Pt Pintcast

Neuro PT still intimidates too many students — and Brooke Pantano is done with that. She’s on a mission to demystify neuro, advocate for better education, and lift the standards (literally and figuratively) for what PTs can do.In this live episode from APTA NJ’s Student Conclave, she shares how residency challenged everything she learned in school, what neuro really looks like in the clinic, and how strength training has made her a better clinician.Topics Covered:Why neuro needs more early-career PTsWhat surprised her most during residencyWhat students get wrong about dizziness, concussions, and spinal cord injuryHow to balance advocacy, education, and still lift heavy thingsHer personal message to every student nervous about neuroSponsored by:US Physical Therapy — Build your career with mentorship, leadership tracks, and support that puts PTs first. https://usph.comTENS Unit Therapy School™ — Fake sponsor, very real electrical currents

Sharif Zeid joins Jimmy to unpack the true root causes of clinic burnout, wasted revenue, and team frustration. Spoiler: it’s not your EMR, and it’s not “kids these days.” It’s the manual, outdated, or bloated processes you're too busy to see.Learn:How tracking too many metrics slows your teamWhere most clinics lose time (and don’t know it)What automation actually changes firstWhy your team’s happiness is your best KPIHow to spot "noise" and double down on "signal"???? Resources:Sharif Zeid → EmpowerEMR.comFollow PT Pintcast on all platforms: YouTube, Apple, Spotify & more????️ Sponsor Mentions:PRE-ROLL: Brooks IHLWorld-class residencies, fellowships, and CE designed to turn good clinicians into great ones. Their mentors walk the walk. Check out Brooks IHL and see how far you can go → brooksihl.orgMID-ROLL: Empower EMRBig thanks to Empower EMR. If your clinic is stuck in an EMR that slows you down, Empower gives you speed, clean workflows, and features PTs actually asked for. Better notes, faster documen

What do HVAC techs, dentists, and high-performing PTs have in common? Turns out, they’re all using AI tools to level up how they communicate, evaluate, and deliver results.In this raw, honest conversation, Jimmy, Dave, and Tony break down how PTs can reframe “sales” as clinical confidence, why recording evaluations might be the best training tool we’re ignoring, and how this tech is already reshaping onboarding, CPGs, and practice growth.???? Topics Covered:Why PTs struggle with "sales" (and what to say instead)Real-time eval reviews + audio feedback loopsCPG updates driven by tech & documentationHow other industries train better, fasterGraham Sessions preview: questions that matter???? LINKS:Dave Kittle – Concierge Pain ReliefTony Maritato – YouTube ChannelPT Pintcast YouTube???? Subscribe & Follow:Apple: PT Pintcast on Apple PodcastsSpotify: PT Pintcast on SpotifyYouTube: PT Pintcast YouTubeLinkedIn: Jimmy McKayWebsite: ptpintcast.com

Mercedes didn’t wait a decade to “earn” the right to start her business — she built it early, with clarity and confidence.In this episode recorded live at APTA NJ’s Student Conclave, she shares her journey from Argentina to building a mobile pediatric PT practice in the U.S. We dive into why mobile care works, what it takes to build trust, and how to overcome the imposter syndrome that holds so many new grads back.???? Topics Covered:Starting a business early in your PT careerHow Mercedes built trust with families as a new gradThe surprising advantages (and hard truths) of mobile careWhat makes pediatric PT deeply rewardingOne message for every student who thinks they “aren’t ready”???? Sponsored by:U.S. Physical Therapy — Build your future in PT with a company that supports clinicians. https://usph.comThe Student Loan Fairy™ — Fake sponsor, real pain

Students are taught to treat injury — but Melanie Llanes built her business on preventing it. From her start as a PTA to becoming a pelvic health powerhouse, Melanie shares how she shaped her career, faced burnout, and built a business that prioritizes people before they break.Topics Covered:What every student misunderstands about prevention in PTMelanie’s transition from PTA to PT to entrepreneurWhy pelvic health deserves a front seat in PT educationPowerlifting, parenting, and professional resilienceWhat nearly made her quit — and why she stayedSponsored by:EMPOWER EMR — Built by PTs, for PTs. https://empoweremr.comPosture Tape That Fixes Everything™ — Fake sponsor, real sarcasm

Why PTs Burn Out: A Raw Look at Rewards, Pressure & the ProfessionEpisode Summary:What’s really burning out today’s physical therapists? In this episode, Jimmy chats with Dr. Rebekah Griffith — aka the EDDPT — about why PTs are questioning the reward system, the cost of conferences that don’t deliver, and why "no one wants to work anymore" might not be the real issue. From Graham Sessions to predatory conferences, manual therapy in acute care, and redefining value in the profession — this one hits hard and goes deep.???? Whether you’re a student, new grad, clinic owner, or educator, this conversation challenges the status quo and leaves you asking: Is the juice worth the squeeze?00:00 - Cold Open & Welcome03:12 - The “Elite Secret Job” Recruitment Rant06:20 - Predatory Journals & Conferences Explained11:40 - The Hustle Game in Academic Publishing15:55 - Conference Time Limits vs. Content Quality22:10 - What Makes Graham Sessions Different?29:20 - Why "Cool Kid Tables" Need More Chairs34:00 - Pract

This episode features one of the most raw, real, and insightful convos we’ve had on the future of physical therapy.Jimmy sits down with Dave Kittle and Tony Maritato to cover everything clinic owners need to hear right now:Why PTs are still trapped in outdated reimbursement modelsHow to build a cash-based membership that actually worksSliding into DMs to recruit A+ hiresEMRs that suck (and why they still do)The real problem with AI in healthcareWhy some PT leaders still won’t talk about what matters mostIf you’ve ever yelled at your EMR, questioned your payer mix, or thought about quitting insurance cold turkey — this one’s for you.

