A Physical Therapy radio show. Hosted by former Rock Radio DJ turned Physical Therapist, Jimmy McKay, PT, DPT. We talk to Physical Therapists from around the world, over a pint of beer. The BEST conversations happen at happy hour, welcome to ours.
Listeners of PT Pintcast - Physical Therapy that love the show mention: pt world, pt podcast, dpt student, pt students, host jimmy, spt, pt's, jimmy does a great, pts, thanks jimmy, pt school, mckay, physical therapy, new grad, wide variety of guests, clinical, beer, great conversation, grab, fun and informative.
The PT Pintcast is an exceptional physical therapy podcast that offers a unique and entertaining approach to delivering content. Hosted by Jimmy McKay, this podcast not only provides valuable information about the physical therapy profession but does so in a way that is digestible and enjoyable. The podcast often features guests who are experts in their field, making the conversations insightful and informative. One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to cover a wide range of topics within the physical therapy industry, from legislative updates to treating specific conditions. The host's enthusiasm and passion for the profession are contagious, making every episode engaging and inspiring.
One of the worst aspects of this podcast is that it may not appeal to everyone outside of the physical therapy profession. While the content is valuable for those within the field, individuals who are not familiar with or interested in physical therapy may not find it as appealing. Additionally, some episodes may be more relevant or interesting than others depending on personal interests or areas of expertise.
In conclusion, The PT Pintcast is a highly polished and entertaining podcast that delivers valuable content for those in the physical therapy profession. With its diverse range of topics and knowledgeable guests, it serves as an excellent resource for staying up-to-date with industry happenings and gaining insight into various aspects of physical therapy practice. Whether you're a current student, practicing clinician, or simply interested in learning more about the field, this podcast is worth a listen.
Tracy Gannon: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
Is it ILLEGAL for DNPs to call themselves Doctors?
Ben Cooksey: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
Alice Navarro Forsythe: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
How to Build a Cash-Based PT Clinic You Can Actually SellDave Kittle and Tony Maritato (with Jimmy in transit) go deep on what really makes a physical therapy practice valuable—and sellable—without chaining the owner to a treatment table. They break down the core systems (SOPs, hiring pipelines, retention), whether paid ads beat organic, and the ethics of charging more for high-friction patients (“personality tax”). They also touch on selling white-label supplements, liability concerns, and what to do when online reviews go off the rails.You'll learn:Why stepping out of day-to-day treatment increases practice resale valueThe minimum viable playbook (SOPs) a buyer wants to seeHow to build a recruiting → onboarding → retention engine for cliniciansPaid ads vs. organic: capacity control vs. free lead flowBurnout's root cause (treating the wrong patients) and how to design around it“Personality tax” pricing ethics in cash models (and better alternatives)Supplements in clinic: revenue opportunity vs. risk & liabilityHandling defamatory reviews without lighting yourself on firePT Breakfast Club 9/23
Dan Staats and David Restiano: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
Daniel Hauge: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
Alex Bendersky: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
Odell Miller: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
Chris Carlin: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
Skye Donovan: Live at APTA's Future of Rehab Therapy Summit
PT Breakfast Club - Behavior Change 101
Cracker Barrel Logo Fall out - PT Breakfast Club 8/26
Turning Failure into Flowers - PT Breakfast Club 8/21
What if a Marketing Company Designed an EMR?
Most physical therapists open a clinic to help more people — and end up buried in 60+ hour weeks, overwhelmed, and stuck in the treatment room. In this episode, business coach Steven Allred shares exactly how to make the shift from clinician to true CEO — without sacrificing your passion for care.We dig into:The biggest mindset shift PT owners need to scaleWhy your business isn't stuck — you areWhat “working on the business” actually meansHow to lead a team and stop being the bottleneckReal lessons from corporate boardrooms that apply to your clinicThe power of data-informed decisions (without losing your why)
Most PTs focus on protocols, techniques, and outcomes—but what if the biggest differentiator in clinical success is how you think about your thinking?In this episode, Kyle shares his journey from treating patients internationally to mentoring new grads and running multi-clinic practices. He unpacks how metacognition, communication, and leadership can transform both patient outcomes and professional growth.
