In this episode of Waves, a podcast from APTA Michigan, host Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Kay Mastrocola, a pelvic health physical therapist and the creator of the popular Instagram and TikTok account 'DPTs with Anxiety.' Dr. Mastrocola shares her unique journey through DPT school, her experience with neurodivergence, and how she became a PT influencer by creating memes. They discuss the importance of mental health in higher education and healthcare, strategies for overcoming academic challenges, and the role of social media in building supportive communities. Dr. Mastrocola also offers advice for new graduates and emphasizes the human side of physical therapy.

Are you a PT or PTA in Michigan? You can get PDR credit towards license renewal just by listening to Waves episodes! Fill out the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant General Response Form and save for your records. It's that easy!

Host: Andy Wicks, PT, DPT

Edited by Andy Wicks and Jenn Hood, SPT

Music by Mark Joesting

00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast00:43 Meet Dr. Kay Cola01:26 The Birth of DPTs with Anxiety04:06 The Impact of Pelvic Health PT06:27 Addressing Mental Health in PT Education16:39 Navigating Academic Probation22:10 The Struggles of Medical School22:25 Support Systems and Adaptability24:40 Invisible Disabilities and Accommodations26:35 Making Memes and Content Creation28:51 The Impact of Social Media on PT33:59 The Importance of Emotional Support in PT39:27 Favorite Posts and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Andy sits down with Natalie Hoffman, a second-year physical therapy student at the University of Michigan Flint and the 2025 Solstice Scholarship winner. Natalie shares her inspiring journey of organizing a 3v3 soccer tournament to raise funds for local families affected by cancer, turning a $500 scholarship into $3,600 for two deserving families. She discusses the power of community, the importance of service in physical therapy, and how her upbringing shaped her passion for helping others.

Key Topics:• Natalie's background and introduction• The Solstice Scholarship: what it is and how it works• Organizing a charity soccer tournament: challenges, teamwork, and impact• The importance of community involvement in PT school and beyond• Natalie's academic journey: dual DPT/PhD program, research interests, and future goals• Dream job aspirations: working with veterans and military populations• Reflections on service, education, and making the most of opportunities in PT school• Advice for students: get involved, volunteer, and build connections

Notable Quotes:• “I took $500 and changed it into $3,600 with the help and support of family, friends, and everyone at Soccer Zone.”• “You only have one time in PT school that you can get all these opportunities lined up. So just take advantage of it.”

Connect with Us:• Learn more about the Solstice Scholarship and how PT students are making a difference in their communities.• For more inspiring stories and interviews, subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media. Our handle is @aptaMIwaves.Call to Action: If you’re a PT student or considering a career in physical therapy, look for ways to get involved in your community. Volunteer, connect, and make the most of your time in school!

Waves Podcast – "The Tortured PT Department"

Host: Andy Wicks
Guests: Dr. Katie Noble, Dr. Nancy Boyd, Dr. Julie Wiebe

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Waves, host Andy Wicks sits down with three outstanding physical therapists—Dr. Katie Noble, Dr. Nancy Boyd, and Dr. Julie Wiebe—to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in sports physical therapy. The conversation explores the underrepresentation of women in sports medicine, the importance of mentorship and "accelerators," and theevolving landscape of care for female athletes.

This episode of Waves features Jenna Muri-Rosenthal, aspeech-language pathologist and founder of Fit to Function Recovery, highlighting her innovative approach to combining rehabilitation with fitness training to help neurologic patients exceed their therapeutic goals. Host Andy Wicks and Jenna discuss the limitations of traditional rehab, the benefits of functional fitness, and the importance of fostering a sense of achievement in patients. They explore practical ways to integrate CrossFit principles into therapy to enhance recovery and build community support for individuals with disabilities.

00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast

00:24 Meet Jenna Muri-Rosenthal

01:47 The Journey to Fit to Function Recovery

02:31 Challenges in Traditional Rehab

03:18 CrossFit and Cognitive Rehabilitation

04:17 Functional Movement and Recovery

06:46 Empowering Patients Beyond 'Good Enough'

10:04 Measuring Progress in Rehab

16:55 Making Rehab Functional and Relatable

20:00 Normalizing Movement in the Gym

22:19 Overcoming Hesitation in Fitness

23:06 Creating Inclusive Fitness Environments

24:52 Adapting Sports and Fitness for Recovery

26:05 The Importance of Functional Fitness

27:23 Encouraging New Challenges and Learning

32:42 The Power of Words in Rehabilitation

35:26 Continuing Care and Preventative Management

38:01 Conclusion and Resources

Adaptive Training Academy

Fit to Function Recovery (Instagram)

In this episode of Waves, host Andy Wicks interviews Dr. Abby Gordon, a pediatric sports physical therapist based in Seattle. Dr. Gordon shares insights into her diverse career, including her experience working with professional athletes and as an adjunct faculty member. The discussion covers her clinical practice at Seattle Children's Hospital, her love for treating chronic pain patients, and her recent endeavors in academia and writing. They also delve into the topic of weight-inclusive care and its significance in physical therapy. Dr. Gordon's upcoming book, 'It Depends,' is also highlighted, discussing the various considerations and decisions one faces in life and career.

Abby is @agordon55 on most socials. Her email address is abby.gordon@seattlechildrens.org.

Michigan-based PTs and PTAs! You can get license-renewal credit just by listening to Waves episodes! Download the PT General Response Form from LARA and save for your records.

