Hands On Hands Off: Manual Therapy & Orthopedic Physical Therapy (AAOMPT)

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 trainingChallenges in advancing specialization, including access to structured programs and recognition within the healthcare systemThe role of mentorship and international partnerships in expanding knowledge and practiceClinical reasoning vs. protocol-driven treatment approaches and how shifting perspectives improve patient careAdvocacy 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

Key Points Discussed: • How Dr. Kelli Wilson’s journey led to merging orthopedic and pelvic health approaches • Success stories that demonstrate the transformative power of pelvic interventions • Key orthopedic techniques manual therapists can use to address pelvic health issues • Strategies for overcoming discomfort and confidently addressing sensitive topics with patients • Opportunities for PTs in treating pelvic health issues, including hernia and testicular painSpecial Guest: • Dr. Kelli Wilson, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT - Specialist in Orthopedic and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (https://pelvicrehab.com/practitioner/kelli-wilson-pt-dpt-ocs-faaompt/)