PTA+ Physical Therapist Assistant

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

A podcast for Physical Therapist Assistants by Physical Therapist Assistants

  1. 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
  2. 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

  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Beyond the Bedside: Breaking Barriers and Expanding Your PTA Career

    12/31/2025

    Beyond the Bedside: Breaking Barriers and Expanding Your PTA Career

    Jessica Hochberg proves that being a PTA is not a limitation - it is a launchpad. In this episode, Katie talks with Jessica (former Director of Rehab, certified stroke rehab and fall prevention specialist, and MBA in healthcare management) about the career moves PTAs are not always taught: how to build leadership skills, reframe your transferable strengths, and pursue non-clinical paths like quality, documentation review, and health tech. In this episode, we cover: Why leadership roles often default to PT, OT, or SLP, and how PTAs can still riseThe evaluation barrier and what it means for career laddersReal-world value of documentation, compliance, and quality improvement workHealth tech roles PTAs can pursue (product, sales, clinical support)How to rewrite your resume in business language (numbers, outcomes, impact)Using LinkedIn strategically to learn, connect, and find opportunitiesLetting go of guilt: leaving bedside care does not mean you stopped caringMyth vs Reality game and Jessicas PTA+ Point hero moment Links and mentions: Guest: Jessica Hochberg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-hochberg-mba-pta-csrs-cfps-b14106220/ Host: Katie Sutton / PTA+ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093326902910 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725/ Mentioned: APTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways (APP) and volunteer opportunities https://www.apta.org/for-ptas/pta-advanced-proficiency-pathways Mentioned: The Non-Clinical PT https://thenonclinicalpt.com/

    52 min

  6. 11/10/2025

    Lighting the Way: The Power of LAMP and the Academy of Leadership & Innovation

    Susan Lukens speaks with Katie about LAMP Leadership and the APTA's Academy of Leadership and Innovation. You can learn more about this topics HERE: https://www.aptaali.org/page/LAMPCertificatePrograms https://www.aptaali.org/

    51 min

  7. 11/05/2025

    David Fathalikhani: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit

    Jimmy McKay and Katie Sutton speak with David Fathalikhani, live from APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit.

    38 min

  8. 10/22/2025

    Sanaz Holcomb and Shannon Simpson: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit

    Katie Sutton speaks with Sanaz Holcomb and Shannon Simpson, live from APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit.

    34 min
See All (57)

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

A podcast for Physical Therapist Assistants by Physical Therapist Assistants

Information