Simply Robust

Elevate Physical Therapy

Welcome to Simply Robust—The Podcast Built for Developing Resilient PTs. Brought to you by Elevate Physical Therapy. We are a group of clinicians and professors cutting through the nonsense of healthcare. We break down patient cases, dissect research, and hand out the kind of practical insights you don’t get in school. Whether you’re a student Your hosts: Matt Miller PT, DPT, Tyler Whited PT, DPT Li-Zandre Philbrook PT, DPT Follow us on instagram @elevateptnw Visit us @ https://www.elevateptnw.com/

  1. 10/14/2025

    Ep 17: When The Case Turns: Critical Thinking in PT

    In this episode of Simply Robust, the Elevate PT team reflects on the pivotal moments that reshaped how they think as clinicians. From a misjudged shoulder that goes sour, to chronic pain that ended in behavior change and redemption, to suspected cardiac dysfunction—each story reveals the power of humility, curiosity, and measured observation in patient care.Join us as we for practical thoughts on the art of pausing, re-evaluating, and staying relentlessly curious when the plan isn’t working. This is an honest look at clinical growth, the mistakes that shape us, and why critical thinking is the most valuable skill a PT can build.

    1h 17m

  2. 09/03/2025

    Ep 16: Updates and Insights

    This week we share what’s new at Elevate PT—continuing ed courses, patient video resources, mentorship opportunities, and the launch of 99 Ruck Club. Plus, we reflect on lessons learned in SNFs, mobile PT, and outpatient care. Tune in for fresh ideas, practical takeaways, and our commitment to equipping both clinicians and patients with practical tools.

    46 min

  3. 07/29/2025

    Ep. 15 The "Non-specific" Diagnostic Label

    In this episode of Simply Robust, the Elevate PT teamdives into a recent paper from the Austrailian Journal of Physiotherapy (PMID: 40579311) that explores how diagnostic labels influence patient beliefs, emotions, and treatment decisions. Does calling it “non-specific low back pain” help or hurt? Do patients feel better with a label—even if it’s scary? We try to dispell the tension between clarity and confusion, explore the real-life implications of using jargon, and share insights from our own practice. Whether you're a clinician learning to talk with patients or a patient trying tounderstand your own care, this episode may make you think what you say matters less than why you say it. Papers cited in this episode: "Non-specific diagnostic labels..." (Martin et al. 2025) PMID: 40579311"A study on relative contributions of the history, physical examination and investigations in making medical diagnosis." (Roshan and Rao. 2000) PMID: 11273467 "Diagnostic Labels for Rotator Cuff Disease Can Increase People's Perceived..." (Zadro et al. 2021) PMID: 33789444

    52 min

  4. 07/15/2025

    Ep 14: Fear Mongering: Are PTs The Problem?

    In this thought-provoking episode of Simply Robust, the Elevate PT crew tackles a heavy but necessary question: Are physical therapists accidentally creating more fear than function? From textbook dogma and underwhelming education to clinical confirmation bias and fear-driven treatment plans, the team dives deep into how PTs—often with good intentions—can contribute to patient fear, underperformance, and even long-term dysfunction. We explore: How outdated PT education can breed uncertainty and risk aversion Why new grads may be overconfident or paralyzed by clinical decision-making The dangerous ripple effect of “playing it safe” in both diagnosis and prescription Practical strategies to promote patient resilience without overstepping or under-dosing The critical importance of being confident in what it is not—even if you don’t know exactly what it is If you're a clinician, student, or just passionate about better care, this episode will challenge your thinking and (hopefully) your fear.

    1h 1m

  5. 07/01/2025

    Ep. 13: Mailbag #1: What You Should Do, Staying Engaged, and Beating Burnout!