As a physical therapist, your focus is helping patients — but what about protecting your business? In this episode, we sit down with Michael Uzar, founder of Rehab Risk Consulting, who helps rehab clinics reduce legal, financial, and reputational risk.Mike shares his unique journey from PTA to DPT to risk management pro, and reveals the most common mistakes clinics make that could lead to lawsuits, HIPAA violations, or costly data breaches. If you own or work in a PT clinic, this is essential listening.In this episode, we cover:What “risk management” actually means for rehab clinicsHidden threats in your intake, front desk, and treatment policiesHow to handle patient complaints the right wayWhat clinic owners must know about AI tools like ChatGPTWhy manual therapy is more valuable than ever in an AI-driven worldMike's new risk self-assessment tool (free!)
What happens when two rural physical therapists in Montana are forced to shut down their clinics during COVID? For Emily Herndon and Samantha Schmidt, it was the beginning of something much bigger—a journey into legislative advocacy that would change physical therapy in their state.In this episode, they share how a telehealth billing loophole, a lawyer husband, and sheer necessity propelled them into leadership roles within the APTA. From drafting legal opinions to fighting for Medicaid reimbursement above Medicare rates, this conversation is packed with insight, strategy, and inspiration for any PT ready to make change.If you've ever thought, “What can one PT really do?” — this episode is your answer.Topics Covered:Discovering telehealth parity in Montana lawGetting 40+ insurers to change how they reimburse PTsHow to start advocating (even if you've never done it before)The dry needling legislation loss—and what it taught themBuilding a cost-per-visit case to fight for better Medicaid ratesThe importance of showing up and being “at the table”Guests:Emily Herndon, PTSamantha Schmidt, PTSubscribe & Follow:
Guest: Josh (Operations Consultant & PT Process Strategist)
In this episode of PT Pintcast, we sit down with Griffin Shimkus, co-founder of RelayRTM, to explore the future of RTM (Remote Therapeutic Monitoring) and why your clinic should be paying attention now.Griffin shares how his background in home health led to creating a solution that helps clinics capture revenue they're currently missing — without new apps, new tech, or upfront costs.We cover:What RTM is and why it mattersHow RelayRTM is different (SMS-based simplicity!)Medicare's upcoming changes in 2026How to get started with no financial riskGriffin's parting shot for clinic owners: this is care-first, not code-first
In this episode, we sit down with Christian, a top-tier healthcare recruiter and the mind behind one of the largest LinkedIn communities for rehab professionals (170K+ members). Christian pulls back the curtain on what really drives hiring success for physical therapy clinics — and what's quietly sabotaging it.If you're a PT clinic owner, healthcare manager, or even an overwhelmed therapist stuck doing HR between patients, this episode will change the way you look at recruiting forever.
What does it really mean to be a leader in today's complex healthcare world? In this conversation, Jimmy McKay sits down with two long-time friends and leadership pros — JJ and Lucas — to challenge outdated leadership myths and offer a roadmap for leading with empathy, clarity, and impact.Whether you're a clinic owner, healthcare manager, or a PT looking to step into more responsibility, this episode breaks down the shift from old-school top-down authority to human-centered leadership that actually works.In this episode, we cover:Why mentorship might be holding you back, and how coaching is the unlock for growthA powerful story from the FDNY that reshaped Jimmy's view of leadershipThe real impact of your words in clinical care — and how most PTs are unintentionally digging emotional holesWhy stealing from other industries (hospitality, venture capital, tech) is crucial for innovation in PTHow to think about AI as a force multiplier instead of a threatWhat JJ means by: “The future will reward people who are uncomfortable in the right ways”This episode will leave you thinking differently about how you lead, speak, and grow in your career — and it might just spark the shift you didn't know you needed.Guests: J.J. Kuczynski and Lucas VanEtten
Episode Highlights:Referral Logic & Golden Tickets: Drop referral pads, skip plans-of-care—what really adds value.Client Intro Videos: Capture warm trust with short, unscripted therapist intros.AI Personalization: Automate video personalization to scale.Hyper‑Local Ads: Use geofencing and zip-code targeting like a Rockstar realtor.Reactive Marketing: Learn from Oreo's “Dunk in the Dark” and Wendy's Twitter swagger.Times Square Pop-up: We pitch the “Doctor Is In” live experiment—raw interviews, real people.Tools & Resources Mentioned:Vistaprint (Golden Tickets)AI video creation toolsGeofencing ad platforms“Doctor Is In” pop-up blueprint (coming soon!)
