The PT Assistants

Every PTA has felt it — the PT who treats you like an aide instead of a licensed clinician. This week, Ken and Laura name what the field doesn't say out loud: your supervising PT is your coworker, not your boss. They break down what clinical supervision actually means, why it constantly gets confused with workplace management, and how to spot the difference before you accept a position where that...

A "good vs. best therapist" reel got under Laura's skin — and honestly, same. In this episode, Kenny and Laura unpack why social media content keeps making clinicians feel like they're not doing enough, even when they're doing everything right. They talk comparison culture, misinformation, the pressure of being a creator, and how to actually use social media in a way that builds your career instea...

Her fourth Achilles surgery was supposed to be the last one. Recovery was supposed to take six weeks. It took eight months — and that was only part of it. While she was trying to get back on her feet, something happened. Something that got put on hold, then pushed back again, then went sideways in December. Something she's talking about publicly for the first time. She came back to work differentl...

Starting an LLC as a PTA, treating blind patients in home health, and what a startup shutdown looks like from the inside — Kenny covers two years of non-traditional career moves in one episode. Kenny left his first outpatient clinic for a startup, moved into an unexpected clinical director role when one of the owners left, and then watched the whole thing shut down in 30 days — on his birthday. Fr...

We're back — and we have a LOT to catch up on. After an unplanned two-year hiatus, Laura and Ken are returning to explain everything that happened: a new baby, a fourth surgery with complications, startup closures, an LLC, home health, per diem life, IVF, lymphedema, and a walking cast just last week. This episode is a raw, honest recap of the last two years and a look at what's coming next. New e...

Embark on a journey of career enlightenment with "Career Insights Unveiled," where seasoned professionals share the 10 invaluable lessons they wish someone had revealed to them at the start of their careers. Whether you're a recent graduate navigating the professional landscape or a seasoned veteran seeking new perspectives, this podcast offers candid conversations that resonate with professionals...

Join us in this episode as we celebrate a happy Friday and share exciting news about a potential new arrival! The hosts delve into personal experiences and discuss the significance of research in the field of physical therapy, shedding light on the limited exposure PTAs receive during their education. They explore the benefits of incorporating research into clinical practice, share insights on pat...

In this episode, Ken and Laura explore the world of conferences, particularly focusing on the upcoming Combined Section Meeting (CSM) by APTA. They discuss the challenges of attending conferences, such as costs, travel, and time constraints. We expresses our desire to attend events like Therapy Con and shares insights into the financial considerations, including early registration discounts. As we...

In this episode, we discuss the concept of "nine at 90," (by Will Harlow) exploring key fundamental movements essential for maintaining mobility and independence from one's fifties to nineties. We delve into each movement, debating their significance and sharing insights from our experiences as PTAs. We also express their surprise at the absence of a particular type of fundamental movement and pon...

Join us in our year-end special as we reflect on the highs, lows, and growth of the past year. From navigating unexpected challenges to celebrating victories, Laura and Ken take share their personal and professional journeys. Tune in for a relaxed conversation style episode where they discuss the evolution of their podcast, lessons learned in the world of physical therapy, and their aspirations fo...

In this episode, we unravel the stories behind tailored therapies like Shockwave and Botox in physical rehabilitation. Learn why these cutting-edge treatments may not be universally applicable and how patient education plays a pivotal role in managing expectations.   Thank you so much for tuning in! Don't forget to check out our socials !

In this episode, we dive into a controversial topic sparked by an email from the APTA regarding the misuse of the DPT acronym by a wellness company. We discuss the potential implications of such misuse on consumer confusion and share their thoughts on the matter. We also reflect on our experiences at work, sharing moments of self-doubt and the gratifying feeling of making a positive impact on pati...

In this episode, we unravel the intricacies of patient inquiries, exploring the challenges of surgical decision-making, the delicate considerations around post-surgery slings, and the approach to returning to the gym after injury. Join us as we share personal experiences, emphasize patient education, and provide practical insights into navigating these common yet complex aspects of the rehabilitat...

In this episode, join us for a candid conversation about the intricate dynamics of communication within the physical therapy field. From courtesy moments to documentation dilemmas, we share personal experiences and reflections on the challenges faced in navigating the fast-paced world of outpatient care. Explore the frustrations and nuances of teamwork, scheduling, and documentation, all while pon...

In this episode, we delve into the topic of compassion fatigue in the field of physical therapy. Sharing personal experiences and insights, we discuss the emotional toll of constant exposure to patients' struggles and the importance of recognizing and managing compassion fatigue. The episode explores techniques for self-care, highlights a practical approach with acronyms, and concludes with a PTA...

In this episode, Laura and Ken dive into the challenges of balancing work and personal life during the holiday season. From scheduling patient appointments to dealing with the unpredictability of holiday plans, they share their experiences and offer insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We discuss the impact of holidays on patient attendance and share strategies for making therapy s...

Join us on this episode as we dive deep into the intricate web of healthcare billing and the APTA's insights on the fee schedule. From deciphering the nitty-gritty details of the article to discussing proposed changes in fee structures, we unpack the implications for providers and patient care. It's a comprehensive look at how billing intricacies affect accessibility, supervision rules, and potent...

In this episode, we dive into the chaotic yet often hilarious world of working in healthcare. It's a fresh topic we couldn't wait to share because it happened to us today, literally. We'll recount the rollercoaster day when everything that could go wrong did, and what we did to navigate the storm. From internet outages to patients in a hurry, we'll explore the ups and downs of life in the clinic....

"Welcome to 'The PT Assistants' podcast, where we're dedicated to supporting PTAs on their journey in the world of physical therapy. In this episode, we're diving into Laura's return back to work and a timely and important topic that directly impacts the PTA community: Aetna's recent payment changes. Laura just returned from a two and a half week vacation and has a difficult time adjusting her ret...

The time is ticking for Ken to start a new journey. Now comes the balance between work, podcasting, and parenthood. Pat shares some of his journey and advice for Ken as this new chapter begins. There is so much knowledge to absorb as one gets ready to become a parent, how much of that sticks? Who knows because every child is different. However, Ken will take in everything he can so that he's prepa...

Typically PTAs aren't really looked at during an emergency situation. Outpatient we typically have our supervising PT and in a hospital, it's every one but the therapy team. However, when working in home health, you're the only healthcare provider available at times. Jen has a story for us today that had her be the first responder. Jen walks us through her situation and how she handled it. This is...

Join us as Joe and Ken chat about work life balance. Today we have a conversation on what we due in order to avoid things life burnout and compassion fatigue. Working as a PTA and in the healthcare field comes with its fair share of stress, so we discuss what we do in order to avoid that. If anyone else has some tips on what they do or would just like to let us know their hobbies, feel free to lea...

Sometimes things aren't as straight forward as they seem. We must take it upon ourselves to do the research and see what is relevant to what is presented in front of us. Joe has over 10 years of experience being a PTA and is here to share his experience in gaining critical thinking skills as well as how he has applied them. Everyone will have a different approach, but as we know, critical thinking...

Welcome to another episode! Today we ponder on the thought of whether or not AI can replace PTAs. We asked AI to guide us through a short story of a treatment conducted by an AI and how it would look. Now we discuss on whether or not this is actually possible? If it is, then who it's for and whether or not it's practical for all patients!   Thank you as always for listening and don't forget to che...

Time for the pt 2! Check out part one if you're interesting in learning how Laura and Ken came into the field but now we are talking about PT month. How well is the PTA community being represented and is our presence felt? Some gripes here and there with some positives. Let's jump in!   Thank you as always for listening and don't forget to check out our socials!