The PT Assistants

Embark on a journey of career enlightenment with "Career Insights Unveiled," where seasoned professionals share the 10 invaluable lessons they wish someone had revealed to them at the start of their careers. Whether you're a recent graduate navigating the professional landscape or a seasoned veteran seeking new perspectives, this podcast offers candid conversations that resonate with professionals at every stage. Join our hosts as they delve into topics ranging from the nuances of early career challenges to essential advice that stands the test of time. Unveil the secrets to success, learn from shared experiences, and gain practical tips for thriving in the ever-evolving world of work. Are you curious about the lessons you might have missed? Our hosts encourage you to share your favorite career advice and be part of the conversation. "Career Insights Unveiled" is not just a podcast; it's a community where professionals come together to empower, inspire, and navigate the intricacies of their professional journeys. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on career growth, learn from the collective wisdom of industry experts, and discover the insights that can transform your career trajectory. Your journey to professional success begins here.   Don't forget to like, follow, and Share to help the channel grow. Follow us on instagram, youtube, and twitter @the_PT_Assistants

Join us in this episode as we celebrate a happy Friday and share exciting news about a potential new arrival! The hosts delve into personal experiences and discuss the significance of research in the field of physical therapy, shedding light on the limited exposure PTAs receive during their education. They explore the benefits of incorporating research into clinical practice, share insights on patient outcomes, and offer valuable tips for those looking to dive into the world of research. Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone interested in the intersection of personal experiences and evidence-based practice, this episode provides an engaging perspective on the role of research in physical therapy.   https://www.physicaltherapy.com/articles/breaking-down-research-for-physical-4875

In this episode, Ken and Laura explore the world of conferences, particularly focusing on the upcoming Combined Section Meeting (CSM) by APTA. They discuss the challenges of attending conferences, such as costs, travel, and time constraints. We expresses our desire to attend events like Therapy Con and shares insights into the financial considerations, including early registration discounts. As we reflect on the importance of conferences for professional development, we touch on the practical difficulties of implementing learned skills in the clinic. We also ponder the value companies place on conference attendance and discuss the potential benefits of negotiating conference attendance into employment contracts.    https://conferenceindex.org/conferences/physical-therapy/united-states   Thank you so much for listening! Don't forget to check out our socials!

In this episode, we discuss the concept of "nine at 90," (by Will Harlow) exploring key fundamental movements essential for maintaining mobility and independence from one's fifties to nineties. We delve into each movement, debating their significance and sharing insights from our experiences as PTAs. We also express their surprise at the absence of a particular type of fundamental movement and ponder how such fundamental skills contribute to a healthier, more functional life.   Thank you so much for listening and don't forget to check out our socials!

Join us in our year-end special as we reflect on the highs, lows, and growth of the past year. From navigating unexpected challenges to celebrating victories, Laura and Ken take share their personal and professional journeys. Tune in for a relaxed conversation style episode where they discuss the evolution of their podcast, lessons learned in the world of physical therapy, and their aspirations for the upcoming year. Get ready for some laughs, insights, and a sneak peek into what's in store for ThePTAssistants in 2024. Cheers to the new year and new possibilities!   Thank you so much for listening and don't forget to check out our socials! 

In this episode, we unravel the stories behind tailored therapies like Shockwave and Botox in physical rehabilitation. Learn why these cutting-edge treatments may not be universally applicable and how patient education plays a pivotal role in managing expectations.   Thank you so much for tuning in! Don't forget to check out our socials!

In this episode, we dive into a controversial topic sparked by an email from the APTA regarding the misuse of the DPT acronym by a wellness company. We discuss the potential implications of such misuse on consumer confusion and share their thoughts on the matter. We also reflect on our experiences at work, sharing moments of self-doubt and the gratifying feeling of making a positive impact on patients.    Thank you so much for listening and don't forget to check out our socials!

In this episode, we unravel the intricacies of patient inquiries, exploring the challenges of surgical decision-making, the delicate considerations around post-surgery slings, and the approach to returning to the gym after injury. Join us as we share personal experiences, emphasize patient education, and provide practical insights into navigating these common yet complex aspects of the rehabilitation journey.   Thank you so much for tuning in and don't forget to check out our socials!

In this episode, join us for a candid conversation about the intricate dynamics of communication within the physical therapy field. From courtesy moments to documentation dilemmas, we share personal experiences and reflections on the challenges faced in navigating the fast-paced world of outpatient care. Explore the frustrations and nuances of teamwork, scheduling, and documentation, all while pondering potential solutions for fostering a more collaborative and communicative environment.   Thank you for listening! Don't forget to check out our socials!

