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