Pt Pintcast

In this episode, Kayla breaks down how JAG Physical Therapy scaled from 2 locations to over 160 — and the marketing strategy behind it.We cover:Why every patient experience is a marketing momentHow to measure ROI without obsessing over itUsing EMR data to improve campaignsPartnering with local communities (not just physicians)Tactical advice for solo PTs to get started

Episode Highlights:Referral Insights: Clinicians share why asking outright—or subtly—for referrals is crucial, and how patient follow-up (calls/emails) prompts results. Role-playing helps staff find comfortable scripts.Therapist Conviction: Healing effectiveness increases when clinicians genuinely believe in interventions—conviction influences patient decisions.GPT‑Generated Scripts: Leverage AI tools (like ChatGPT) using persuasive frameworks (Hormozi, Cialdini) to generate patient-friendly referral prompts.Product Sales & TikTok Shop: Therapists explore new income via affiliate marketing. Understanding affiliate structures (TikTok cut vs direct deals) and how “creator communities” amplify reach.Collective Strategy: Imagine a collaborative PT content network—sharing product/tech videos to grow collective influence and income.Patient-Centric Authenticity: Overcoming ego, prioritizing patient benefit, and celebrating small wins (“peak of happiness”) with reviews and referrals.Challenge from Jimmy: Who’s up

Aaron Bauer joins the show to unpack the evolution of AI scribes in physical therapy. He explains how ambient AI tools like Athelas AI Scribe are reducing documentation time, increasing note quality, and making patient care more efficient — all while staying HIPAA compliant. Whether you're tech-savvy or hesitant, Aaron breaks down how easy it is to implement AI into your workflow and the surprising benefits you might not expect.Key Topics:The difference between ChatGPT and true ambient AIWhy “scribe” is a misleading term for modern AI toolsHow PTs can save an hour a day using AIVerbal note-taking tips for more accurate documentationImproving coding accuracy and complianceMultilingual support, template flexibility, and patient experience gains

What if a single Instagram post led to your next top referral partner? In this episode, Jimmy McKay is joined by Dave Kittle and Tony Maritato to break down the power of real patient content, community trust, and creating before you’re “ready.” You’ll hear how a free golden ticket visit turned into a viral story and why content is the gateway to opportunity — even if no one’s watching (yet). Plus, how AI is helping therapists reduce cognitive load and focus more on patient care.Resources & Links:

What if your clinic could generate an extra $10K–$20K per month—legally and sustainably—without seeing more patients or hiring more staff?That’s the question today’s guest, Chad O from Thrive Med, is answering for physical therapists and clinic owners looking to break out of the hamster wheel of healthcare. The Thrive Med model helps outpatient rehab clinics integrate ultrasound-guided trigger point therapy, dry needling, and other medically billable services into their existing workflow—even in states like New York where PTs can’t perform them directly. 

Joshua Breighner, owner of Walk in New York, joins the show to reveal how his neurorehab clinic in Midtown Manhattan is breaking down barriers in access to cutting-edge rehab technology. From robotic exoskeletons to sustainable market access strategies, Joshua explains how tech can drive evidence-based care—not just look impressive.We dive into:What neuroplasticity-first technology looks likeHow PTs can align tech adoption with hospital KPIsWhy underutilized tools are your best starting pointMaking robotic rehab accessible through insurancePreventing expensive tech from collecting dust post-purchaseThis episode is essential for PTs, clinic owners, and healthcare entrepreneurs curious about bringing meaningful innovation into their practice—without getting lost in hype or red tape.

In this no-holds-barred discussion, Jimmy McKay sits down with Tony Maritato and Dave Kittle to ask a question most PTs avoid: is operating like a “mill” really that bad? They break down the realities of modern reimbursement, how patients actually perceive care models, and what savvy clinic owners can do today to thrive — even in a crowded system.Topics Covered:Clinic scheduling & reimbursement challengesPerception vs. reality: What “mill” clinics get right (and wrong)The power of telehealth: Turning intake calls into evaluationsHow trust is built (or broken) before the first visitLeveraging Medicare’s current rules to innovate serviceLinks & Resources:

What does it take to keep Broadway performers injury-free and on stage? Marissa Schaefer, PT and founder of FlySpace in NYC, joins Jimmy to unpack the challenges of performer rehab and why most PT models aren’t built for this level of demand.We talk about the “reactive” care systems that dominate the industry, the concept of reconditioning after injury, and how PTs can better serve high-performance artists.Topics Covered:A day in the life of a Broadway performerThe biggest gaps in performing arts healthcareHow PTs can become better prepared for this populationWhy “The show must go on” is the wrong mindsetThe gold standard performer health system (and what’s holding us back)Guest: Marissa Schaefer, PT, DPT 