    Welcome back to Simply Robust! In this episode, the crew dives into the mailbag to answer your questions— thanks for all the ammo! Whether you're a student, fresh-faced DPT, a seasoned clinician hitting a plateau, or someone considering a pivot, this conversation unpacks the unspoken pressures of early practice. From advice on mentorship, patient volume, and clinical variance, to honest reflections on imposter syndrome, philosophical dissonance, and the cult of productivity—the team covers a lot of real estate. It's not just telling you to “get better”—you need to know what that means, and why it’s okay to not have it all figured out yet. Expect real talk, actionable insights, and a whole lot of hard-earned wisdom. Oh—and permission to take a vacation. Enjoy!

    49 min

  6. 06/24/2025

    Ep. 12: Spotting Red Flags in Your Physical Therapist

    In this episode of Simply Robust, we take a tongue-in-cheek look at three common therapist archetypes we have workshopped that might raise an eyebrow: the Alphabet Soup Therapist (overflowing with certifications but maybe missing the big picture), the Nocebic Therapist (who intentionally or unintentionally makes you feel more broken than you are), and the Lazy Therapist (who is never around, relies on cookie-cutter care, and passive treatments). Whether you're a patient trying to make sense of your care—or a clinician looking to sharpen your practice—this episode is part roast, part reality check, and all in good fun. No shade... unless it hits home.Enjoy! Visit us at www.elevateptnw.com Follow us on IG @elevateptnw

    58 min

  7. 06/17/2025

    Ep. 11: Reflections From Clinical Chaos

    Welcome back to Season 2 of Simply Robust! We kick off this season reflecting on a whirlwind of student clinical rotations and the wild, wonderful chaos of mentoring the next generation of physical therapists. In this unfiltered conversation, the Elevate PT crew dives into the biggest takeaways from working with students during their first clinical rotation. We unpack why “being human” is more important than having the perfect eval flow, how qualitative objective measures may mean more, and why building rapport isn’t just small talk—it's a clinical skill. From patients afraid fear to therapists obsessing over strength tests that don’t matter, we cover it all. You’ll hear about managing patient expectations, calling out sloppy language, building treatment intent, and why your CI or mentor shouldn't want a mini version of themselves. Whether you're a seasoned PT, new grad, or student about to enter your first clinical, this episode is packed with hard truths, plenty of laughs, and a relentless call to stay human, stay skeptical, and stay humble. Sources: Think Aloud, Pinnock et al. 2015 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4597940/ Chaos in S&C, Waller et al. 2023 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367436739_Chaos_in_Strength_and_Conditioning_Terminology

    1h 25m

  8. 04/01/2025

    Ep. 10: How Our Beliefs Have Changed

    It’s the Season 1 finale of Simply Robust, and we’re getting real about something we all experience but rarely talk about—changing our minds. Over the past season, we’ve explored movement, rehab, and philosophy of treatment, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that growth comes from questioning what we once thought was true. In this episode, we dive into the biggest shifts in our thinking—from biomechanics to patient care to the way we approach learning itself. What ideas once seemed rock-solid but now feel outdated? But more importantly, why being wrong sometimes is the best thing that can happen to us. Join us as we reflect on the lessons, where we came from and where we are in the growth process. Whether you’re a clinician, a coach, student, or anyone who is interested in growth, this episode will shed light on the process of change and why it is important to stay humble in the midst of questioning your training. 🎧 Thanks for rocking with us this season—hit play, let’s dive in, and we’ll see you in Season 2! Sources: Caneiro et al. 2022 - 10.1093/ptj/pzab271 Follow us on IG @elevateptnw Visit us @ www.elevateptnw.com

    56 min
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About

Welcome to Simply Robust—The Podcast Built for Developing Resilient PTs. Brought to you by Elevate Physical Therapy. We are a group of clinicians and professors cutting through the nonsense of healthcare. We break down patient cases, dissect research, and hand out the kind of practical insights you don’t get in school. Whether you’re a student Your hosts: Matt Miller PT, DPT, Tyler Whited PT, DPT Li-Zandre Philbrook PT, DPT Follow us on instagram @elevateptnw Visit us @ https://www.elevateptnw.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Elevate Physical Therapy
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Elevate Physical Therapy
  • Show Website
    Simply Robust