In this episode, we delve into the topic of compassion fatigue in the field of physical therapy. Sharing personal experiences and insights, we discuss the emotional toll of constant exposure to patients' struggles and the importance of recognizing and managing compassion fatigue. The episode explores techniques for self-care, highlights a practical approach with acronyms, and concludes with a PTA story, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and the possibility of finding a more suitable work setting to protect one's emotional well-being.   Want to read the article? Check it out HERE!   Thank you so much for listening socials!

In this episode, Laura and Ken dive into the challenges of balancing work and personal life during the holiday season. From scheduling patient appointments to dealing with the unpredictability of holiday plans, they share their experiences and offer insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We discuss the impact of holidays on patient attendance and share strategies for making therapy sessions enjoyable during festive times. As they banter about offing a holiday from the calendar, they provide a light-hearted perspective on the stressors that come with holiday celebrations and working in the healthcare field. Tune in for some relatable moments and tips on making the most of the holiday season in the world of physical therapy.   Don't forget to follow us on our socials!

Join us on this episode as we dive deep into the intricate web of healthcare billing and the APTA's insights on the fee schedule. From deciphering the nitty-gritty details of the article to discussing proposed changes in fee structures, we unpack the implications for providers and patient care. It's a comprehensive look at how billing intricacies affect accessibility, supervision rules, and potential changes in the system. Additionally, we catch up on the day-to-day happenings in our lives, from work updates to baby prep. Tune in for a blend of informative healthcare discussions and personal anecdotes on managing life amidst work changes and forthcoming parenthood.   APTA Fee Schedule Article   Thank you so much for listening and don't forget to check out our socials!

In this episode, we dive into the chaotic yet often hilarious world of working in healthcare. It's a fresh topic we couldn't wait to share because it happened to us today, literally. We'll recount the rollercoaster day when everything that could go wrong did, and what we did to navigate the storm. From internet outages to patients in a hurry, we'll explore the ups and downs of life in the clinic. Join us as we share stories, insights, and a few dad jokes to lighten the mood.   Don't forget to follow us on our socials and thank you so much for listening!

"Welcome to 'The PT Assistants' podcast, where we're dedicated to supporting PTAs on their journey in the world of physical therapy. In this episode, we're diving into Laura's return back to work and a timely and important topic that directly impacts the PTA community: Aetna's recent payment changes. Laura just returned from a two and a half week vacation and has a difficult time adjusting her return to work. We also talk about Aetna's payment changes which leaves us with lingering thoughts. Let's jump into all of this and more!   APTA Article   Don't forget to follow us on our socials and as always, thank you for listening!

The time is ticking for Ken to start a new journey. Now comes the balance between work, podcasting, and parenthood. Pat shares some of his journey and advice for Ken as this new chapter begins. There is so much knowledge to absorb as one gets ready to become a parent, how much of that sticks? Who knows because every child is different. However, Ken will take in everything he can so that he's prepared when the time comes. We also have a little chat at the end about FF, tune in to that as well!   Thank you for listening as always and don't forget to follow us on our socials!

Typically PTAs aren't really looked at during an emergency situation. Outpatient we typically have our supervising PT and in a hospital, it's every one but the therapy team. However, when working in home health, you're the only healthcare provider available at times. Jen has a story for us today that had her be the first responder. Jen walks us through her situation and how she handled it. This is to help raise awareness for PTAs everywhere to always be prepared in any given situation because if it's one thing we know, anything can happen.   Thank you so much for listening! As always we appreciate everyone who tunes in and don't forget to check out our socials!

Join us as Joe and Ken chat about work life balance. Today we have a conversation on what we due in order to avoid things life burnout and compassion fatigue. Working as a PTA and in the healthcare field comes with its fair share of stress, so we discuss what we do in order to avoid that. If anyone else has some tips on what they do or would just like to let us know their hobbies, feel free to leave a comment down below!   Thank you as always for listening and don't forget to follow our socials!

Sometimes things aren't as straight forward as they seem. We must take it upon ourselves to do the research and see what is relevant to what is presented in front of us. Joe has over 10 years of experience being a PTA and is here to share his experience in gaining critical thinking skills as well as how he has applied them. Everyone will have a different approach, but as we know, critical thinking is a must have skill in this field. Let's get right into it.   Thank you so much for listening and don't forget to check out our socials!

Welcome to another episode! Today we ponder on the thought of whether or not AI can replace PTAs. We asked AI to guide us through a short story of a treatment conducted by an AI and how it would look. Now we discuss on whether or not this is actually possible? If it is, then who it's for and whether or not it's practical for all patients!   Thank you as always for listening and don't forget to check out our socials!

