Simply Robust

In this episode of Simply Robust , the Elevate PT team reflects on the pivotal moments that reshaped how they think as clinicians. From a misjudged shoulder that goes sour, to chronic pain that ended in behavior change and redemption, to suspected cardiac dysfunction—each story reveals the power of humility, curiosity, and measured observation in patient care. Join us as we for practical thoughts...

This week we share what’s new at Elevate PT—continuing ed courses, patient video resources, mentorship opportunities, and the launch of 99 Ruck Club. Plus, we reflect on lessons learned in SNFs, mobile PT, and outpatient care. Tune in for fresh ideas, practical takeaways, and our commitment to equipping both clinicians and patients with practical tools.

In this episode of Simply Robust , the Elevate PT teamdives into a recent paper from the Austrailian Journal of Physiotherapy (PMID: 40579311) that explores how diagnostic labels influence patient beliefs, emotions, and treatment decisions. Does calling it “non-specific low back pain” help or hurt? Do patients feel better with a label—even if it’s scary? We try to dispell the tension between clari...

In this thought-provoking episode of Simply Robust , the Elevate PT crew tackles a heavy but necessary question: Are physical therapists accidentally creating more fear than function? From textbook dogma and underwhelming education to clinical confirmation bias and fear-driven treatment plans, the team dives deep into how PTs—often with good intentions—can contribute to patient fear, underperforma...

Welcome back to Simply Robust ! In this episode, the crew dives into the mailbag to answer your questions— thanks for all the ammo! Whether you're a student, fresh-faced DPT, a seasoned clinician hitting a plateau, or someone considering a pivot, this conversation unpacks the unspoken pressures of early practice. From advice on mentorship, patient volume, and clinical variance, to honest refle...

In this episode of Simply Robust , we take a tongue-in-cheek look at three common therapist archetypes we have workshopped that might raise an eyebrow: the Alphabet Soup Therapist (overflowing with certifications but maybe missing the big picture), the Nocebic Therapist (who intentionally or unintentionally makes you feel more broken than you are), and the Lazy Therapist (who is never around, reli...

Welcome back to Season 2 of Simply Robust! We kick off this season reflecting on a whirlwind of student clinical rotations and the wild, wonderful chaos of mentoring the next generation of physical therapists. In this unfiltered conversation, the Elevate PT crew dives into the biggest takeaways from working with students during their first clinical rotation. We unpack why “being human” is more imp...

It’s the Season 1 finale of Simply Robust, and we’re getting real about something we all experience but rarely talk about—changing our minds. Over the past season, we’ve explored movement, rehab, and philosophy of treatment, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that growth comes from questioning what we once thought was true. In this episode, we dive into the biggest shifts in our thinking...

Is there really a right way to move, or have we all just been making it up as we go? In this episode of Simply Robust , we explore movement emergence, abundance, and dynamical systems (DST). We break down why bench science is important (but won’t magically make you a movement wizard), how patients will absolutely surprise you if you just let them do their thing, and why the more you learn about mo...

In this episode of Simply Robust , we’re throwing yet another wrench into patient care. That’s right—we’re talking expectancy violation , or in simpler terms: how breaking people’s expectations can actually help them (and occasionally make them question their entire existence). We’ll break down why violating a belief is way more powerful than confirming it, how Bayesian statistics somehow applies...

In this episode of Simply Robust, we plunge into part two of a compelling case study featuring a former athlete's battle with persistent hip pain. We unpack the complexities of patient perception, treatment expectations, and the philosophical challenges of physical therapy. How do clinicians navigate shifting patient goals? When do we push, and when do we step back? And what happens when belie...

Hip pain, multiple opinions, and a patient stuck in the cycle—sound familiar? In this two part episode, we take on a tricky case that’s had its fair share of interventions but still doesn’t add up. What’s really going on, and where do we even start? Tune in as we dig through the details and figure out the next move. Visit us at: https://www.elevateptnw.com/ Follow us in IG : https://www.instagram....

In this episode, we dive into a new viewpoint paper dishing out advice for new grad physical therapists—courtesy of some big-name PTs. Is it solid wisdom? Sure. Could it have gone further? Absolutely. So, being the helpful (and opinionated) folks we are, we break it down, highlight the key takeaways, and, of course, sprinkle in our own unsolicited but totally necessary advice. If you're a new grad...

In this episode of Simply Robust, Li-Zandre and Tyler talk about their experience at the annual APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Houston. They both delivered a platform presentation and offer their takeaways from the 2025 conference. We discuss recommendations, frustrations and the importance of the direction of PT as a profession. References in this Episode: DOI:  ⁠10.3390/ijerph17020454⁠ Follow...

In this episode we use the old adage "it only matters when it matters" to dicuss a recent paper about chronic tendinopathy. We discuss some case examples and talk about when certain interventions may be more important than others for general (tendon) health. Enjoy! Be sure to rate and follow SIMPLY ROBUST! Comment on shows and leave episode suggestions that you would like to hear us chat...

In this episode we confront the provocative topic of medical bias and how it doesn't have to be a "bad word". We discuss how bias is a tool and when wielded well (and flexibly) can be an asset to clinicians. We call it flexible profiling. We also talk about it's pitfalls, but we think most everyone has heard enough of that in their training and everywhere you go... Be sure to fol...

We are starting this season off by going back to where all clinicians start...applying and gaining admission to school! This topic is not discussed enough and we hope to illuminate the expectations and standards of a DPT program before you apply and once you are in. Enjoy!

Welcome to Simply Robust, the podcast built for developing resilient physical therapists! In this short podcast we introduce ourselves and what we intend to bring our audience through our future podcast episodes. This podcast is great for students and clinicians, we will discuss a wide range of topics, present cases and review literature. Like, subscribe and follow us along in this journey of brin...