Pt Pintcast

Katie Sutton and Jimmy McKay dive into the major shakeups coming in rehab therapy:- The PT/PTA/OTA workforce shortage and why high schoolers are choosing other paths- The power of *unpacking* a career before diving in- 5–10% innovation boosts that actually stick—no panaceas- Why PTAs and digital tools are set to shoulder more care (and business!) load- The importance of leaning into *unsafe* zones first — “luck favors the bold”Tune in from DC as we head to the summit—expect insights, surprises, and actionable predictions!

How do you build a thriving physical therapy business in the middle of Manhattan while surviving cancer—three times—and undergoing a lung transplant? You lean on grit, community, and the undeniable will to live, love, and lead.Meet Cynthia, a force of nature in the PT world and beyond. In this powerful conversation, Cynthia shares:Her experience as a three-time lymphoma survivorStarting her first PT clinic at age 29 with a platinum Amex and a dreamHow Team in Training and endurance sports became both personal therapy and business rocket fuelThe leadership lessons she learned scaling seven NYC clinic locationsWhy building a practice is a lot like training for a triathlon: painful, joyful, and always worth itYou’ll hear about resilience, self-talk, business mistakes, and the moments that shaped her as a healer and leader. Whether you’re a clinic owner, PT student, or just someone navigating adversity—this one’s for you.⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Why PTs Make Great Storytellers00:22 – Cynthia’s Life

Physical therapists: tired of relying on referrals that never come? Discover how concierge PT and podcast host Dave Kittle uses high-trust networking events to fuel cash-pay patient growth, referral partnerships, and collaborative opportunities — all without traditional ads.Learn how to structure the perfect dinner event, avoid overdoing your outreach, and build lasting relationships with providers and businesses in your area.Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Why Relationship-First Marketing Wins 03:12 - Why Guerrilla Marketing is the New Standard 07:45 - Dinner Strategy 101: Who to Invite, What to Ask 15:22 - The “High School You” Question That Stops People Cold 20:40 - How Table Layout Impacts Conversation Dynamics 27:51 - Don’t Overdo It: The Anti-Scavenger Hunt Rant 34:00 - Luxury Personal Training & MSO Partnerships 39:20 - How to Collaborate Without Competing 43:12 - Creating a Rise-Together Provider Network

In this episode, Jimmy McKay sits down with podcasting legend Dave Jackson of School of Podcasting to answer a key question for healthcare providers and clinic owners: Is podcasting worth it if your show is small?Dave shares insights from nearly 20 years of podcasting experience, including:Why 50 downloads could outperform 5,000 YouTube viewsWhat makes a podcast “successful” beyond numbersThe case for audio-first content and short-form videoReal-world examples from niche creators (including chameleon breeders

Heidi Jannenga returns to PT Pintcast to break down the 10th annual State of Rehab Therapy Report. This year’s conversation covers the bright spots—like salary growth and the increased adoption of hybrid care—and the hard truths about burnout, job-hopping, and the pressure on clinic margins. Heidi also shares how AI is already reshaping clinical workflows and why hybrid care will likely become the new standard.We also spotlight the work of the Rising Tide Foundation, which is helping bring more diverse students into the PT profession with scholarships, networking, and mentorship.What You’ll Learn:Key takeaways from the 2024 Rehab Therapy ReportThe current state of PT salaries and student debtWhy burnout and clinician turnover remain big issuesHow AI and hybrid care models are shaping the futureThe impact of the Rising Tide Foundation on the professionLinks & Resources:Rising Tide Foundation: rising-tide.comHeidi Jannenga: WebPTSubscribe to PT Pintcast:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube

In this value-packed episode, host Jimmy McKay sits down with Aaron LeBauer, a leading voice in the cash-based physical therapy world, to bust myths, challenge industry assumptions, and unpack what actually works when building a profitable PT business today. They cover the evolution of PT opportunities post-pandemic, how to position your services in a shifting economy, pricing strategies, the reality of insurance limitations, and why creating genuine value always trumps traditional pathways.Whether you’re a new grad or a seasoned PT, this episode will reshape the way you think about the future of physical therapy and entrepreneurship.

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