Time for the pt 2! Check out part one if you're interesting in learning how Laura and Ken came into the field but now we are talking about PT month. How well is the PTA community being represented and is our presence felt? Some gripes here and there with some positives. Let's jump in!   Thank you as always for listening and don't forget to check out our socials!

It's been a while since we've discussed this.. but how did Laura and Ken become PTAs? This month we are celebrating PT awareness month, and we've decided to talk about our journey that got us here. We also discuss some gripes about PT awareness month so stay tuned as we discuss that in greater depths in part 2!   Thank you as always for listening and don't forget to check out our socials!

Welcome! Today we do a little refresher on burns. Ken had an experience with burns recently and realized how much he actually forget about the treatment of burns. So today is more of an educational/refresh on some of the topics in a "Let's quiz Laura!" fashion. So feel free to join in, and see how many you can get right!   Previous episode discussing Laura's experience with burns!   Don't forget to check out our socials!

Good day everyone! Hope everyone has had an amazing start to their week. Today we discuss 10 things that students need to know when transitioning into a licensed PTA! Whether you are a student or already practicing, maybe there's a tip in here for you to help you where you are in you career! Also, I'm sure there are more things than those on this list, so if you have any tip just let us know on IG!   Thank you so much for listening and don't forget to check out our socials!

Hey everyone and welcome! Today we will discuss just some overall, informational, differences and similarities between our field and the occupational world. If you've worked in the field for quite some time then I'm sure you've come across someone asking what is the difference between PT and OT. Today, that is what will discuss. Also, as a side note, if anyone knows a COTA that would be interested in joining us for a session, we'd love to have them.   As always, thank you so much for listening and don't forget to check out our socials!

Sometimes we all need some time away. It's also very important to take a step away from work and decompress as it helps us avoid burnout. Ken has recently gone and vacation and Laura is preparing for her upcoming one, so let's discuss what we did in order to set up ourselves and our colleagues for success. We also touch on sick days and how we handled it. Let's jump in!   Thank you for listening! It means a lot to us! Don't forget to check out our socials!

Are you a physical therapist assistant who is currently seeking ways to enhance your expertise and elevate your performance in the realm of athlete treatment? If so, you have arrived at the perfect destination! In the captivating and incredibly stimulating episode that we present to you today, we embark on an exhilarating journey into the fascinating world of athletics vs general population. Brace yourself, as we not only confront the obstacles and hurdles that inevitably arise while treating athletes but also divulge techniques and strategies that will undoubtedly propel you towards thinking outside the box to improve your treatment sessions. Therefore, fasten your seatbelts, for the time has come to gear up and prepare yourself for an extraordinary expedition that will unquestionably empower you to ascend to new heights and transcend your current capabilities!

Are you a physical therapist assistant looking to create a safe and comfortable environment for yourself and your patients? Look no further! Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of boundaries between physical therapist assistants and their patients. Discover the essential secrets to safeguarding your license while maintaining a professional rapport with your clients. But that's not all! We'll also equip you with advice on how to handle any uncomfortable situations that may arise. So, grab a seat and get ready to unlock the keys to building strong and respectful therapeutic relationships!   Don't forget to check out our socials!

Happy Friday everyone! Today we are going to discuss some life updates about ourselves. So this episode, if you've listened to this in the past, is just about us and what we have going on. Laura is going to discuss a little more about her recent procedures and how her post op after tenex is going and Ken will talk about some big news and life changes happening in the near future! We hope you enjoy!   Don't forget to check out our socials!

Today's episode starts off with a story from this previous week at Ken's work. Ken is always trying to find ways to improve his physical therapy skills and he approaches his PTs with a question. There is no right or wrong answer but let's jump into what they think are ways to improve one's skills as a PTA. We will recap ways to improve your own critical thinking skills and how we touched on each of those during our conversation in today's episode. Have more ways to improve critical thinking? Let us on know on our socials!   Speaking of socials, check them out here!

Step into the world of Pat, a dynamic individual who not only embraces the challenges of being a physical therapist assistant, but also navigates the unique journey of having his own mom as a PT. But that's not all - Pat's life is a whirlwind of excitement as he takes on the role of a PRN, effortlessly switching between companies. Oh, did we mention he also takes care of a young child? Brace yourself for an inspiring tale of determination, love, and the relentless pursuit of professional growth. Part 3 of 3 episodes    Don't forget to follow us on our socials!

