APTA Podcasts
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Podcasts for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy.
Episodes
- How APTA Members Are Supporting the Special Olympics USA Games
APTA representatives Kelly Roberts Lane and Drew Contreras discuss the organization's partnership with the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. They cover the partnership's origins, its potential to raise national awareness for the physical th…
- AI in PT Practice: Finding Balance and Embracing Innovation Without Losing Trust
Ash James of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and APTA's Drew Contreras discuss how artificial intelligence is influencing physical therapist practice. James shares insights from the CSP's AI principles and offers guidance for clinic…
- PTJ Author Interview: Intervention Fidelity and Clinical Translation
This episode features Sandy Willett, Elena Donoso Brown, and Regina Harbourne discussing intervention fidelity. They define the concept, explain its importance in connecting research and clinical practice, and suggest future actions for cl…
- APTA and NSCA: A Shared Commitment to Patient and Athlete-Centered Care
APTA representatives discuss the association's partnership with the National Strength and Conditioning Association, highlighting shared goals in evidence-based care for patients and athletes. The discussion covers how collaboration benefit…
- PTJ Author Interview: Geographic Disparities in Rehab Provider Availability
APTA Podcasts features an interview with authors Madeline Ratoza, Rupal Patel, and Julia Chevan discussing their study on geographic disparities in rehabilitation provider availability in Texas. The research utilized a geographic informati…
- A Road Map for the Future: Breaking Down the APTA Strategic Framework for 2030
APTA President Kyle Covington and members of the APTA Board of Directors discuss the APTA Strategic Framework for 2030. The discussion covers three key priorities: advancing payment, empowering members, and evolving the practice of physica…
- PTJ Author Interview: Empathetic Communication by Physical Therapists
Steven George and Katrina Monroe discuss a study on empathetic communication between physical therapists and patients. The research found that responding to patients' emotional cues correlated with lower reported pain intensity over a six-…
- The Legacy of Vilma Evans, a Pioneering Black Physical Therapy Leader
Milly Polovich, a former patient of Vilma Evans, joins APTA Vice President of Advancement Carmen Elliott to discuss the life, legacy, and barrier-breaking career of the pioneering Black physical therapist. Polovich shares her experiences w…
- What to Know About the New Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession
Ethics experts on APTA Podcasts discuss the new Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession, effective January 1, 2026. The discussion covers its impact on daily practice, the future of the profession, and how it was updated for eth…
- PTJ Author Interview: PT-Administered Physical Activity After Knee Replacement
APTA Podcasts features Steven George and Daniel White discussing a survey study on the effectiveness of physical therapist-administered physical activity interventions for adults following knee replacement surgery. The study indicated comp…
- PTAs Shaping What’s Next: Board Eligibility and the Future of Leadership
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are now eligible to serve on the APTA Board of Directors for the first time, beginning in 2026. Host Kelley Kubota talks with Evan Bier and Timothy Russell about this development, its significance for t…
- PTJ Author Interview: Validation of the LASSI in DPT Learners
Jessica Feda and Evan Pucillo discuss their article on validating the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) for Doctor of Physical Therapy learners. They explain self-regulated learning, how LASSI assesses it, and its adaptation…
- PTJ Author Interview: Development and Validation of the PT-PENCIL
Steven George interviews Brittany Lapin, Joshua Johnson, and Sandra Passek on the APTA Podcasts about the PT-PENCIL tool. This tool aids in identifying patients who may benefit most from daily physical therapy to facilitate discharge home,…
- November Advocacy Roundup: The Final 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
APTA staff experts Rachel Miller and Sharon West discuss the final 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, noting an average 1.75% payment increase for physical therapists. The episode covers updates on telehealth and remote therapeutic moni…
- PTJ Author Interview: Real-World Implementation of Intensive Rehab Protocol
Editor-in-Chief Steven George interviews Stanley Hung about a survey study on implementing intensive rehabilitation protocols in Canadian inpatient stroke settings. They discuss the DOSE and Walk ‘n Watch trials, the accuracy of wearable t…
- How Americans View Physical Therapy: Inside APTA’s Consumer Perceptions Report
APTA's Consumer Perceptions Report findings on awareness, access, and trust are discussed by host Alicia Hosmer, APTA's Drew Contreras and Emilio Rouco, and research partners Shelly Adcock and Tam Nguyen. The episode covers how these insig…
- Building a Career You Love: Advice from PT and Entrepreneur Megan Brown
Megan Brown, PT, DPT, shares her journey from physical therapist to entrepreneur and founder of Mind The Mat Pilates & Yoga. She provides career advice and discusses finding passion, previewing her upcoming panel at APTA CSM.