Katie Sutton and Jimmy McKay dive into the major shakeups coming in rehab therapy:- The PT/PTA/OTA workforce shortage and why high schoolers are choosing other paths- The power of *unpacking* a career before diving in- 5–10% innovation boosts that actually stick—no panaceas- Why PTAs and digital tools are set to shoulder more care (and business!) load- The importance of leaning into *unsafe* zones first — “luck favors the bold”Tune in from DC as we head to the summit—expect insights, surprises, and actionable predictions!
How do you build a thriving physical therapy business in the middle of Manhattan while surviving cancer—three times—and undergoing a lung transplant? You lean on grit, community, and the undeniable will to live, love, and lead.Meet Cynthia, a force of nature in the PT world and beyond. In this powerful conversation, Cynthia shares:Her experience as a three-time lymphoma survivorStarting her first PT clinic at age 29 with a platinum Amex and a dreamHow Team in Training and endurance sports became both personal therapy and business rocket fuelThe leadership lessons she learned scaling seven NYC clinic locationsWhy building a practice is a lot like training for a triathlon: painful, joyful, and always worth itYou'll hear about resilience, self-talk, business mistakes, and the moments that shaped her as a healer and leader. Whether you're a clinic owner, PT student, or just someone navigating adversity—this one's for you.⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Why PTs Make Great Storytellers00:22 – Cynthia's Life-Defining Grit02:50 – Starting a Practice After Cancer05:30 – Business Failure, Then Business Boom08:00 – Treating Patients Through Chemo10:30 – A Second Diagnosis and Choosing Fertility13:40 – Endurance Training as Healing17:00 – Building Client Cohorts Through Triathlons19:15 – Coping Mechanisms and Self-Talk23:00 – Leadership Lessons from Scaling in NYC25:10 – Strategic Partnerships: Can't Do It Alone27:30 – Building a Brand That Heals and Inspires
Physical therapists: tired of relying on referrals that never come? Discover how concierge PT and podcast host Dave Kittle uses high-trust networking events to fuel cash-pay patient growth, referral partnerships, and collaborative opportunities — all without traditional ads.Learn how to structure the perfect dinner event, avoid overdoing your outreach, and build lasting relationships with providers and businesses in your area.Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Why Relationship-First Marketing Wins 03:12 - Why Guerrilla Marketing is the New Standard 07:45 - Dinner Strategy 101: Who to Invite, What to Ask 15:22 - The “High School You” Question That Stops People Cold 20:40 - How Table Layout Impacts Conversation Dynamics 27:51 - Don't Overdo It: The Anti-Scavenger Hunt Rant 34:00 - Luxury Personal Training & MSO Partnerships 39:20 - How to Collaborate Without Competing 43:12 - Creating a Rise-Together Provider Network
In this episode, Jimmy McKay sits down with podcasting legend Dave Jackson of School of Podcasting to answer a key question for healthcare providers and clinic owners: Is podcasting worth it if your show is small?Dave shares insights from nearly 20 years of podcasting experience, including:Why 50 downloads could outperform 5,000 YouTube viewsWhat makes a podcast “successful” beyond numbersThe case for audio-first content and short-form videoReal-world examples from niche creators (including chameleon breeders
Heidi Jannenga returns to PT Pintcast to break down the 10th annual State of Rehab Therapy Report. This year's conversation covers the bright spots—like salary growth and the increased adoption of hybrid care—and the hard truths about burnout, job-hopping, and the pressure on clinic margins. Heidi also shares how AI is already reshaping clinical workflows and why hybrid care will likely become the new standard.We also spotlight the work of the Rising Tide Foundation, which is helping bring more diverse students into the PT profession with scholarships, networking, and mentorship.What You'll Learn:Key takeaways from the 2024 Rehab Therapy ReportThe current state of PT salaries and student debtWhy burnout and clinician turnover remain big issuesHow AI and hybrid care models are shaping the futureThe impact of the Rising Tide Foundation on the professionLinks & Resources:Rising Tide Foundation: rising-tide.comHeidi Jannenga: WebPTSubscribe to PT Pintcast:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube
In this value-packed episode, host Jimmy McKay sits down with Aaron LeBauer, a leading voice in the cash-based physical therapy world, to bust myths, challenge industry assumptions, and unpack what actually works when building a profitable PT business today. They cover the evolution of PT opportunities post-pandemic, how to position your services in a shifting economy, pricing strategies, the reality of insurance limitations, and why creating genuine value always trumps traditional pathways.Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned PT, this episode will reshape the way you think about the future of physical therapy and entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Kayla breaks down how JAG Physical Therapy scaled from 2 locations to over 160 — and the marketing strategy behind it.We cover:Why every patient experience is a marketing momentHow to measure ROI without obsessing over itUsing EMR data to improve campaignsPartnering with local communities (not just physicians)Tactical advice for solo PTs to get started
Episode Highlights:Referral Insights: Clinicians share why asking outright—or subtly—for referrals is crucial, and how patient follow-up (calls/emails) prompts results. Role-playing helps staff find comfortable scripts.Therapist Conviction: Healing effectiveness increases when clinicians genuinely believe in interventions—conviction influences patient decisions.GPT‑Generated Scripts: Leverage AI tools (like ChatGPT) using persuasive frameworks (Hormozi, Cialdini) to generate patient-friendly referral prompts.Product Sales & TikTok Shop: Therapists explore new income via affiliate marketing. Understanding affiliate structures (TikTok cut vs direct deals) and how “creator communities” amplify reach.Collective Strategy: Imagine a collaborative PT content network—sharing product/tech videos to grow collective influence and income.Patient-Centric Authenticity: Overcoming ego, prioritizing patient benefit, and celebrating small wins (“peak of happiness”) with reviews and referrals.Challenge from Jimmy: Who's up for a Bigfoot plantar fasciitis evaluation video?
Aaron Bauer joins the show to unpack the evolution of AI scribes in physical therapy. He explains how ambient AI tools like Athelas AI Scribe are reducing documentation time, increasing note quality, and making patient care more efficient — all while staying HIPAA compliant. Whether you're tech-savvy or hesitant, Aaron breaks down how easy it is to implement AI into your workflow and the surprising benefits you might not expect.Key Topics:The difference between ChatGPT and true ambient AIWhy “scribe” is a misleading term for modern AI toolsHow PTs can save an hour a day using AIVerbal note-taking tips for more accurate documentationImproving coding accuracy and complianceMultilingual support, template flexibility, and patient experience gains✅ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Aaron Bauer joins the show to unpack the evolution of AI scribes in physical therapy. He explains how ambient AI tools like Athelas AI Scribe are reducing documentation time, increasing note quality, and making patient care more efficient — all while staying HIPAA compliant. Whether you're tech-savvy or hesitant, Aaron breaks down how easy it is to implement AI into your workflow and the surprising benefits you might not expect.Key Topics:The difference between ChatGPT and true ambient AIWhy “scribe” is a misleading term for modern AI toolsHow PTs can save an hour a day using AIVerbal note-taking tips for more accurate documentationImproving coding accuracy and complianceMultilingual support, template flexibility, and patient experience gains
What if a single Instagram post led to your next top referral partner? In this episode, Jimmy McKay is joined by Dave Kittle and Tony Maritato to break down the power of real patient content, community trust, and creating before you're “ready.” You'll hear how a free golden ticket visit turned into a viral story and why content is the gateway to opportunity — even if no one's watching (yet). Plus, how AI is helping therapists reduce cognitive load and focus more on patient care.Resources & Links:
What if your clinic could generate an extra $10K–$20K per month—legally and sustainably—without seeing more patients or hiring more staff?That's the question today's guest, Chad O from Thrive Med, is answering for physical therapists and clinic owners looking to break out of the hamster wheel of healthcare. The Thrive Med model helps outpatient rehab clinics integrate ultrasound-guided trigger point therapy, dry needling, and other medically billable services into their existing workflow—even in states like New York where PTs can't perform them directly.