Step into the world of Pat, a dynamic individual who not only embraces the challenges of being a physical therapist assistant, but also navigates the unique journey of having his own mom as a PT. But that's not all - Pat's life is a whirlwind of excitement as he takes on the role of a PRN, effortlessly switching between companies. Oh, did we mention he also takes care of a young child? Brace yourself for an inspiring tale of determination, love, and the relentless pursuit of professional growth. Part 2 of 3 episodes    Don't forget to check out our socials!

Step into the world of Pat, a dynamic individual who not only embraces the challenges of being a physical therapist assistant, but also navigates the unique journey of having his own mom as a PT. But that's not all - Pat's life is a whirlwind of excitement as he takes on the role of a PRN, effortlessly switching between companies. Oh, did we mention he also takes care of a young child? Brace yourself for an inspiring tale of determination, love, and the relentless pursuit of professional growth. Part 1 of 3 episodes  Don't forget to check out our socials!

Today we interview Becky from PIMA Institute and discuss their BSPTA program. Whether you're looking to improve your skills as a PTA, start your DPT journey, or go into management, this program has everything for you. Let's dive into this interview with Becky and if you have any questions use the link below! BSPTA Program details   Don't forget to check out our socials!

Today we interview Becky from PIMA Institute and discuss their BSPTA program. Whether you're looking to improve your skills as a PTA, start your DPT journey, or go into management, this program has everything for you. Let's dive into this interview with Becky and if you have any questions use the link below! BSPTA Program details   Don't forget to check out our socials!

Today we discuss some major obstacles in physical therapy from telehealth to cost of school programs. We discuss our experience with some of these programs, the implications, and what it could potentially mean for the future of the field. Most of these topics we go into greater lengths and I'll leave links to those episodes below.   Making Telemedicine Permanent Embracing Lifelong Learning as a PTA Coping With Burnout   Don't forget to follow us on our Socials

Today we continue our journey with Jen in the world of home health physical therapy. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and rewards of providing physical therapy in the comfort of patients' homes. Our guest shares their wealth of experience in managing caseloads, adapting treatment plans to various home environments, and ensuring patient safety and infection control. Discover valuable insights on effective communication and collaboration with patients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the vital role played by home health PTAs and how they make a difference in the lives of their patients.   Miss episode 1??? Episode 1 with Jen   Don't forget to follow us on our socials!

In this episode, we delve into the world of home health Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) as we sit down with Jennifer. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and rewards of providing physical therapy in the comfort of patients' homes. Our guest shares their wealth of experience in managing caseloads, adapting treatment plans to various home environments, and ensuring patient safety and infection control. Discover valuable insights on effective communication and collaboration with patients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the vital role played by home health PTAs and how they make a difference in the lives of their patients.   Don't forget to check out our socials!

In this discussion, we will delve into the realm of effective communication strategies and explore methods to enhance them. Whether you are seeking employment opportunities or aspiring to excel in your role as a PTA, this valuable information will serve as a guiding light. This episode offers invaluable insights that can be applied by all PTAs, empowering them to strive for excellence in their endeavors. It is important to note that the views expressed here are solely our own and are based on our experience working in outpatient facilities; however, these strategies can be implemented across various settings.   The #1 Skill   Check out our socials!

In this episode, we dive deep into the limitations of evidence-based practice in physical therapy. While scientific research is crucial in guiding our treatment decisions, we explore the intriguing realm of alternative techniques that lack substantial scientific evidence but still produce positive effects. We delve into the fascinating world of the placebo effect and its profound impact on symptoms modulated by the brain, particularly in the realm of pain management. Furthermore, we share our latest research findings on the slow progression of physical therapy and the role of technology in driving innovation. Join us as we emphasize the importance of staying updated with research articles and exploring multiple sources to stay informed about the latest trends and advancements in the field of physical therapy.   Articles: Changes in Manual Therapy Techniques How New Technology is Improving PT Power of Placebo

We delve into the transformative world of lifelong learning and the importance of continuing education. Join us as we explore how embracing ongoing education can help you unlock new opportunities, enhance your skills, and stay ahead in today's fast-paced, ever-evolving world. There are so many available options for PTAs from budget friendly to "I really want to learn this skill". We will talk about the good and the bad of CEUs as well as options available for PTAs. Let's go ahead and get started.    Don't forget to check our our socials! Click Here!

Happy Friday! Today, we dive into a new segment for our podcast. Our goal is to continue this series and feature stories from our audience, for those who are willing to share. In today's episode, we discuss our weekly experiences in the field and share some valuable lessons we've learned along the way. These insights will come in handy if you ever find yourself in a similar situation. Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or already working as a PTA, we can all benefit from each other's experiences and grow as professionals.  If you'd like to share your own story, please don't hesitate to email us at theptassistants@gmail.com or connect with us on our social media platforms using the link provided below.    Also, be sure to explore our other channels by clicking here!      