In this episode, the PT Pintcast crew — Jimmy, Dave Kittle, and Tony Maritato — unpack the difference between what PTs do and what they sell. Spoiler: It’s not shockwave therapy. From leveraging emotional branding to avoiding compliance pitfalls, this is the episode every growth-minded clinic owner needs.Topics Covered:How De Beers built billion-dollar meaning — and what PTs can learn from itWhy “primary care PT” might be a branding trapHow clinics like Rehab 2 Perform show (not tell) their valueThe power of focusing your message to grow fasterA cautionary tale: $573,000 refunded due to a Medicare membership mistakeConnect with Us:PT Pintcast on YouTubePT Pintcast on Apple PodcastsFollow on InstagramVisit Our Website

From prototyping with elastic straps to running a multi-product health tech company, Shon Harker is redefining what it means to “build better rehab.” In this episode, we explore how he creates safer treadmills, gait-retraining tools, and functional resistance systems — all grounded in real-world clinical needs. He breaks down how motorless treadmills reprogram movement, the power of walking in neuroplasticity, and why execution always beats ideas.Guest: Shon Harker CEO & Founder, Innovator of multiple rehab and training systems

What can healthcare learn from LEGO?

Original Airdate: Oct. 17, 2022Will Butler is a physical therapist turned financial advisor on a mission to change healthcare by improving the lives of clinicians through financial education and planning.Episode TakeawaysA story of football and financial planningTypes of disability insurance A financial instrument reviews for perspective and confidence Money matters to all adultsThree QuestionsWho is someone the audience should follow to learn more about today’s topic? Instagram account - @disappointingaffirmations by Dave TarnowskiWhat is something the audience should take a look at if they want to take a deeper dive into some of the things we talked about today? Graham Stephan Youtube ChannelWhy should people care about this episode/topic? Of all things you replace, time is not one of those things. Parting Shot“When you engage a professional, respond to the professional even if you’re uncomfortable with the feedback you might receive.” - Will Butler

Physical therapists, clinic owners, and healthcare innovators—this one’s for you.

In this episode of PT Pintcast, we’re calling out the BS behind long hospital waitlists and helping private practice PTs cut through the noise. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a patient base from scratch, market to people who are actually motivated, or show up on social media with value — this one’s for you.You’ll learn:How to create patient-focused content before you even treat your first clientThe psychology of pain, urgency, and price in physical therapyWhy direct access and same-day care is the true advantage for private practicesThe overlooked content that builds trust before the evaluation

Tony Maritato and Dave Kittle return to PT Pintcast with a deep (and hilarious) dive into the future of physical therapy, AI’s role in care, and how clinicians can thrive by adapting—not resisting.

In this episode, we dismantle the traditional content grind and replace it with a Netflix-inspired approach to content creation for clinics. Jimmy, Tony Maritato, and Dave Kittle riff on wild ideas — from pirate therapy and PT on oil rigs, to BYOB group therapy and recruiting with Casey Neistat-style vlogs.What You’ll Learn:How to structure content seasons that actually drive businessWhy “day-in-the-life” videos may be the best recruiting tool no one is usingThe psychology behind clinic branding and commitment over applicationsHow to outsource video and content without lifting a fingerThe future of content in PT: bulk recording, binge releases, and paid distributionMentioned in This Episode:

In this bold and future-focused PT Breakfast Club, Jimmy, Dave, and Tony tackle debt, growth, AI, and intake innovation in physical therapy. From how to buy a practice using only $50K, to why patient forms need a serious AI upgrade, this episode hits hard on what matters now — and what’s coming next.In This Episode:Debt as leverage vs debt as riskBuying vs building a PT practiceShould students still go $100K+ into debt for a DPT?Why “clipboard intake” needs to dieUsing AI to personalize patient experienceCould AI replace PTs… or just make them better?Guest/Host Links:

In this episode, Jeremy DuPont from Patch System shares why blasting your email list is a fast track to losing trust — and what to do instead. We discuss reactivation campaigns, the importance of showing up in the inbox with value, and why today's clinic owners have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build practices with real enterprise value.Topics Covered:Why quality beats quantity in modern marketingHow to win with patient reactivation campaignsWhy "referrals" are marketingHow marketing is evolving and what that means for PTsActionable steps to build your clinic's brand without big ad budgetsGuest Links:Website: PatchSystem.comInstagram: @_jeremydupont

This week’s conversation pulls no punches: it’s time to stop waiting for someone to save your PT career. If you’re not embracing change, building tech literacy, and developing self-awareness, you’re falling behind.We cover:The top skills for healthcare professionals by 2030Why “manual dexterity” is losing importanceHow to build career resilience starting NOWUsing AI like ChatGPT as a clinical allyOne unforgettable quote: "You're the boat. Start swimming."

Former professional pitcher Justin Stiver shares his journey from the minor leagues to physical therapy entrepreneurship — scaling from 1 to 7 clinics, developing a mobile therapy team, and building a powerful real estate portfolio along the way.In this episode, you'll hear:How sports psychology shaped Justin’s leadership philosophyWhat lessons from baseball helped him scale quicklyWhy buying real estate can be a game-changer for practice ownersHow to know when it's time to open a second (or third!) clinicThe biggest challenges — and biggest surprises — of leading a 50+ employee teamGuest Resources:Connect with Justin Stiver on LinkedInSubscribe & Follow PT Pintcast:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram | Website | Twitter/X