Today on Hands On, Hands Off, host Moyo Tillery sits down with Dr. Myra Meekins—PT, educator, and curriculum designer—to rethink how we teach and learn OMPT. From “practice makes perfect” to practice with purpose, Myra connects classic motor-learning models to the OPTIMAL theory (expectancies, autonomy, external focus), and shows why you must address the psychosocial to change the psychomotor.We get concrete about designing sticky learning experiences for DPT students, residents, and fellows; building safe, high-expectation lab cultures; and using feedback, simulations, and competency-based education to translate knowledge to performance. Myra also shares her path from MTI fellowship and WashU’s Movement System Impairments work to leading curriculum development for a new DPT program and co-investigating a $1.6M grant bringing PT simulation into high schools.You’ll learn* Why clear expectations + psychological safety accelerates skill acquisition* How to scaffold from competence → refinement → mastery across DPT, residency, and fellowship* Practical ways to make learning “stick” for a class of 100 (and a class of 10)* Using low-stakes, frequent formative assessment to steer teaching in real time* Designing integrated, case-based curricula (and avoiding silo traps)* What competency-based education and entrustable professional activities (EPAs) look like in PT* Movement as the organizing principle: applying Movement System Impairments to guide exam & intervention* Why educators must adapt to the learner in front of them, not the one they used to be

What if context—patient beliefs, provider expectations, and the therapeutic relationship—drives a meaningful share of spinal manipulation outcomes? In this HANDS ON HANDS OFF episode, we break down a single-arm intervention study funded by the Paris Family Foundation via the Foundation for OMPT, why the current mechanisms model zeroes in on the “context zone,” and how to practically weave guidelines + shared decision-making into outpatient practice.Top takeaways* Outcomes vary—and context might be part of the mechanism* Study design links individual providers ↔ individual patients for cleaner signals* Implementation: use shared decision-making to operationalize guidelines* Career notes: pick mentors early, build long-term collaborators, include patient partners

In this episode of HANDS ON HANDS OFF, host Dr. Moyo Tillery sits down with Dr. Sarah Shaver, a clinician, educator, and researcher focused on gender considerations in orthopaedic manual physical therapy. Together they explore why common assumptions about female athletes and chronic pain patients can perpetuate inequities—and what OMPT practitioners can do to change that.From ACL injury risk factors to concussion outcomes, manual therapy decision-making, and care for transgender and non-binary athletes, Dr. Shaver challenges listeners to reflect on their own biases, apply equity-based care, and use available research to transform outcomes.What you’ll learn in this episode:* Why gendered assumptions about ACL injuries and concussions can lead to inequitable care* How “hands-off” approaches to chronic pain disproportionately affect female patients* The difference between equality and equity in clinical practice* Practical strategies and resources to recognize and reduce bias in your own treatment* How to create more inclusive environments for transgender and non-binary athletes in OMPT settings

What does “usual care” really mean in physical therapy research — and why is it so inconsistently applied across studies? In this episode, Dr. Amy McDevitt joins us for a deep-dive conversation into the limitations of current PT research and how vague terms like "usual care" are impacting evidence-informed practice.Dr. McDevitt discusses:* Why “nothing” should never be a control in clinical trials* How heel pain and orthotic studies show cracks in research design* The evolving role of manual therapy and therapeutic alliance* Her collaborative work with Dr. Moyo Tillery on minority faculty representation* Advice for early-career academics and clinical researchers* The connection between burnout, purpose, and academic productivityThis episode is a must-listen for PTs, educators, researchers, and anyone passionate about improving the quality of care through better scholarship.

