Hands On Hands Off: Manual Therapy & Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AAOMPT)

In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Feldman, National Director of Physical Therapy for ReEnvision PT and owner of WE ARE Physiotherapy. Kyle shares how clinical reasoning, therapeutic alliance, and intentional growth have shaped his work as a clinician, educator, and leader.We discuss:Why clinical reasoning is often misunderstoodHow strong therapeutic alliance amplifies patient outcomesSafety, intent, and application of spinal manipulation in elderly patientsUsing fellowship training to step into leadership or ownershipKyle’s career path and the mindset that keeps him energizedThis is a must-listen episode for clinicians looking to level up their reasoning, build meaningful patient relationships, and explore new opportunities in the profession.Key Takeaways:Clinical reasoning is more than pattern recognition — it’s dynamic decision-making.Therapeutic alliance isn’t “being nice”; it’s a critical clinical skill.Older adults are often under-treated due to clinician fear, not evidence.Fellowships can be springboards for business ownership and leadership innovation.Growth in PT requires curiosity, reflection, and courage. Guest Info: ???? Kyle Feldman – kylefeldmandpt@gmail.com ???? ReEnvision PT ???? WE ARE Physiotherapy

Why do patients with hip dysplasia go years without a diagnosis?In this episode, physical therapist and researcher Dr. Libby Bergman explains why hip dysplasia in young adults is frequently overlooked—and what clinicians can do to catch it earlier.Her research explores whether simple clinical tests physical therapists already use—range of motion, strength testing, and hypermobility measures—might help identify hidden hip instability.The findings could help clinicians recognize hip dysplasia sooner and potentially prevent years of unexplained pain and delayed treatment.In this conversation we discuss: • Why hip dysplasia is commonly missed • Early clinical signs physical therapists should watch for • Why athletes like dancers and swimmers may be at higher risk • New research linking range of motion and adductor strength to dysplasia • Why patients often wait 5–7 years for the correct diagnosis

What does it look like when an early-career clinician steps up to solve real barriers patients face — not just their pain?Wisconsin-based PT and Fellow-in-Training Rachel Beilfuss joins us to talk about her mission to integrate social determinants of health (SDoH) into everyday outpatient PT practice. As a Northwestern OMPT fellow with a clinical site at Marquette University, she's building systems to help clinicians screen, identify, and address the life factors that shape recovery and access.Rachel is also this year’s FOMPT scholarship recipient, representing the next generation of OMPT clinicians who are redefining what comprehensive care looks like.In this episode, we dig into:???? Why SDoH screening belongs in musculoskeletal care???? How Rachel is building clinic workflows + resource guides???? Her experience as a Fellow-in-Training at Northwestern/Marquette???? The importance of advocating for patients’ basic needs???? What early-career leadership looks like in AAOMPT???? How lifestyle, access, and equity affect rehab outcomes???? Why clinicians need support beyond biomechanics to serve patients fullyThis one is full of passion, practicality, and vision from one of the profession’s rising voices.

In this AAOMPT interview, we sit down with Liam Globensky, Center Manager at Brooks Rehabilitation and a brand-new fellow from the Brooks Institute of Higher Learning. Liam shares his passion for post-professional development, advocacy, and the responsibility fellows have to give back to the profession.We dive into:What life after fellowship should look likeHow new fellows can become leaders, mentors, and advocatesWhy post-professional opportunities are essential for the growth of PTThe role of clinicians in “raising the tide” for the entire professionA preview of Liam’s AAOMPT platform presentationsHow orthopedic clinicians can screen for pelvic floor dysfunctionWhether you're a student, a fellow, or a seasoned clinician, this episode offers an inspiring look at how PTs can serve, teach, and elevate the profession long after formal training ends.Chapters:00:00 – Opening00:48 – Meet Liam Globensky03:10 – The Fellow → Clinician transition06:20 – Why post-professional opportunities matter10:55 – “Raising the tide” through advocacy15:40 – How new fellows can give back20:10 – Orthopedic screening of pelvic floor dysfunction26:30 – Working alongside his wife: the joint lecture30:20 – What the future of fellowship-trained PTs looks like35:00 – Advice to new grads & future fellows38:50 – ClosingIf you’re passionate about fellowship training, clinical growth, and elevating our profession, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this interview with a colleague.