Joshua Brieighner, founder of Walk in New York, joins the show to reveal how his neurorehab clinic in Midtown Manhattan is breaking down barriers in access to cutting-edge rehab technology. From robotic exoskeletons to sustainable market access strategies, Joshua explains how tech can drive evidence-based care—not just look impressive.We dive into:What neuroplasticity-first technology looks likeHow PTs can align tech adoption with hospital KPIsWhy underutilized tools are your best starting pointMaking robotic rehab accessible through insurancePreventing expensive tech from collecting dust post-purchaseThis episode is essential for PTs, clinic owners, and healthcare entrepreneurs curious about bringing meaningful innovation into their practice—without getting lost in hype or red tape.
In this no-holds-barred discussion, Jimmy McKay sits down with Tony Maritato and Dave Kittle to ask a question most PTs avoid: is operating like a “mill” really that bad? They break down the realities of modern reimbursement, how patients actually perceive care models, and what savvy clinic owners can do today to thrive — even in a crowded system.Topics Covered:Clinic scheduling & reimbursement challengesPerception vs. reality: What “mill” clinics get right (and wrong)The power of telehealth: Turning intake calls into evaluationsHow trust is built (or broken) before the first visitLeveraging Medicare's current rules to innovate serviceLinks & Resources:
What does it take to keep Broadway performers injury-free and on stage? Marissa Schaefer, PT and founder of FlySpace in NYC, joins Jimmy to unpack the challenges of performer rehab and why most PT models aren't built for this level of demand.We talk about the “reactive” care systems that dominate the industry, the concept of reconditioning after injury, and how PTs can better serve high-performance artists.Topics Covered:A day in the life of a Broadway performerThe biggest gaps in performing arts healthcareHow PTs can become better prepared for this populationWhy “The show must go on” is the wrong mindsetThe gold standard performer health system (and what's holding us back)Guest: Marissa Schaefer, PT, DPT
In this episode of PT Pintcast, Jimmy McKay talks with Dave Kittle and Tony Maritato about the cutting edge of physical therapy and healthcare delivery:What Apple's new AI coaching platform means for PTsHow behavioral science is changing patient engagementWhy some of the most forward-thinking PT clinics don't take studentsWhat defines a PT mill, and why the profession needs a clearer answerHow remote monitoring and storytelling can shape better outcomes
In this episode, the PT Pintcast crew — Jimmy, Dave Kittle, and Tony Maritato — unpack the difference between what PTs do and what they sell. Spoiler: It's not shockwave therapy. From leveraging emotional branding to avoiding compliance pitfalls, this is the episode every growth-minded clinic owner needs.Topics Covered:How De Beers built billion-dollar meaning — and what PTs can learn from itWhy “primary care PT” might be a branding trapHow clinics like Rehab 2 Perform show (not tell) their valueThe power of focusing your message to grow fasterA cautionary tale: $573,000 refunded due to a Medicare membership mistakeConnect with Us:PT Pintcast on YouTubePT Pintcast on Apple PodcastsFollow on InstagramVisit Our Website
From prototyping with elastic straps to running a multi-product health tech company, Shon Harker is redefining what it means to “build better rehab.” In this episode, we explore how he creates safer treadmills, gait-retraining tools, and functional resistance systems — all grounded in real-world clinical needs. He breaks down how motorless treadmills reprogram movement, the power of walking in neuroplasticity, and why execution always beats ideas.Guest: Shon Harker CEO & Founder, Innovator of multiple rehab and training systems
Original Airdate: Oct. 17, 2022Will Butler is a physical therapist turned financial advisor on a mission to change healthcare by improving the lives of clinicians through financial education and planning.Episode TakeawaysA story of football and financial planningTypes of disability insurance A financial instrument reviews for perspective and confidence Money matters to all adultsThree QuestionsWho is someone the audience should follow to learn more about today's topic? Instagram account - @disappointingaffirmations by Dave TarnowskiWhat is something the audience should take a look at if they want to take a deeper dive into some of the things we talked about today? Graham Stephan Youtube ChannelWhy should people care about this episode/topic? Of all things you replace, time is not one of those things. Parting Shot“When you engage a professional, respond to the professional even if you're uncomfortable with the feedback you might receive.” - Will Butler
Physical therapists, clinic owners, and healthcare innovators—this one's for you.
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