How We Built a PT Clinic That Puts Patients & Clinicians First (Growing PrehabPT)

In this episode of The Prehab Podcast, Dr. Michael Lau sits down with Dr. Adelle Smener to share the journey of building PrehabPT, their Los Angeles-based physical therapy clinic. They break down the challenges clinicians face, the flaws in traditional PT, and how PrehabPT is redefining patient care and clinician autonomy.

 

The conversation dives into:

1. The realities of burnout and lack of support in the PT profession

2. Why better options for both patients and clinicians are needed

3. How autonomy and support improve treatment outcomes

4. The unique challenges of running a PT clinic as a married couple

 

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

02:14 - The Origin of Prehab’s In-Person Clinic

06:27 - Navigating Early Career Challenges in PT

10:48 - The Overlooked Cause of Burnout in Healthcare

13:34 - Searching for the Right Fit in PT

15:09 - How We Built a PT Model That Works for Clinicians & Patients

18:16 - Physical Therapy is Not One-Size-Fits-All

19:25 - You Didn’t Fail PT—PT Might Have Failed You

20:28 - How We Personalize Care for Every Patient

25:57 - Working With Your Spouse: Challenges & Lessons

33:37 - The Role of PTs & Access to Care

36:29 - Where to Find Dr. Adelle Smener