style leadership session at CSM 2026. These PTs aren’t just talking about leadership—they’re living it through deeply personal stories of rediscovery, burnout recovery, and professional pivots.????️ Hear from:Jennifer Green-Wilson on how passion fuels transformationSean Bagbey on mental health and leadershipJohn Corcoran on finding influence outside the traditional pathKristin Walls on self-leadership and reclaiming your identityLori Pearlmutter and Susan Lukens on sustainability, connection, and growth???? TED-Style Session Info: Thursday, Feb 12 · 2:00–3:30 PM at APTA CSM 2026???? Why Listen: Whether you’re a new grad, student, or seasoned PT, these stories will remind you why you started and help you lead from within.

In this PT Breakfast Club livestream, Jimmy McKay sits down with Dave Kittle and Tony Maritato to unpack what’s actually working for clinic owners and PT creators right now: why posting volume wins, how to build repeatable content formats, a DM strategy that leads to real-world referral relationships, and how to stop letting the fear of “PT internet criticism” keep you quiet.Key TakeawaysFrequency is the lever: growth comes from reps, not perfection.Pick 1–5 repeatable formats and run them.Use content to show the experience, not just claim expertise.DM strategy that works: follow + engage + then DM once you’re in the real inbox.Handling criticism: stop outsourcing your confidence to the comments.Guests + LinksDave Kittle (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@thedavekittleshow/featuredTony Maritato (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/c/MedicareBilling

What happens when physical therapists decide the clinic isn’t the finish line — it’s the starting point? In this roundtable discussion, Lindsay, Kelly, and Todd dive into how PTs can lead from any position — whether you’re a student, a staff clinician, or in the C-suite.They get real about imposter syndrome, leadership guilt, CSM session picks, and why bringing your own chair to the table might be the most powerful move of your career.In This Episode:3 signs you’re ready for a leadership roleWhen guilt hits after leaving the clinic — and what to do with itHow the Army fast-tracks growth in PTsTips for picking the right CSM sessionsWhy you’re more ready than you think to leadSponsors:???? Pre-Roll: Brooks IHL – brooksihl.org⚙️ Mid-Roll: Empower EMR – empoweremr.com???? End-Roll: U.S. Physical Therapy – usph.com

Larry Benz, John Childs, and Tim Flynn join Jimmy to tackle some of the most urgent—and uncomfortable—questions in physical therapy. Are we educating students into a broken system? LINK TO THEIR LATEST ARTICLELINK TO LARRY'S SUBSTACKWhy do most PTs say they wouldn't want their kids to become PTs? And what would it take to fix this before the next generation gives up?From the burden of tuition to the unintended consequences of accreditation rigidity, this episode pulls no punches. It's a high-stakes conversation with voices that have shaped PT education, and who believe it's time to reshape it again.Topics Discussed:The unsustainable cost of DPT educationWhy hybrid programs faced institutional resistanceWhat accreditation bodies are getting wrongHow young entrepreneurs might save the professionThe question every PT should ask: "Would I want my kids to do this?"Featured Guests:Larry Benz — Confluent HealthDr. John Childs — South CollegeDr. Tim Flynn — Evidence in Motion

Physical therapists are short on time, long on complaints, and totally missing the point: we're in an attention economy. In this episode, Jimmy and the crew dive into:How RTM is "free money" and still ignoredWhat ESPN's ridiculous programming can teach PT clinicsCrossFit, Peloton, and OrangeTheory as models for gamifying outcomesWhy most CSM booths are $20,000 toiletsClinic competition, trivia-style leaderboards, and The Floor is Lava: Medicare EditionThis isn't about hype. It's about attention, strategy, and clinical creativity. Want to build the PT profession's Savannah Bananas? This episode's your blueprint.CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro: The Attention Economy in PT 04:22 RTM Is Free Money (But No One Uses It) 09:45 What We Can Steal From ESPN 8: The Ocho 14:36 Clinic Games & CrossFit Leaderboards 19:52 The Real ROI of CSM Booths 26:11 Medicare Edition: The Floor is Lava 31:22 Alternative Halftime Shows & Fake Game Testing 36:44 Clinic vs Clinic: Building a PT Leaderboard 43:00 Final Thoughts: Outrun the Be