- PTJ Author Interview: Health Systems Science in Physical Therapist Education
APTA Podcasts' PTJ Podcast features Editor-in-Chief Steven George interviewing authors Gregory Hartley and Neva Kirk-Sanchez. They discuss their perspective on integrating health systems science into physical therapy education to improve c…
- PTJ Author Interview: Cost-Effectiveness of Plantar Heel Pain Management
Steven George interviews Shane McClinton about a study comparing the cost-effectiveness of physical therapy plus usual podiatry care versus podiatry care alone for managing plantar heel pain. They discuss the study's inspiration, the patie…
- Accreditation Innovation: The Future of Physical Therapy Education
APTA is merging its accreditation bodies, CAPTE and ABPTRFE, to create a single integrated unit. This change aims to simplify processes, decrease program burdens, and enhance educational quality. APTA President Kyle Covington discusses the…
- PTJ Author Interview: Credentialism and the CAPTE 50 Percent Requirement
Steven George interviews Andrew Hogan about his perspective on the CAPTE standard, which requires at least 50% of physical therapist education program core faculty to hold an academic doctorate. They discuss the standard's history, potenti…
- September Advocacy Roundup: How to Use APTA’s Direct Access Report
Justin Elliott and William Boissonnault discuss APTA’s recent report on direct access to physical therapy services. Boissonnault, a contributor to the report, explains its purpose, significance, and how the evidence can be used to advocate…
- PTJ Honors & Awards Highlight: Author Interview With Shawn Farrokhi
Shawn Farrokhi discusses his APTA Outstanding Research Award-winning article on low back pain interventions with PTJ Podcast Editor-in-Chief Steven George. They explore the study's findings, data sources, and impact on practice and patient…
- Academy Focus: Get to Know APTA Hand and Upper Extremity
Leaders Jason Lau, Jamie Grigsby, and Melissa Lazinski discuss APTA Hand & Upper Extremity in an interview conducted at APTA CSM. More information is available on the academy's website.
- PTJ Honors & Awards Highlight: Author Interview With Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley
Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley discusses winning the Rothstein Golden Pen Award for Scientific Writing with PTJ Podcast editor Steven George. She shares insights on her article contributions, offers advice for scientific writing challenges, and…
- August Advocacy Roundup: The 2026 Proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Rachel Miller, MPH, details the proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and its effects on physical therapists. The episode directs listeners to the APTA Patient Action Center to submit comments to CMS regarding the valuation of phys…
- Academy Focus: Get to Know APTA Oncology
Chris Wilson, president of APTA Oncology, shares insights on thriving in the oncology specialty, covering essential skills, work settings, and career steps. The interview was conducted by Thailey Leak, SPT, at APTA CSM.
- PTJ Author Interview: Advancing Sense of Belonging in Physical Therapist Students
Shauna Dudley-Javoroski interviews Keshrie Naidoo and Diane Jette about their perspective on advancing a sense of belonging for physical therapist students from minoritized backgrounds. They discuss "wicked problems," "solutionitis," measu…
- July Advocacy Roundup: APTA Efforts Pay Off With Aetna Direct Access Policy Win
APTA Senior Specialists Alice Bell and Wanda Evans discuss the decade-long advocacy effort that resulted in Aetna providing direct access to physical therapist services. Laura Keivel offers advice on interacting with elected officials duri…
- PTJ Author Interview: Understanding Barriers to Clinical Practice Guideline Use
Editor-in-Chief Steven George discusses a study on barriers to clinical practice guideline implementation for low back pain with authors Matthew Schumacher, Kyle Cottone, and Laura Siviter. The study identified six themes, and the authors…
- Getting on Board With Specialist Certification: Advice From PTs
Colleen Ward, PT, DPT, speaks with three APTA members about their journeys to becoming board-certified clinical specialists. They discuss how certification impacted their careers and provide guidance for those considering the credential.