Seth interviews Carl DeRosa about the shift to competency-based education (CBE) and entrustment in physical therapy.Highlights:* Designing backwards: from competencies to curriculum* How integration dismantles siloed courses* Faculty adoption & team-teaching complexities* The profession's position versus medicine, pharmacy & vet* University of Arizona’s agile 3‑year medical school model* Entry‑level “workforce readiness,” especially in the AI era* The pitfalls of overvaluing NPTE pass rates* Capstones focused on professional identity, not low-value research* Building master adaptive learners using EPAs* Advice for faculty and programs beginning their CBE journey

Is it the technique—or the therapist—that really drives manual therapy outcomes?In this episode of the AAOMPT Podcast, research expert Dr. Jason Beneciuk dives into the latest findings around spinal manipulation, patient-provider dynamics, and the contextual factors that could redefine how physical therapists deliver care.Guest: Dr. Jason Beneciuk – Associate Professor at the University of Florida and Clinical Research Scientist at Brooks Rehabilitation.In this episode: Skip Gill interviews Dr. Jason Beneciuk about his evolving research on manual therapy and the crucial role of contextual factors. They explore the development of the Biolosky model, the impact of both patient and therapist beliefs, and Jason’s latest funded study through the Paris Family Foundation. A must-listen for OMPT clinicians, researchers, and anyone aiming to provide better care by understanding not just what we do—but why it works.Resources Mentioned:* The Biolosky Model of Manual Therapy Mechanisms (2009, updated 2018)* Paris Family Foundation & OMPT Research Grant* Brooks Rehabilitation: Website (https://brooksrehab.org/)* University of Florida DPT Program

In this episode, AAOMPT interviewer Nick Rainey is joined by Dr. Natalie Turrentine, orthopedic physical therapist and educator at Rosalind Franklin University, to unpack her CSM 2024 research on obstetric education in DPT programs.They cover:* Differences between pelvic health and obstetric terminology* Why orthopedic PTs need training in pregnancy-related considerations* Accessibility issues and referral trends* CAPTE standards and what’s actually required in PT education* How her program threads obstetric content across curriculum* Opportunities to better prepare students without extending program length

In this episode of Hands On, Hands Off, we dive deep into the largest systematic review on SMT to date with researcher and chiropractor Casper Glissmann Nim. What he and his team discovered may shake the very foundation of manual therapy education and clinical practice.We explore:* Whether SMT is more effective than placebo or non-recommended therapies* Why the way you perform SMT might not influence patient outcomes* How contextual factors and therapeutic alliance play a bigger role than we once thought* The implications for fellowship training and manual therapy education* What the future holds for low back pain research and self-management strategiesThis is a must-listen for any PT, chiro, educator, or student wrestling with the role of manual therapy in modern practice.

We break down a high-profile industry report making bold claims about the effectiveness of virtual musculoskeletal (MSK) care. Is the science solid—or is it strategic marketing masked as research?Joining host Derek Clewley are two powerhouse PTs and researchers who aren't afraid to challenge the narrative: Dr. Megan Donaldson and Dr. Jake Magel. Together, they peel back the layers of bias, examine the limitations of observational studies, and explain why clinicians and patients should be cautious about AI- and app-based MSK care models.

In this episode, we explore the power of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) with Tom from Sarah Health. Discover how RTM helps clinics stay connected with patients between visits, improves adherence to care plans, and provides a streamlined, reimbursable way to enhance patient outcomes. Tom breaks down how Sarah Health automates engagement through SMS, removes administrative burdens for clinicians, and ultimately increases clinic revenue while improving patient retention.Key Takeaways:✅ How RTM keeps patients accountable between visits✅ The reimbursement model: How clinics get paid for RTM✅ The impact of daily SMS check-ins on adherence & engagement✅ How Sarah Health simplifies RTM for clinicians✅ Increasing patient retention & referrals through better communication

In this episode, we sit down with Drake from Weave to discuss how their all-in-one communication platform is transforming the way clinics manage patient interactions. From automated call pop-ups to seamless text messaging, Weave integrates with your EHR and practice management system to create a more efficient, patient-friendly experience.We explore:✅ How Weave reduces front desk workload by automating patient communication✅ The power of texting from your office number for patient engagement✅ How Weave’s missed call text automation improves patient retention✅ Enhancing practice efficiency with real-time patient data integration✅ How mobile access allows clinicians to stay connected from anywhere

In this episode of Hands On, Hands Off, we welcome back Paul Mintken for a deep dive into mindfulness in manual therapy, patient expectations, and career longevity in physical therapy.Paul shares how mindfulness transformed his career and patient care, helping both clinicians and patients manage stress, pain, and expectations. He also discusses the power of patient beliefs in shaping outcomes, the importance of shared decision-making, and burnout in academia.

