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 productivity
This episode is a must-listen for PTs, educators, researchers, and anyone passionate about improving the quality of care through better scholarship.
Hands On Hands Off: Manual Therapy & Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AAOMPT)