Today we continue our interview with Nicole and we discuss her transition as she went from travel PTA to recruiter. Sometimes we feel like we hit a wall in career options as PTAs with us only being able to change settings or go for our DPT. Nicole shows us that there are other ways to further our career path as PTAs. Travel is such an amazing opportunity for many people looking for a career in physical therapy. Let's jump into Nicole's story and her day-to-day as a travel recruiter!   Miss episode one? Check it out here!   Nicole's contact info if you're interested in travel! Call/text: 858-422-6171 Email: Nicole.tombers@pioneer-healthcare.com IG: @pta.pioneer.recruiter   Don't forget to follow us on our socials! and anyone else interested in joining us for an interview, always feel free to email us @ theptassistants@gmail.com

Happy Friday! Today's interview is with Nicole and we discuss her transition as she went from travel PTA to recruiter. Sometimes we feel like we hit a wall in career options as PTAs with us only being able to change settings or go for our DPT. Nicole shows us that there are other ways to further our career path as PTAs. Travel is such an amazing oppourtunity for many people looking for a career in physical therapy. Let's jump into Nicole's story and her day-to-day as a travel recruiter!   Nicole's contact info if you're interested in travel! Call/text: 858-422-6171 Email: Nicole.tombers@pioneer-healthcare.com IG: @pta.pioneer.recruiter   Don't forget to follow us on our socials! and anyone else interested in joining us for an interview, always feel free to email us @ theptassistants@gmail.com

Today we reminisce on old patient's where we feel like we made an impact. Granted there may be some small wins here and there and we should remember those too. Sometimes we get stuck in a mindset where we feel like we don't belong and remembering those patients where we know we made a difference means a lot to us. Do you have a moment where you feel like you made an impact on someone's life? Email us and share!    Don't forget to check out our socials here!

Do you remember the first time you treated a certain diagnosis? Something you were unfamiliar with and had to look into? Well today we talk about treating certain diagnosis for the first time and whether you're a new grad or have been practicing for a while, you may always come across something new. So let's jump into it!   Don't forget to like and share and check out our socials!

Have you heard that in the medical field all personal are their own worst patients? Well we definitely fall under that category as well as our friends and family. So let's jump into why that is!    As always be sure to like and share as it helps us continue to grow our channel! Check out our socials!

The finale to our 4 parter. It has been quite the discussion we've had with Joe about a little bit of everything. So join us as we wrap up this session. Today, we discuss flexibility when problems or just about anything arises and will be on ongoing theme throughout the next several episodes. This is quite a journey as you listen from the point of view of a new grad, 5 years out, and 10 years out PTAs!   As always check out our socials and join the discord to interact with us an many other PTAs!

Time for part 3/4. We go down quite a rabbit hole of experiences and conversations over the next several episodes with Joe. Today, we discuss flexibility when problems or just about anything arises and will be on ongoing theme throughout the next several episodes. This is quite a journey as you listen from the point of view of a new grad, 5 years out, and 10 years out PTAs!   As always check out our socials and join the discord to interact with us an many other PTAs!

Time for part 2/4. We go down quite a rabbit hole of experiences and conversations over the next several episodes with Joe. Today, we discuss flexibility when problems or just about anything arises and will be on ongoing theme throughout the next several episodes. This is quite a journey as you listen from the point of view of a new grad, 5 years out, and 10 years out PTAs!   As always check out our socials and join the discord to interact with us an many other PTAs!

Are we ready for a 4 parter?? We go down quite a rabbit hole of experiences and conversations over the next several episodes with Joe. Today, we discuss flexibility when problems or just about anything arises and will be on ongoing theme throughout the next several episodes. This is quite a journey as you listen from the point of view of a new grad, 5 years out, and 10 years out PTAs!   As always check out our socials and join the discord to interact with us an many other PTAs!

A potentially bill being pushed is about having telemedicine here to stay. If this were to happen, what does this mean for PTAs? Would our jobs change? Can we work from home? We discuss possible options and the complications it would bring in today's episode!   FYI: According to the APTA in the most recent article in 2019 Medicare Rules State: General supervision is required for PTAs in all settings except private practice, which requires direct supervision Private Practice: supervising PT is in the office suite when an individual procedure is performed and immediately available to furnish assistance and direction throughout the performance of the procedure.   Don't forget to like share and do all the things! Check out our socials!