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

AAOMPT
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The Hands On Hands Off Podcast from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists explores the debate at the heart of modern rehab: How much treatment should be hands-on… and how much should empower patients to move independently? Through conversations with leaders in manual therapy, orthopedic physical therapy, pain science, and rehabilitation, we break down: • clinical reasoning • manual therapy techniques • patient education • exercise-based care • evidence vs tradition in PT If you’re a physical therapist, manual therapist, DPT student, or rehabilitation professional, this show will challenge assumptions and sharpen your practice.

  1. 3D AGO

    The Future of Musculoskeletal Care with Clare Ardern

    What does the future of musculoskeletal care look like — and how can physical therapists lead it? Dr. Clare Ardern, Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia and leader of the DigiMSK research team, joins us to break down digital health innovations, access bottlenecks, advanced practice roles, and the tools clinicians need to navigate a rapidly changing MSK landscape. We explore how technology, triage systems, and research literacy can reshape global MSK care — and why PTs are uniquely positioned to lead. Clare also shares practical insights from her work designing and testing new health care technologies and services in partnership with patients, clinicians, and health systems. In this episode, we cover: ???? Why MSK health care is ripe for redesign ???? Digital health tools: what works, what doesn’t, and what’s coming ???? Virtual triage & advanced practice physiotherapy models ???? How PTs can improve access to MSK care globally ???? Leadership skills every clinician needs today ???? Tips for reading and interpreting research (without getting overwhelmed) ???? How to get your research published ???? The mission and work of DigiMSK A deep dive for clinicians, researchers, and leaders who want to be part of the solution in MSK care.

    19 min

  2. MAR 3

    Life After Fellowship: Why Post-Professional Growth Matters

    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 like How new fellows can become leaders, mentors, and advocates Why post-professional opportunities are essential for the growth of PT The role of clinicians in “raising the tide” for the entire profession A preview of Liam’s AAOMPT platform presentations How orthopedic clinicians can screen for pelvic floor dysfunction Whether 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 – Opening 00:48 – Meet Liam Globensky 03:10 – The Fellow → Clinician transition 06:20 – Why post-professional opportunities matter 10:55 – “Raising the tide” through advocacy 15:40 – How new fellows can give back 20:10 – Orthopedic screening of pelvic floor dysfunction 26:30 – Working alongside his wife: the joint lecture 30:20 – What the future of fellowship-trained PTs looks like 35:00 – Advice to new grads & future fellows 38:50 – Closing If you’re passionate about fellowship training, clinical growth, and elevating our profession, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this interview with a colleague.

    17 min

  3. FEB 24

    Why Communication Is the Real Superpower in Manual Therapy

    John Seivert, PT, a clinician with more than 40 years of experience blending skilled orthopedic manual therapy with the art of Motivational Interviewing. Fresh off his conference breakout sessions — Touch, Talk, and Transform — John breaks down what holistic OMPT looks like today, why communication is the foundation of effective care, and how accurate empathy changes outcomes. We explore: The current state of OMPT and where the field is heading Why “How good are you at listening?” might be the most important question in therapy How MI empowers patients to make meaningful change What John has learned from four decades of treating, teaching, and bike racing His reflections on retirement, mentorship, and legacy If you’re a clinician, student, educator, or anyone who cares about whole-person care, this is a conversation that will sharpen your skills — and your humanity. 0:00 – Intro 0:27 – Who Is John Seivert? 1:35 – Touch, Talk & Transform: The Masterclass 4:22 – The Current State of OMPT 7:50 – Why It All Starts With Communication 11:10 – How to Actually Listen in a Clinical Encounter 14:40 – Motivational Interviewing in Orthopedic Practice 18:55 – Role Modeling Listening for Patients & Learners 22:30 – What 40 Years of OMPT Has Taught John 26:15 – Bike Racing at 65: Lessons for Clinicians 30:02 – Preparing for Retirement & Passing the Torch 33:10 – Final Thoughts & Advice for New Clinicians ???? Guest: John Seivert, PT Faculty at Kaiser Permanente Fellowship Program, EIM Weekend Intensive Faculty, MINT Trainer

    14 min

  4. FEB 17

    Why AAOMPT Membership Matters

    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 insights This one is essential listening for current AAOMPT members — and anyone curious about joining.

