Preventive Physical Therapy: Why You Don’t Need to Be Injured to See a PT
When most people think of physical therapy, they picture someone recovering from an injury, surgery, or chronic pain. But a major shift is happening in the world of health and movement: physical therapy is no longer just for rehab — it’s one of the most powerful tools for prevention. Just like you visit your dentist…
The Definitive 2025 Outpatient Physical Therapist Salary Report
Based Exclusively on ZipRecruiter’s Real-Time U.S. Job Postings (November 2025) If you want the most accurate, least-inflated picture of what outpatient physical therapists are actually being offered right now — not what people remember from last year, not what Glassdoor users anonymously claim, and not what corporate recruiters want you to believe — there is…
Reset Your Posture: Why Adult “Tummy Time” Is a Physical Therapist’s Secret Weapon
In today’s digital world, we spend huge chunks of our day hunched over screens — phones, laptops, tablets. That posture puts a lot of stress on our necks, shoulders, and upper backs. Physical therapists are increasingly calling attention to a surprising but simple practice to counteract this: adult tummy time. What Is Adult Tummy Time?…
How Physical Therapy Helps You Recover From Lower Back Pain—Even If You’ve Tried Everything
Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions people face today—affecting up to 80% of adults at some point in their lives. Whether your pain is a dull ache, sharp “pinch,” or persistent tightness that won’t go away, it can disrupt work, sleep, and everyday activities. And if you’ve already tried pain medications,…
Best Massage Guns for Shoulder Pain (PT-Reviewed, 2025)
A physical therapist’s guide to choosing the right device for muscle knots, shoulder tension, rotator cuff soreness, and upper-back stiffness. Shoulder pain is one of the most common issues I treat as a physical therapist. Whether it’s from poor posture, heavy lifting at the gym, or sitting at a desk too long, the shoulder and…
Keyboard & Mouse Ergonomics: A Physical Therapist’s Guide to Preventing Wrist, Neck & Shoulder Pain
Keyboard and mouse use might seem physically effortless, but from a physical therapy standpoint, these small repetitive movements can place over 2,000–3,000 cycles of stress on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder per hour. Over weeks, months, and years, this contributes to tendinopathies, nerve irritation, postural dysfunction, and upper body pain. As a physical therapist, I…
Best Lumbar Support Cushions for Office Chairs (Physical Therapist-Reviewed, 2025)
A detailed, expert-backed guide to reducing back pain at your desk Sitting all day compresses your spine, weakens the deep stabilizing muscles, and creates excess strain on the low back. For many office workers, a good lumbar support cushion is one of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective pain-reduction tools. As a physical therapist, I’ve…
1. OCS Practice question: Ankle
A 32-year-old female recreational runner presents to physical therapy with a 3-month history of lateral ankle pain following an inversion sprain. She reports persistent swelling, instability during single-leg balance, and difficulty with cutting maneuvers. On examination, there is a positive anterior drawer test with 8 mm of translation compared to 3 mm on the contralateral…
Recovery After Achilles Repair: A Timeline-Based Guide for Patients & Physical Therapists
An Achilles tendon repair is a surgical procedure to mend a ruptured or torn Achilles tendon, the critical tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. Recovery requires a structured, patient-specific approach to restore strength, mobility, and function while minimizing complications. This timeline-based guide outlines key milestones, exercises, and considerations for patients and physical…
Recovery After Meniscus Repair or Meniscectomy: A Timeline-Based Guide for Patients & Physical Therapists
Meniscus injuries are among the most common knee issues, often requiring surgical intervention like a meniscus repair or meniscectomy. Understanding the recovery process is crucial for patients and physical therapists to ensure optimal outcomes. This guide provides a detailed, timeline-based overview of recovery, including key milestones, exercises, and considerations for both procedures. Understanding Meniscus Surgery…
Recovery After ACL Reconstruction: A Timeline-Based Guide for Patients & Physical Therapists
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common surgical procedure for individuals who have suffered an ACL tear, often due to sports injuries or sudden twisting movements. Recovery is a structured process that requires patience, adherence to rehabilitation protocols, and collaboration between patients and physical therapists. This blog provides a detailed, timeline-based guide to help…
Recovery After Total Hip Replacement: A Timeline-Based Guide for Patients & Physical Therapists
Introduction Total Hip Replacement (THR), also called Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), is a highly successful surgical procedure used to replace a damaged or diseased hip joint with a prosthetic implant. It is considered one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries, with excellent long-term outcomes in pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life [1][2].…
Recovery After Total Knee Replacement: A Timeline-Based Guide for Patients and PTs
Total Knee Replacement (TKR), also known as Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), is a transformative procedure for individuals suffering from chronic knee pain and mobility issues, often due to arthritis or injury. While the surgery itself is a major milestone, recovery is where the real journey begins. For both patients and physical therapists (PTs), understanding the…
Big Win for Physical Therapists: New Legislation Brings Pay Increases and Flexibility in 2025
If you’re a physical therapist, you might finally have something to celebrate in the world of reimbursement and regulation. In a rare bipartisan move, Congress has introduced and supported a series of bills designed to improve the financial outlook for physical therapists across the U.S. The headline? More pay, less paperwork, and greater professional freedom.…
The Ultimate Physical Therapy Assessment Template for the Lower Body
When it comes to treating lower body injuries or conditions, a thorough and structured assessment is the first step in creating an effective treatment plan. Whether you’re a physical therapist, sports medicine specialist, or a clinician working with individuals recovering from surgery or injury, having a reliable assessment template ensures you don’t miss any critical…
4 Essential Books Every Physical Therapist Should Read
Physical therapists are lifelong learners — and rightly so. With advances in biomechanics, neuroscience, and rehabilitation sciences, our field evolves rapidly. While courses and certifications are useful, some of the most profound professional growth comes from the right books — the kind that make you rethink how you assess, treat, and communicate with patients. Here’s…
Recovery After Supraspinatus Repair: A Timeline-Based Guide for Patients and PTs
Author: Mongseyla Touch, DPT Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common causes of shoulder pain, particularly in active adults and older populations. One of the most frequently torn tendons in the rotator cuff is the supraspinatus, which plays a major role in lifting the arm and stabilizing the shoulder. When conservative treatment fails, a…
Best AI Note-Writing Assistants for Physical Therapists in 2025
Efficient, accurate documentation is critical in physical therapy—but it can also be time-consuming. Fortunately, AI-powered tools are revolutionizing how physical therapists take notes, create SOAP reports, and manage patient records. Whether you’re in a busy outpatient clinic, a private practice, or just starting out, these AI assistants can dramatically lighten your administrative load. Below are…
Is Physical Therapy Still a Good Career Choice in 2025?
