Dr. Derek Miles of Barbell Medicine: Real World PT - Where Strength Meets Rehab

In this episode of the True Sports Physical Therapy Podcast, Dr. Yoni Rosenblatt sits down with Dr. Derek Miles, founder of Miles Rehab and Performance and PT/coach for Barbell Medicine. This wide-ranging conversation dives into the evolving role of the physical therapist, how to bridge the gap between rehab and performance, and why simplifying your approach might just be the smartest move you can make as a clinician or coach.

Dr. Miles reflects on his journey from residency at the University of Florida to Stanford Children’s Hospital, and eventually to founding his own cash-based clinic inside of RTS Barbell in Cincinnati. He shares how his research background shaped his evidence-based approach and explains how PTs can better assess, load, and progress patients by focusing less on textbook perfection and more on real-world outcomes. His take on "pleasantly frustrating" rehab experiences and redefining core training will challenge how you cue, progress, and communicate with your patients.

This episode is packed with sharp insight on how to skip unnecessary steps, meet patients where they are, and build meaningful rehab experiences that promote both confidence and resilience. From programming for low back pain to dissecting return-to-play protocols for field and combat athletes, Dr. Miles emphasizes systems over symptoms and adaptability over dogma.

Whether you're a new grad, seasoned therapist, strength coach, or just someone interested in performance rehab, this episode offers a masterclass in nuance. If you’ve ever been frustrated with outdated PT norms or felt boxed in by protocol-driven rehab, this conversation is your antidote.

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