PTA+ Physical Therapist Assistant

Katie Sutton
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast for Physical Therapist Assistants by Physical Therapist Assistants

  1. PTA+ Live from CSM: Lisa Kohler

    2D AGO

    PTA+ Live from CSM: Lisa Kohler

    Clinician wellness isn’t just about self-care, it’s about leadership, ethics, and systems that either protect or drain healthcare professionals. In this live conversation from CSM, Lisa Kohler, PT and Ohio Physical Therapy Association board member, discusses a new national survey exploring wellness across the therapy profession, including Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), who have historically been left out of research. Five years after COVID, clinicians are still reporting anxiety, burnout, and moral injury. This study aims to identify the biggest needs, from emotional well-being to financial stress, and guide meaningful resources at the chapter, state, and national level. If you’ve ever felt like surveys only focus on patients and productivity, this one focuses on you! Survey InformationExploring Wellness in the Physical Therapy Community: Identifying Needs and Opportunities Take the survey here: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUeyaQiAZRcfbam Co-Investigators: Tonya Apke, PT, DPT, NBC-HWC Cara Berg-Carramusa, PT, MSPT, EdD Subscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/ LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725 Special Thanks to: Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM. MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS

    10 min
  2. PTA+ Live from CSM: Wendy Enck

    4D AGO

    PTA+ Live from CSM: Wendy Enck

    Aquatic therapy might be one of the most overlooked tools in rehab, and Wendy Enck is here to make the case for bringing it back to the spotlight. Recorded live at APTA’s CSM, this conversation explores how Physical Therapist Assistants can use water to accelerate balance recovery, reduce chronic pain, and build patient confidence faster than traditional land-based rehab alone. With fewer than 300 PTAs attending CSM out of 15–20,000 rehab professionals, this episode is also a rally cry: show up, get involved, and elevate the PTA voice. In This Episode:How water improves dynamic balanceWhy aquatic therapy isn’t just for geriatricsUsing buoyancy for post-op recoveryHelping chronic pain patients experience reliefWhy PTAs belong on national stages Guest:Wendy Enck – Aquatic Director, nonprofit leader, and open water endurance swimmer. Subscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/ LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725 Special Thanks to: Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM. MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS

    10 min
  3. PTA+ Live from CSM: Margie Nguyen

    FEB 23

    PTA+ Live from CSM: Margie Nguyen

    APTA CSM is buzzing — but is it worth it for a Physical Therapist Assistant? Katie talks with Margie Nguyen (Not Just a PTA) to talk about: Why PTAs need to show up at national conferencesNetworking strategies that actually workPelvic health advocacy for postpartum patientsGrowing your PTA career beyond the clinicHow to “put yourself out there” without fear If you’re a PTA wondering whether CSM belongs in your career path — this episode is for you. Key ThemesPTA identity & visibilityWomen’s health advocacyProfessional growthConference ROINetworking courage Subscribe & Follow (PTA+)Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/ LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725 Special Thanks to: Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM. MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS

    10 min
  4. PTA+ Live from CSM: Deanne Yates

    FEB 18

    PTA+ Live from CSM: Deanne Yates

    Permission to Lead: Why PTAs Must Stop Self-LimitingRecorded live at CSM, this episode is a direct challenge to every Physical Therapist Assistant who has ever thought, “There’s no room for growth.” Deanne Yates shares her journey from PTA to national-level leadership involvement, including work with FSBPT and PTA governance initiatives. She discusses: Why PTA and PT are both terminal clinical designationsThe danger of self-limiting beliefsRunning for national office as a PTAArtificial (augmented) intelligence in rehab educationThe shift toward blended and hybrid PTA programsWhy we need clearer definitions in hybrid educationWhy every PTA should attend CSMIf you’ve ever waited for permission to lead — this is your sign. Special Thanks to: Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM. MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS Follow PTA+: Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/ LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725

