Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast

In this episode, we explore the growing integration of mental health into physical therapy with Moisés Magos, a physiotherapist and founder of the  Journal of Physiotherapy in Mental Health.  Drawing on over a decade of experience working with vulnerable populations—including individuals impacted by trauma, addiction, and displacement—Moisés shares the clinical and systemic gaps that led to the cr...

In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Sarah Conover, PT, MHS, CHC, a vestibular therapist with a background in treating conditions related to anxiety, dizziness, and pain. Sarah shared her journey, starting from her early career in the late 1980s, working in acute neuro care, to her current practice, which focuses on chronic vestibular issues. She highlighted the evolution of vestibular...

In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Dr. Sarah Case-Morris, assistant professor at the University of Michigan–Flint, to explore how mental health, pain science, and health and wellness promotion are being woven into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Case-Morris shares her inspiring journey from teaching assistant to shaping the next generation of PTs, and we dive into her res...

In this episode, Dr. Joe Tatta explores the emerging and expanding roles of physical therapists in mental health. The focus of this episode is to identify where PTs are needed, how to approach stakeholders, and how to position yourself as a credible and collaborative provider in integrative mental care settings. Dr. Tatta highlights multiple healthcare environments in need of PTs trained in mental...

In this episode, we delve into how physical therapists are uniquely positioned to treat trauma.   We highlight how trauma—whether physical, emotional, or social—can influence recovery and how physical therapists can play a pivotal role in helping patients feel safe, seen, and supported. Through real-world examples and clinical insights, we demonstrate how simple practices, such as consent before m...

In today's episode, we explore the concept of whole-person mental health delivered by a physical therapist. We explore what whole person health means, its various forms, and how it shapes physical therapist practice. My cohost, Jeremy Fletcher, PT, DPT, shares his experience with whole person care during his time as a physical therapist on active duty, highlighting the Performance Triad initiative...

In this episode, we dive deep into the intriguing intersection of physical therapy and mental health, exploring the often-blurred lines between the two fields. We kick off the discussion by reflecting on a common sentiment expressed by patients: that their physical therapy sessions feel akin to psychotherapy. This leads us to consider the role of physical therapists in addressing mental and behavi...

Welcome to the first episode of the Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Joe Tatta and Dr. Jeremy Fletcher trace the history and evolution of mental health physical therapy, from WWI reconstruction aides to today's integrative, mind-body approaches. We highlight milestones like psychosomatic medicine, psychologically informed care, and the formation of the IOPTMH. The epi...