Dave Leyland: The Case for Manual Therapy in Sports PT

In this episode, we’re joined by Dave Leyland, founder of Coast Performance Rehab and creator of Loaded Manual Therapy, for a powerful conversation that cuts through the noise surrounding manual therapy in the rehab world. From evidence-based skepticism to hands-on practicality, Dave shares how he bridges the gap with a hybrid approach rooted in experience, results, and human connection.

We dive deep into what manual therapy really means today, especially for sports physical therapists and why throwing it out entirely might be a disservice to patients and clinicians alike. Dave discusses the value of combining soft tissue work, joint mobilizations, and dry needling with thoughtful loading strategies. He also opens up about burnout, the emotional weight of being a clinician, and how different international models impact physical therapy career sustainability.

This episode is a must-listen for both new grads and seasoned PTs. You’ll gain practical takeaways about when to use manual therapy, how to integrate it with exercise, how to foster stronger therapeutic alliances, and what "skilled touch" really means. Whether you’re navigating conflicting messages on Instagram or developing your own clinical style, Dave offers a refreshing, grounded approach that empowers therapists to treat with both art and science.

If you’ve ever questioned the role of your hands in a sports PT setting, this conversation will recalibrate your thinking. Learn why manual therapy still has a seat at the table and how to use it effectively without creating dependency. Tune in now!

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