What’s the fastest way for a PT student to make real change?In this high-energy live episode from APTA NJ’s Student Conclave, veteran PT and fearless advocate Doula Riley shares the raw truth about regulation, career growth, and why now is the time for students to get involved — especially in election years.Doula has worked nearly every PT setting… and survived mechanical bulls in multiple states. This convo blends serious insight with student-centered advice, career clarity, and just enough chaos to keep it Pintcast-approved.???? Guest: Doula Riley, PT, advocate and clinical trailblazerYou’ll learn:What most students misunderstand about PT regulationWhy policy matters more in election yearsThe #1 easiest way to advocate todayRed flags and real talk from someone who's seen it all

Physical therapy is having a moment — and not all of it is comfortable.In this episode, Jimmy McKay breaks down a growing debate around PT salary, burnout, career growth, and work ethic, sparked by posts from veteran physical therapist Rob Panariello.Rob argues that success in physical therapy comes from exceptional effort, clinical excellence, and personal responsibility — a framework that built many successful careers.But newer physical therapists are asking a different question: Does hard work still reliably convert into opportunity in today’s healthcare system?This episode explores:Why PT salaries feel stagnantHow student loan debt changes career mathWhere hard work still compounds — and where it doesn’tWhy this isn’t a generational fightAnd what needs to change to retain great cliniciansThis isn’t a rant.It’s a translation — between effort and incentives, experience and reality.

What does it really mean to advocate as a physical therapist — and where should students start?In this live episode recorded at APTA New Jersey’s Student Conclave at Kean University, Ben Aguila pulls back the curtain on what actually happens inside the APTA House of Delegates. He shares how clinic owners can stay grassroots while thinking globally, how students can plug into real change, and why the best things in your career might start as accidents.Topics Covered:What happens in the APTA House of DelegatesWhy advocacy matters — and who’s doing it rightHow Ben ended up running a half marathon by accidentThe real entry point for students into leadershipPolicy changes PT education needs nowSponsored by:Brooks IHL — World-class residencies, fellowships, and continuing education: https://brooksihl.orgMechanical Bulls R Us™ — Fake sponsor, real core engagement

Clinic owners: your costs are rising, your reimbursements aren’t. So how do you protect your margins? In this episode, Jimmy chats with Joseph Lowe, a former PT turned rehab retail expert. Joseph reveals how clinics can generate $30K–$40K a year in retail revenue — without selling out or adding visit volume.They cover:Why “profit margin” should be your #1 KPIThe easiest products for PTs to sellHow your sunk costs can become scalable revenueWhy retail is the future for sustainable practice growth???? Joseph’s prediction?Someone will land a seven-figure product partnership. And it could be you.

Most PTs were taught to treat in 60-minute chunks. But what if the real value isn’t in the time... but the outcome?In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Tony Maritato and Dave Kittle to unpack how physical therapists can stop marketing “minutes” and start delivering results. They dive into shorter sessions, clinic models, live selling, CEU partnerships, and the massive potential of selling outcomes over time.Plus: a brainstorm on flipping leftover clinic time into high-converting, half-off offers. Think Groupon, but smarter — and built for PT.If you’re a clinic owner, cash-based therapist, or entrepreneurial rehab pro… this is your roadmap to thinking like a modern healthcare business.

Why aren’t physical therapists paid like doctors — even though the outcomes prove they should be?In this episode of PT Pintcast, Jimmy sits down with Josh Bailey, PT, to unpack the uncomfortable truth about reimbursement, CPT codes, employer contracting, and why physical therapy keeps getting boxed into time-based billing instead of value-based care.Josh shares:Why early PT saves 50% of downstream costs — and why payers still ignore itHow CPT code 97110 commoditized physical therapyThe biggest diagnostic mistakes around plantar fasciitisWhy grit, effort, and reps matter more than credentialsAnd his mic-drop case for treating PTs like doctors — in pay, productivity, and respectThis episode is a must-listen for clinic owners, healthcare leaders, and PTs who want more than burnout and flat reimbursement.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why PT Isn’t Paid Like Medicine03:45 – Incentives, Insurance, and Misaligned Value10:30 – Why CPT Codes Limit PT’s Worth17:15 – Plantar Fasciitis: What PT School Got Wrong26:45 – Effort, Grit,