    14 min

  5. FEB 12

    The Worst Pain Is Unexplained Pain — Rethinking Diagnosis in Physical Therapy

    The worst pain is unexplained pain. In this episode of the Hands-On, Hands-Off Podcast, physical therapists Amy McDevitt and Paul Mintkin explore why pain without a clear diagnosis is often the most distressing—and how physical therapists can communicate pain more effectively when imaging, MRI findings, and pathoanatomy don’t provide clear answers. This conversation dives deep into pain science, musculoskeletal pain, low back pain, and the limitations of medical imaging in explaining symptoms. We discuss how over-reliance on MRI results can increase fear, catastrophizing, and confusion for patients—and how language, context, and functional diagnosis can dramatically change outcomes. Learn how to reframe pain using the ICF model, why pain does not equal tissue damage, and how PTs can shift from chasing a pain generator to treating the whole person. The episode includes a real-time patient role-play, practical communication strategies, and insights on direct access physical therapy, lifestyle factors (sleep, stress, activity), and the future of PT education. This episode is essential listening for physical therapists, manual therapists, rehab professionals, and students looking to improve patient communication, reduce fear, and deliver truly person-centered care.

    34 min
  6. Manual Therapy Mechanisms & the Future of MT Education | Damian Keter

    FEB 10

    Manual Therapy Mechanisms & the Future of MT Education | Damian Keter

    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

    16 min
  7. Lifestyle Medicine Meets OMPT: A Conversation with Mark Shepherd

    FEB 3

    Lifestyle Medicine Meets OMPT: A Conversation with Mark Shepherd

    Mark Shepherd joins the podcast to discuss person-centered clinical reasoning, lifestyle medicine, and how to improve the way PTs make sense of pain. Mark is Program Director of the Bellin College OMPT Fellowship, a DPT faculty member, and a clinician who blends manual therapy, patient values, and lifestyle-based interventions to build clearer clinical hypotheses. His recent publication introduces an updated reasoning model: the person-centered hypothesis, which emphasizes individualized sense-making over rigid diagnostic categories. In this episode: • What “person-centered hypothesis” means in practice • How lifestyle medicine empowers rather than dilutes OMPT care • Improving reasoning in complex pain cases • Why clinicians should anchor decisions in patient values • Mark’s journey through education, teaching, and fellowship leadership A must-listen for clinicians and educators who want a more modern, human approach to reasoning.

    16 min
  8. How IFOMPT Shapes Global Manual Therapy Education and Practice

    JAN 29

    How IFOMPT Shapes Global Manual Therapy Education and Practice

    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 series 01:29 – Introducing Dr. Paolo Sanzo and IFOMT leadership 03:19 – What IFOMPT is and its role within World Physiotherapy 04:12 – Paolo’s journey through IFOMPT leadership roles 05:21 – IFOMPT’s growth since 1974 07:11 – IFOMPT’s vision and mission explained 09:47 – Education standards and member organization requirements 12:10 – International monitoring and maintaining consistency 17:49 – Evidence-based practice and global context 20:16 – IFOMPT as a research and collaboration conduit 23:14 – Challenges and opportunities of global collaboration 26:18 – Working with international organizations and regions 30:35 – Strategic priorities and future direction 32:46 – Advice for clinicians pursuing excellence 34:02 – Final reflections and closing remarks

    37 min
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The Hands On Hands Off Podcast from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists explores the debate at the heart of modern rehab: How much treatment should be hands-on… and how much should empower patients to move independently? Through conversations with leaders in manual therapy, orthopedic physical therapy, pain science, and rehabilitation, we break down: • clinical reasoning • manual therapy techniques • patient education • exercise-based care • evidence vs tradition in PT If you’re a physical therapist, manual therapist, DPT student, or rehabilitation professional, this show will challenge assumptions and sharpen your practice.

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