00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast

00:45 Meet Dr. Abby Gordon

01:33 Pediatric Sports Therapy Insights

03:18 Treating Chronic Pain in Pediatrics

04:22 Transition from Adult to Pediatric Therapy

05:42 Balancing Professional and Pediatric Therapy

06:21 The Importance of Therapeutic Alliance

10:34 Writing and Blogging Journey

17:17 Teaching Anatomy at Tufts

19:17 Innovative Teaching Methods in Anatomy

20:12 Challenges and Fun in Teaching Cardio Pulmonology

21:07 Balancing Clinical Practice and Academia

23:40 Weight Inclusive Care in Healthcare

27:20 Addressing Ableism and Inclusivity in Physical Therapy

33:05 WNBA and Personal Interests

34:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

Exploring Varied Career Paths in Physical Therapy with Dr. Tiffany WolfIn this episode of Waves, host Andy Wicks is joined by Dr. Tiffany Wolf, a versatile physical therapist from Denver, Colorado. Dr. Wolf shares her diverse career experiences, including working in correctional facilities, handling challenging cases, and treating a variety of patient populations such as chronic pain and oncology patients. She provides insights on the importance of patient advocacy, the role of a generalist versus a specialist in physical therapy, and offers advice for new graduates and students preparing for clinical rotations. The conversation delves into the nuances of building rapport with patients, adapting to limited resources, and the significance of hands-on experience in the field.00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast00:46 Meet Dr. Tiffany Wolf01:39 Working in Correctional Facilities02:35 Challenges and Adaptations in Prison Therapy04:11 Building Patient Rapport in Unique Settings08:38 Navigating the Correctional System During COVID10:36 Home Exercise Programs and Patient Compliance11:51 Treating the 'Failed' Patient12:43 Specializing in Chronic Pain and Lymphedema16:48 Diverse Experiences in Physical Therapy17:34 The Role of Generalists in Physical Therapy18:29 Challenges and Rewards of Rural Physical Therapy21:19 Diverse Experiences in Physical Therapy22:28 Preparing Students for Clinical Rotations28:09 Empowering Patients to Advocate for Themselves30:53 Advice for New Graduates in Physical Therapy32:02 Conclusion and Contact Information

Are you a PT or PTA in Michigan? Download the PT or PTA General Response Form from LARA to document your efforts and keep it for your records. It’s that easy!

In this episode of Waves, a podcast from APTA Michigan, host Andy Wicks is joined by Dr. Sarah Cruser to delve into the evolving role of primary care and health promotion within the physical therapy (PT) profession. Dr. Cruser shares her diverse practice background, from outpatient orthopedic care to working with older adults and acute care. They discuss the fundamental impact of factors like exercise, diet, sleep, social connections, and stress management on overall health and how PTs can incorporate these elements into their practice, regardless of the setting. The conversation also explores the challenges PTs face in addressing these factors, such as scope of practice and billing concerns, and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. Additionally, Dr. Cruser offers insights on the potential future of PT, envisioning a model where PTs function more as consulting and diagnostic clinicians with a strong focus on health promotion.00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast00:33 Meet Dr. Sarah Cruiser01:32 Health Promotion in Physical Therapy03:36 Barriers and Misconceptions05:24 Trauma-Informed Care09:43 Billing and Scope of Practice11:04 The Role of Nutrition14:53 Primary Care Approach in Physical Therapy18:40 Consulting and Diagnostic Clinicians25:53 Personal Anecdotes and Patient Care28:56 The Art of Patient Interaction29:40 Exploring Health and Wellness Residencies30:34 Challenges in Primary Care and Health Promotion33:35 The Importance of Diet and Lifestyle36:17 Empathy and Understanding in Patient Care42:57 Encouraging Creativity in Clinical Education50:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Earn PDR credits for listening to Waves episodes! Fill out this form and save it for your records.

In this episode of Waves, Andy interviews Dr. Ryan Wood,co-owner ofForefront Therapy and co-founder of Forefront Community Therapy in Evansville, Indiana. Dr. Wood shares his journey from his academic background to starting his own clinic and nonprofit organization focused on bringingaccessible, quality care to his community. They discuss the challenges and strategies behind running both for-profit and nonprofit clinics, the importance of evidence-based practice and education, and the role of professional involvement in advocacy and policy change. This episode provides insightfulperspectives on maintaining sustainability and impact in the healthcare sector.

00:00 Introduction to Waves Podcast

00:23 Meet Dr. Ryan Wood

01:20 Founding Forefront Therapy

01:50 Core Pillars of Forefront Therapy

03:01 Challenges and Inspirations

03:42 Establishing Forefront Community Therapy

05:22 Navigating Financial and Operational Hurdles

07:21 Balancing Profit and Nonprofit Models

12:02 Grant Writing and Community Support

23:27 Educational Initiatives and Mentorship

27:06 Deliberate Growth and Team Building

29:43 The Sacrifices of Starting a Practice

30:01 Advice for New Graduates

30:14 The Importance of Mentorship

30:42 Nonprofit Challenges and Blessings

31:25 Balancing Family and Business

31:42 The Reality of Financial Risk

37:18 Direct Access and Lobbying Efforts

40:11 Burnout and Avoidance Strategies

42:27 Innovative Nonprofit Models

53:16 The Importance of Political Action Committees

55:29 Conclusion and Contact Information

Forefront Therapy:www.forefronttherapy.org

PTs and PTAs in Michigan! Get PDR credit for license renewalby listening to Waves episodes! Fill out theLARA General Response Form and keep it for your records!