- Academy Focus: Get to Know APTA Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology & Wound
APTA Podcasts presents an interview with Stephanie Woelfel, president of the APTA Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology & Wound Management, conducted by student Annabelle Hu at APTA CSM. The episode introduces the clinical specialties of e…
- June Advocacy Roundup: Championing Change in Physical Therapy Policy
This episode of APTA Podcasts features Rachel Miller and Alvin Osorio Flores discussing the organization's recent advocacy efforts. Topics include reducing administrative burdens, addressing policy inefficiencies in Medicare, Medicaid, and…
- Academy Focus: Get to Know APTA Pediatrics
Britton Farnum interviews Mary Jane Rapport, President of APTA Pediatrics. They discuss the skills, settings, and steps necessary to thrive in the pediatric specialty.
- AI in PT Practice: What Are the Benefits, Risks, and Ethical Questions?
Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler interviews three experts on the ethical issues of AI in healthcare, discussing data privacy, bias, and informed consent in physical therapy practice.
- PTJ Author Interview: Metabolic Health Screening in Private Practice
APTA Podcasts features an interview with authors Sally Mastwyk and Casey Peiris discussing their study on the feasibility of physical therapists conducting metabolic health screenings in private practices using point-of-care testing. The d…
- Academy Focus: Get to Know APTA Pelvic Health
APTA Pelvic Health President Darla Cathcart discusses the role of a pelvic health physical therapist and offers advice for those interested in the specialty. The interview took place at APTA CSM in Boston.
- Defining Moment: Healing the Little Brain
Elizabeth Pimentel, PT, MA, recounts a significant patient experience, detailing her process of coming to terms with the patient’s premature passing. Additional details and photos are available on the APTA Magazine website.
- PTJ Author Interview: Projected Physical Therapist Shortages Through 2037
APTA Podcasts features an interview with authors Timothy Dall and Tara Manal regarding their PTJ article, which forecasts physical therapist shortages through 2037 using original survey data and microsimulation. They discuss the data sourc…
- How to Avoid PT Burnout, Find Community, and Get Involved in Advocacy
APTA Vice President Drew Contreras and entrepreneur Odell Miller discuss starting a business, the impact of new technologies on the physical therapy profession, and methods for PTs to avoid burnout. The episode references ChoosePT.com and…
- PTJ Author Interview: Evaluating the Potential of Large Language Models
APTA Podcasts features an interview with Yael Arbel, Yoav Gimmon, and Liora Shmueli regarding their study comparing ChatGPT and Google Gemini performance against physical therapists and students in vestibular rehabilitation. The discussion…
- Academy Focus: Get to Know APTA Orthopaedic
APTA Orthopaedic President Bob Rowe was interviewed by Corry Brinken at APTA CSM 2024. Rowe shared insights on how students can prepare for a career in orthopedics. Information is available on the APTA Orthopaedic website.
- APTA Advocacy Update, March 2025: Celebrating Wins and Fighting for More Reforms
This APTA Podcasts episode covers March 2025 advocacy efforts concerning patient access to physical therapy and support for PTs and PTAs. It reviews 2024 successes and anticipates developments for the remainder of 2025.
- PTJ Author Interview: Algorithm-Based Treatment in the Emergency Department
Steven George interviews Amee Seitz and Kyle Strickland about their perspective on a modified emergency department treatment-based classification system for low back pain, including case examples and the unique aspects of physical therapy…
- Defining Moment: From PT to Patient
Emily Berthelette, PT, DPT, discusses her personal experience as a patient undergoing physical therapy. The episode draws on her insights from being on the patient side of PT services.
- Academy Focus: Get to Know American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy
This episode features an interview with American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy President Mike Reinold, discussing the importance of finding a niche and mentorship within sports physical therapy.
- PTJ Author Interview: Influence of Race and Ethnicity on DPT Applications
In this PTJ Podcast episode, Editor-in-Chief Steven George discusses with author Nicole Tombers her research comparing the influences on physical therapy program applications between white applicants and those identifying as Black, America…
- PTJ Author Interview: Randomized Clinical Trials and Real-World Practice
Steven George discusses two companion papers with authors Alexander Garbin and Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley. The papers evaluate a progressive multicomponent intervention for older adults in home health settings and examine the design and inte…
- Academy Focus: Get to Know APTA Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy
Grace Cioffi, PT, DPT, interviewed Gillian McLean, PT, DPT, of the APTA Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy at APTA CSM. The discussion covered the specialty's unique aspects and how students can participate.
- PTJ Honors & Awards Highlight: Author Interview With Andrew Post
Editor-in-Chief Steven George interviews Andrew Post about his APTA Outstanding Research Award for the article “Efficacy of Telehealth for Movement-Evoked Pain in People With Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy.” They discuss the research's impa…