    13 min
  5. Swing Smarter: A PTA’s Path from Rehab to Golf & Tennis Performance

    FEB 4

    Swing Smarter: A PTA’s Path from Rehab to Golf & Tennis Performance

    In this episode of PTA+ (Physical Therapist Assistant), Katie talks with Ryan Elsass, PTA, CSCS, owner of Ace Sports Performance in Pittsburgh. Ryan shares how failing forward—PT school rejection and an early setback in PTA school—pushed him into a niche bridging rehab to real-life performance for golfers, tennis players, and pickleball athletes. We cover: Why patients often get re-injured after discharge—and how to close the gapThe mindset shift: don’t demonize pickleball (or deadlifts)—train for the demandsHow TPI screens reveal mobility/stability needs that show up in the swingPTA career growth: mentorship, certifications, and building a role that fits you“Assess, don’t guess” training—why cookie-cutter exercise lists fall short 00:00 Intro: bridging rehab + performance 01:04 Sponsor: MedBridge 01:24 Katie & Ryan history 04:00 What Ryan does now (PTA + performance) 07:13 PT school rejection → new path 09:04 The discharge-to-gym injury gap 13:40 Closed-loop care + collaboration 17:20 Pickleball + “don’t demonize the movement” 20:15 TPI screens + prevention 22:35 PTAs boxed in + building a niche 27:50 Failure stories + growth 34:10 Student panic + safety nets 36:01 “My name is Linda” (rapport + confidence) 38:24 Advice for PTAs who don’t fit the mold 41:45 Game: screen or swing? 44:38 Live mini-screen demo + regional interdependence 51:17 Ryan’s plus points + mentorship 53:00 Where to find Ryan Where to find Ryan: Website: https://www.aceperformancepgh.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AceSportsPerformancePGH/ Ryan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elsassrt/ (bio references @aceperformancepgh) Follow PTA+: Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/ LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725 MedBridge — Katie’s affiliate discount is available via: https://www.medbridge.com/pricing?utm_source=PTA+Plus+Podcast&utm_medium=Affiliate+Link https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/ (code:PTAPLUS, also mentioned in episode).

    54 min
  6. How to Do CSM “Right” as a PTA (Without Burning Out)

    FEB 2

    How to Do CSM “Right” as a PTA (Without Burning Out)

    Feeling overwhelmed about CSM? You’re not alone. In this episode, Katie flips the format and lets Macy Frederick Rogers (first-time attendee) ask the questions every PTA is thinking—so you can walk into CSM with a plan. You’ll hear practical tips on: How to build a schedule you can actually follow (without burnout)What first-timers miss in the exhibit hall (including activations + APTA pavilion moments)Networking that doesn’t feel cringey—and why talking to presenters mattersPacking and travel strategy (time change, snacks, shoes, coffee hacks, and more)Posters, overflow rooms, and how to support other PTAs in the space Affiliate: MedBridge Use code PTAPLUS, find the discount link at ptapluspodcast.com Katie’s affiliate discount is available via: https://www.medbridge.com/pricing?utm_source=PTA+Plus+Podcast&utm_medium=Affiliate+Link https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/ Subscribe & Follow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/Website: ptapluspodcast.com

    43 min

  7. JAN 12

    Boards, Ethics, and Big Moves: A PTA’s Blueprint for Career Expansion

    Your Physical Therapist Assistant career can be bigger than a job title—and Sara Conrad is living proof. Sara shares how she built a career blending outpatient ortho, sports performance, ethics, leadership, and education while staying rooted in patient care. You’ll hear: How Sara found the PTA path through a truly nonlinear journeyWhat licensure boards actually do (and how they differ from association work)How FSBPT involvement can open doors for PTAsWhy ethics and leadership aren’t “extra”—they’re part of practicing wellHow to take the first step if “boards and legislation” sounds intimidatingGuest Sara Conrad, PTA, ART — Twin Cities Orthopedics Twin Cities Orthopedics Resources Mentioned Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy — Sara’s bio mn.gov // Minnesota's State PortalParadis Sport — Sara’s feature Paradis Sport+1APTA — Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession (effective Jan 1, 2026) American Physical Therapy Association+1Afton Trail Run interview (2019 Afton 50K Winner) Afton Trail RunConnect with Sara LinkedIn: LinkedIn

    55 min
  8. General Supervision Is Here: What New York Just Changed for PTAs

    JAN 5

    General Supervision Is Here: What New York Just Changed for PTAs

    New York’s move to general supervision for PTAs is a major win—and a powerful case study in why advocacy matters. In this episode, Katie sits down with clinic leaders to unpack: What general supervision really changes for PTAsHow advocacy led to meaningful policy reformWhy rural and outpatient clinics are expanding PTA-led modelsThe truth about the PTA modifier and reimbursementHow mentorship sustains careers—not just clinicsThis conversation is essential listening for PTAs, students, educators, and anyone invested in the future of rehab.

    1h 5m
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

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A podcast for Physical Therapist Assistants by Physical Therapist Assistants

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