As the healthcare industry evolves, many prospective students and career-changers are asking: Is physical therapy still a good field to get into in 2025? The answer depends on your goals, interests, and expectations—but overall, the outlook remains strong. In this blog, we’ll break down the current state of the profession, its future potential, and especially…
Aquatic Therapy Reinvented: Underwater Treadmills & Neuro Rehab
Aquatic therapy has long been a cornerstone of rehabilitation for patients dealing with orthopedic injuries, chronic pain, and neurological disorders. But in 2025, we’re witnessing a renaissance in how water-based therapy is delivered—driven by cutting-edge technologies like underwater treadmills, advanced hydrotherapy pools, and real-time data tracking. This evolution is especially impactful in the field of…
ACL Surgery Recovery Timeline: Milestones for Clinicians & Patients
Author: Mongseyla Touch, DPTUpdated: July 2025 Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Every patient’s recovery may differ depending on the surgical procedure, graft type, comorbidities, and individual healing rates. Always follow your surgeon’s or physical therapist’s recommendations. Overview Recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery…
Ace Your Physical Therapy Job Interview: Common Questions, Best Answers & Insider Tips (2025 Edition)
Whether you’re applying for your first PT position or looking to transition into a new clinical setting, the job interview is where you bring your skills and personality to life. Unlike general job interviews, physical therapy employers are looking for a combination of clinical competence, interpersonal skills, and evidence-based decision making. This detailed guide covers:…
Legal Essentials for Starting a Cash-Based Physical Therapy Practice
Stay Compliant, Protect Your License, and Build Patient Trust Starting a cash-based physical therapy (PT) business is an exciting step toward independence, higher-quality care, and a more sustainable work-life balance. But even though you’re bypassing the insurance system, you’re still operating within a heavily regulated healthcare industry. Too often, therapists jump into private practice without…
How to Be Successful in a Cash-Based Physical Therapy Business
The traditional insurance-based physical therapy model is broken. Long waitlists, rushed appointments, limited reimbursement, and a constant battle for approvals have pushed many passionate therapists to explore a more sustainable—and fulfilling—path: cash-based physical therapy. But while going cash-based offers greater freedom, profitability, and patient satisfaction, it also comes with unique challenges. Succeeding in this model…
How Physical Therapy Helps with Weight Loss (Yes, Really!)
When most people think of weight loss, their minds immediately jump to diet plans, bootcamp workouts, or calorie-counting apps. Physical therapy? Not so much. But here’s the truth most people overlook: Physical therapy can play a powerful and transformative role in your weight loss journey—especially if pain, injuries, or chronic conditions are standing in your…
Physical Therapy vs. Chiropractic: A Data-Driven, Deep Dive into What Works Best
When you’re facing musculoskeletal pain—especially low back pain—it’s natural to wonder: Should I see a chiropractor for a quick adjustment, or a physical therapist for long-term recovery? Both can offer benefits, but the evidence shows PT often provides a more comprehensive path to lasting improvement. Let’s explore why. 1. Evidence from High-Quality Clinical Trials Landmark…
Understanding Back Pain: How Physical Therapy Can Help You Heal and Thrive
Back pain affects nearly 8 out of 10 adults at some point in their lives, ranging from a mild ache to debilitating discomfort. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, sitting too much, or dealing with a chronic condition like sciatica or degenerative disc disease, physical therapy (PT) can provide lasting relief without surgery or long-term…
Is That Pain Normal?” — A Physical Therapist’s Guide to Knowing When to Get Help
Most of us have said it: “It’s just a little sore. I’ll be fine.”But pain isn’t always something to ignore—and while some discomfort is completely normal after activity, other types of pain can signal injury or dysfunction that needs professional attention. As physical therapists, we often hear, “I wish I came in sooner.”So in this…
Debunking Myths About AI in Rehab: Separating Hype from Healing
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve in healthcare, its presence in physical therapy and rehabilitation is growing stronger each year. AI is being used to monitor patient movements, analyze recovery progress, and even assist in personalized exercise programming. Despite its many advantages, the use of AI in rehab is still surrounded by skepticism and…
The Future of Healing: Holistic & Integrative Care in Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT) is undergoing a transformation. While traditional PT focuses on injury rehabilitation, mobility, and pain reduction, a new wave of clinicians are embracing a broader, more impactful approach: holistic and integrative care. This model addresses not only the body, but also the mind, environment, emotions, habits, and even spiritual well-being—because all of these…