AAOMPT Fellow and educator Laura Wenger joins us to explore the future of membership, community, and belonging within orthopaedic manual physical therapy.Laura teaches foundational clinical reasoning at the University of Utah’s hybrid DPT pathway, treats patients weekly in a rural outpatient ortho practice, and serves as Co-Chair of AAOMPT’s Inclusive Membership & Engagement Committee (IMEC). Her work sits at the intersection of education, patient care, and organizational leadership.In this episode, Laura shares what IMEC is working on, how AAOMPT can better serve clinicians across training levels, and why belonging and representation matter for the future of the profession.In this episode, we cover:???? Who AAOMPT members actually are — and who we want to reach???? The biggest opportunities for member engagement year-round???? How AAOMPT supports professional + personal growth???? The value of SIGs, committees, and leadership pathways???? Fellowship pathways & mentorship: where they shine???? Why DEI work is essential for OMPT’s long-term health???? How Laura teaches clinical reasoning to a new generation of DPT students???? Practicing in rural settings + hybrid education insightsThis one is essential listening for current AAOMPT members — and anyone curious about joining.

Damian Keter joins the show to unpack manual therapy treatment mechanisms and how our profession needs to evolve its education around MT.Damian is a clinician specializing in complex pain at the VA and a clinical researcher whose work centers on MT mechanisms and manual therapy training paradigms. If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens when we deliver manual therapy — and how to teach it more effectively — this episode delivers clarity.Topics:• Manual therapy mechanism research • Contextual effects and clinical reasoning • How MT education needs to evolve • Helping clinicians move beyond outdated models • The future of manual therapy in PT

What role does IFOMPT play in global manual and musculoskeletal physiotherapy?In this episode of the Hands-On, Hands-Off Podcast, leaders from AAOMPT sit down with IFOMPT President Dr. Paolo Sanzo to discuss international education standards, evidence-informed practice, and global collaboration. The conversation explores how IFOMPT supports clinicians, educators, and researchers worldwide—and why global consistency ultimately improves patient care.00:00 – Introduction to the AAOMPT–IFOMPT collaborative series01:29 – Introducing Dr. Paolo Sanzo and IFOMT leadership03:19 – What IFOMPT is and its role within World Physiotherapy04:12 – Paolo’s journey through IFOMPT leadership roles05:21 – IFOMPT’s growth since 197407:11 – IFOMPT’s vision and mission explained09:47 – Education standards and member organization requirements12:10 – International monitoring and maintaining consistency17:49 – Evidence-based practice and global context20:16 – IFOMPT as a research and collaboration conduit23:14 – Challenges and opportunities of global collaboration26:18 – Working with international organizations and regions30:35 – Strategic priorities and future direction32:46 – Advice for clinicians pursuing excellence34:02 – Final reflections and closing remarks

In this episode of the Hands-On, Hands-Off Podcast, Dr. Trenton Rehman sits down with Dr. Shane McClinton to discuss plantar heel pain and the role of physical therapy in both clinical outcomes and healthcare costs.Dr. McClinton walks through a series of studies stemming from his doctoral research, including a randomized clinical trial, a detailed case series, and a three-year cost-effectiveness analysis. Together, they explore how adding physical therapy to usual podiatry care impacts pain, function, quality of life, and long-term costs.Key themes include manual therapy, impairment-based exercise, proximal contributions to heel pain, interdisciplinary collaboration, and why plantar heel pain may deserve the same clinical mindset as low back pain.Key Takeaways (Listener-Facing)Plantar heel pain is a multidimensional condition with local and proximal contributors.Adding physical therapy to usual podiatry care improved outcomes and reduced costs over three years.Manual therapy and exercise were delivered pragmatically and tailored to impairments.Strengthening may be underutilized in plantar heel pain management.Collaboration between physical therapists and podiatrists benefits patients and reduces downstream burden.⏱️ TIMESTAMPED CHAPTERS (YouTube + Podcast)00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest00:01 – Dr. Shane McClinton’s background and research focus00:03 – Why plantar heel pain referrals to PT are low00:07 – Rationale for studying cost-effectiveness00:10 – Study design overview (RCT + pragmatic approach)00:15 – Description of podiatry-only vs podiatry + PT care00:17 – Inclusion and exclusion criteria00:22 – Case series: why eight different heel pain presentations00:26 – Manual therapy strategies used in the study00:30 – Clinical practice guidelines and decision-making00:32 – Pain mechanisms, education, and chronicity00:35 – Proximal vs local treatment decisions00:38 – Three-year cost-effectiveness results explained00:44 – Implications for referrals and collaboration00:48 – Final take-home message from Dr. McClinton