Should spinal manipulation be used in pediatric care? In this episode, experts Dr. Anita Gross and Dr. Nikki Evans break down the findings of the Pediatric Manipulation Task Force, highlighting evidence-based recommendations, safety concerns, and the need for better adverse event reporting.

In this episode of Hands On, Hands Off, we sit down with Roger Chou, a leading researcher in low back pain, pain management, and clinical guidelines development. Roger shares insights from decades of research on why current healthcare approaches often fall short and how physical therapists play a critical role in transforming patient outcomes.

In this episode of Hands On, Hands Off, host Amy welcomes two international physiotherapists to discuss the growth of orthopedic manual physiotherapy (OMPT) in East Africa. They explore the challenges of clinical training, specialization, and accessibility, as well as how mentorship and international collaboration are shaping the future of physiotherapy in their countries.The conversation covers:* The evolution of OMPT education in East Africa and its integration into physiotherapy training* Challenges in advancing specialization, including access to structured programs and recognition within the healthcare system* The role of mentorship and international partnerships in expanding knowledge and practice* Clinical reasoning vs. protocol-driven treatment approaches and how shifting perspectives improve patient care* Advocacy efforts to increase awareness, acceptance, and resources for physiotherapistsThis episode is a must-listen for physiotherapists, educators, and advocates looking to understand the unique barriers and opportunities in growing manual therapy education and practice in low-resource settings.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Hutting, a leading physical therapist, researcher, and vice president of IFOMPT, to discuss safety in cervical spine treatment, person-centered care, and the future of manual therapy education and research. Fresh off his keynote presentation at IFOMPT 2024, Nathan shares insights on how clinicians can navigate safety concerns, integrate patient-centered care, and adapt to evolving best practices in manual therapy.

We sit down with Dr. Mary Beth Geiser, President of the Academic Clinical Faculty Special Interest Group (ACF SIG) within AOMPT. Dr. Geiser shares insights on how physical therapy educators can collaborate, share resources, and improve teaching methods, including the development of a national resource bank, best practices for Edutopia sessions, and how involvement in special interest groups (SIGs) contributes to professional growth.If you’re a current or aspiring PT educator, looking for tips, collaborations, or ways to contribute to ACF SIG, this episode is for you!

In this episode, we chat with Chuck Hazle, a veteran educator and expert in manual therapy and clinical reasoning, about the challenges of preparing students for the real world. He discusses the evolution of teaching methods, the importance of rigorous practical exams, and how imaging and medical screening complement manual therapy.

Alex Bengtsson, winner of the Emerging Leader Award, joins us to break down the neurophysiology of pain and the role of manual therapy in modern practice. In this insightful interview, Alex discusses:How our nervous system blocks or amplifies pain signals.The intersection of graded mobilization techniques and neuroscience.His journey from clinical practice to research at Northwestern University.Alex also addresses common misconceptions about manual therapy, its role in dependency, and how fellowship programs are adapting to include cutting-edge neurophysiological findings.

Jennifer Boudreau, PT, and Shanker Krishnan, PT, share their experiences at professional conferences like the AAOMPT event, emphasizing the invaluable benefits of in-person connections, inspiration, and transformative growth. From chance meetings that led to lifelong friendships and professional collaborations to key moments of learning and rejuvenation, Jennifer and Shanker delve into how attending conferences can propel your career forward. They highlight the essential benefits that go beyond what can be captured in online interactions, including networking opportunities, face-to-face inspiration, and tactile learning.Key Points Discussed:The value of attending professional conferences for physical therapistsNetworking and connection opportunities that can transform careersOvercoming imposter syndrome and seizing new opportunitiesEngaging with industry legends and accessing cutting-edge technologyWhy in-person interactions are more impactful than digital connections