Dr. Steve Ryland joins Jimmy to unpack UPTA, how they're taking action to fight Medicare bureaucracy, and why burnout isn’t a personal failure — it’s a design flaw in the system.In this episode:Suing CMS and calling out policy contradictionsCompliance fatigue and how AI can help PTs reclaim timeBuilding a national pilot proposal with real impactResponding to APTA critics and unifying PT voicesAdvice to disillusioned new grads: “Don’t wait to be rescued”

Why would a respected PT leader step back from the national stage?Dr. Janet Bezner — former CAPTE chair, academic powerhouse, and leadership voice in PT — joins Jimmy to unpack career evolution, mentorship fatigue, and how identity shifts in the next chapter.Whether you’re a new grad, seasoned faculty, or clinic owner facing “what’s next,” Janet offers insight into navigating transitions with purpose (and pastries ????).Janet on LINKEDIN

In this episode, Jimmy, Dave, and Tony go deep into the evolving world of physical therapy, self-pay models, and the surprising economics of "train the trainer" models — including caregivers and personal trainers stepping into rehab roles.00:00 - Intro: Coaching Caregivers & Trainers?02:35 - Why Yanni’s model wouldn’t work 1-on-104:30 - Train the trainer: scam or strategy?07:40 - Real-life example: training personal trainers for high net worth clients10:12 - Talking numbers: $2K–$5K for short-term consulting?13:45 - Client perception vs. price: mid-tier care model16:10 - What if the caregiver is a spouse or child?18:50 - The risk: trainers claiming to be “rehab pros”22:40 - Dave’s fear: giving away your IP?26:00 - Why PTs should think like restaurants (value meals!)29:20 - Supersize it: self-pay services + product sales32:10 - Massage guns & missed revenue streams35:00 - Satire: Stim Nap™, CPT Sauce™, SuctionX™38:42 - The burnout talk: PT students losing hope41:20 - Asking for a raise the right way43:

Your marketing doesn't suck. But your strategy might.In this episode, Jimmy breaks down how to build campaigns that work — not because they’re loud, but because they’re smart. From bar promos and billboards to multi-channel experiences, this is a tactical deep dive into why attention is earned, not bought.Perfect for clinic owners, practice marketers, or rehab pros ready to think differently and stop throwing money at trends.???? What You’ll Learn:How to reverse-engineer campaigns from the end resultWhy CMOs and CEOs need “marriage counseling”What Bud Light’s legendary ads got rightWhy clinics should focus less on channels and more on psychologyAnd how one outdoor campaign outperformed 20 parade floats???? Want more? Visit ptpinecast.com or follow us @ptpinecast on all socials.00:00 – Why most marketing doesn’t work04:12 – Real reason patients don’t respond to ads10:45 – CMO vs CEO misalignment = disaster16:33 – How to create attention without yelling22:18 – Designing campaigns backwards (start with the end)3

“You don’t need to be a Navy SEAL to be resilient — you just need to learn to build fire with no tools.”In this raw and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Alex Bendersky, Head of Clinical Innovation, shares real-world lessons from complexity theory, resilience, and leadership inside modern healthcare systems.We go deep on:Why PTs must think in systems to surviveUnderstanding entropy and constant changeThe power of being "plasma" — fluid, adaptable, yet ready to solidifyGetting fired the day before turning 46 — and saying "Good."Why gratitude and self-awareness might be your sharpest toolsWhat Black Swan events mean for the future of physical therapyAlex’s perspective blends deep theory with grounded clinical reality — this one’s a mindset shift you didn’t know you needed.⚡️ “Most of the systems that affect PTs are outside their control. But the one system you can control? The one between your ears.”???? Listen if you’re a PT, clinic owner, or healthcare leader dealing with:Rapid changeDecreased reimbursementsTeam

???? Physical therapy clinics don’t need another EMR — they need a new business model. In this episode, TONY, DAVE and JIMMY unpack the “PT Lite” model, how insurance can be your Costco hot dog, and why premium upsells aren’t dirty — they’re how you grow.???? Whether you're a clinic owner, staff PT, or rehab entrepreneur, this conversation shows you how to repackage your value, attract better-fit clients, and build something scalable.⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro02:13 - How "PT Lite" unlocks new patients09:22 - The barrier to short visits: PT psychology13:40 - Using ChatGPT as a triage funnel17:55 - Smart marketing with AI tools21:45 - Insurance as a loss-leader: like Costco’s hot dog25:30 - Upselling ethically in physical therapy28:20 - The Gold’s Gym clinic model33:40 - Pricing mindset: why PTs undercharge39:00 - The gym-to-premium pipeline strategy

Craig Lindell, co-founder of Prehab Guys, joins Jimmy to break down how one of the most recognizable brands in PT actually got built — and the hard lessons learned along the way.???? In this episode:How Prehab Guys started (and nearly ended)Building content that scales while keeping your valuesWhy brand clarity beats being “every PT for every patient”How to niche down without feeling limitedCraig’s endurance mindset and what PTs can learn from Ironman training???? Resources & LinksCraig Lindell: @theprehabguysWebsite: https://theprehabguys.comClinic Owners: USPhPartnership.comEMR Upgrade: empoweremr.comCEU/Residency: brooksihl.org