When the cost of delay is measured in millions of dollars and operational readiness, guesswork isn’t an option.In this episode, we sit down with Josh Kidd, physical therapist, researcher, residency director, and embedded clinician working with special operations personnel and fighter pilots. Josh shares how directional preference plays a central role in clinical decision-making when time, performance, and safety all matter.We explore what directional preference actually is (and what it isn’t), why it should be viewed as an assessment rather than an exercise, and how inconsistent definitions in the research have led many clinicians to misunderstand or abandon it altogether.Josh also walks through real-world data from a tactical setting, where his team has used directional preference to help service members return to duty 36% faster, while empowering patients to self-manage and reducing recurrence.This conversation connects research, clinical reasoning, and performance-based care—challenging clinicians to rethink not just what they do, but how they think.???? In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why directional preference matters beyond the spineThe most common misconceptions clinicians have about directional preferenceHow inconsistent research definitions affect real-world practiceHow directional preference can guide prognosis and return-to-duty decisionsWhat clinicians can learn from high-stakes military performance environmentsOne mindset shift that can immediately improve clinical reasoning

Most physical therapists will treat TMJ pain. Almost none will ever encounter a full bilateral TMJ replacement—paired with mandibular advancement and upper palate expansion. When that rare case appeared, there was no rehab playbook… so this clinician built one.What listeners will learn:How TMJ replacement compares (and doesn’t) to hip and knee replacementsWhy outcomes research exists—but rehab pathways don’tHow to apply total joint principles to a jaw jointWhat to do when surgical restrictions limit “normal” movementThe role of nutrition, SLPs, and interdisciplinary careHow lived experience changes clinical decision-makingWhy it matters: This episode isn’t really about TMJ—it’s about how clinicians think when evidence is thin and responsibility is high.Guest: Katie Berry — sports & orthopedic clinician, adjunct professor, and OMPT fellow-in-training.

Cody Mansfield joins the show to unpack the real value of residency and fellowship training — and to share insights from his new Cardon Research Award–funded study examining outcomes in non-operative knee pain.Cody serves as Director of the Ohio State OMPT Fellowship, research associate, physical therapist, associate editor for JOSPT Cases, and instructor in the OSU DPT program. His mixed-methods research evaluates whether post-professional training changes outcomes related to quality, service, and cost — and what patients themselves value about receiving care from fellowship-trained clinicians.In this conversation: • Why this research matters for the future of OMPT • Early insights from comparing trained vs. non-trained clinicians • Patient perspectives on fellowship-trained PTs • Residency vs. fellowship — how they actually differ • Cody’s educational sessions on LE referral patterns and spinal decision-making • His journey through a PhD while raising two young boysWhether you’re a student, clinician, educator, or program director, this episode gives you a grounded look at what advanced training really does for patient care.

Rebekah Griffith joins the podcast to talk about what it means to be a newly minted AAOMPT Fellow working in one of the most unlikely settings — the Emergency Department.She shares why OMPT-level manual therapy skills are not only relevant in the ED, but essential for rapid assessment, safe decision-making, and efficient patient care. Rebekah explains how fellowship training sharpened her clinical reasoning, helped her manage acute MSK presentations, and expanded her impact within emergency medicine teams.In this episode: • The PT’s role in the ED • How manual therapy speeds clarity and improves outcomes • Examples of OMPT reasoning in acute, high-stakes scenarios • Why fellowship training matters outside outpatient ortho • Reducing unnecessary imaging, opioids, and admissions • Rebekah’s journey through AAOMPT Fellowship and into ED practiceWhether you’re a clinician, student, or educator, Rebekah’s perspective will reshape how you think about where — and how — manual therapy skills should be used.