True Sports Physical Therapy Podcast

In this high-impact episode of the True Sports Physical Therapy Podcast, Dr. Yoni Rosenblatt sits down with Dr. Zach Long, better known as The Barbell Physio, to unpack everything from CrossFit rehab to building one of the most innovative PT models in the U.S. Zach is not only a founder of Onward Physical Therapy with over 40 clinics nationwide, but he’s also a top-tier educator with the Institute of Clinical Excellence (ICE), where he helps redefine what it means to be a fitness-forward PT. They dig deep into real-world physical therapy: how to move away from generic mobility programming and toward sport-specific, meaningful interventions. Zach shares his diagnostic and treatment strategies for the ankle, hip, thoracic spine, and shoulder, using practical examples from overhead squats and Olympic lifting. From hands-off coaching techniques to when and how to use manual therapy, you’ll walk away with pearls that apply to any athlete, PT, or coach. Zach also opens up about his business journey. Balancing a growing online brand, teaching courses, managing clinics, and staying connected to the clinical side of patient care. The two dive into what it takes to grow a PT brand, hire the right team, and build long-term relationships in a community-driven model. If you’re a PT frustrated by the traditional insurance system or burned out by cookie-cutter approaches, this episode is for you. Whether you’re a clinician, athlete, or fitness professional, Zach’s insight into mobility, assessment, and building a purpose-driven PT career will change the way you think about movement. Prepare to take notes, this is one of those episodes you’ll want to revisit. #PhysicalTherapy #SportsRehab #BarbellPhysio #CrossFitPT #MobilityMatters #OnwardPT #StrengthAndConditioning #AthleteRehab #PTPodcast #TrueSportsPT

In this episode of the True Sports Physical Therapy Podcast, Dr. Yoni Rosenblatt sits down with renowned strength coach Tony Gentilcore to break down one of the most essential, and misunderstood lifts in the gym: the deadlift. From his early days of discovering the lift post-college to his evolution as a coach at Cressey Sports Performance and now founder of Core Collective, Tony offers a goldmine of insight into how to teach, modify, and scale the deadlift for everyone from elite athletes to reluctant gen pop clients. Tony walks us through his progression strategy, starting with kettlebells and eventually building toward trap bars and straight bar deadlifts, if they even get there. He dives into assessment strategies like the hip scour, ankle dorsiflexion checks, and thoracic spine mobility screens to determine what each client is ready for. But beyond the biomechanical nitty-gritty, Tony hammers home what separates great coaches from average ones: the ability to meet the client where they are, read the room, and stop over-coaching. The episode also tackles the mistakes physical therapists and strength coaches often make when integrating the deadlift into rehab or performance programs. Tony argues for the value of loading early, even imperfectly, and discusses why certain coaching cues (like “squeeze the orange in your armpits”) are more effective than overloading the athlete with anatomy jargon. He even gives us his favorite underrated accessory exercises, his thoughts on spinal flexion under load, and how to coach "just enough" to allow natural movement correction. Finally, Tony gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Core Collective, his innovative Boston-based gym that combines strength training with physical therapy, mental health, and other holistic services. He shares what went into designing a facility that blends coaching with comprehensive care, and offers a preview of his upcoming fall seminar. This episode is a must-listen for PTs, coaches, and anyone serious about helping others train smarter, not harder. Join Tony’s upcoming Core Collective 2025 Fall Seminar: Building the Complete Client. Get Tony’s Beginner to Badass program. #TonyGentilcore #DeadliftTips #StrengthTraining #PhysicalTherapy #TrueSportsPT #DeadliftForm #CoachingCues #RehabToPerformance #TrapBarDeadlift #StrengthCoach #PTPodcast #CoreCollective #FunctionalFitness #AthleteDevelopment

In this special rewind episode of the True Sports Physical Therapy Podcast, Dr. Yoni Rosenblatt sits down with one of the most unique and influential voices in the cash-based PT world, Dr. Meghan Sak-Ocbina, also known as Dr Megsi. As one of the most downloaded episodes to date, this conversation dives deep into the mindset, skill set, and systems required to build a modern, high-impact physical therapy practice, without the limitations of insurance. Dr Sak-Ocbina brings a powerful blend of clinical experience, coaching background, and business savvy to her hybrid in-person and virtual practice. She shares how she transitioned from a competitive bodybuilding coach into a strength-based rehab expert, building a sustainable model that allows her to train athletes, treat patients, and scale her impact through virtual coaching and group programming. Her story is a blueprint for any clinician ready to escape the burnout of high-volume clinics and deliver high-quality care on their own terms. Yoni and Meghan unpack key elements of success in the cash PT model, pricing with confidence, creating systems that scale, and carving out a niche that truly serves underserved populations, including postpartum women and high-level recreational athletes. She also dives into marketing strategies that actually work: building community through content, offering value on socials, and learning how to sell authentically without selling out. Whether you’re a physical therapist, strength coach, or fitness professional looking to level up your impact, this conversation will leave you fired up and armed with actionable insight. From her approach to movement cueing and programming to her business-building mindset, Dr Sak-Ocbina’s story is proof that passion, communication, and education can reshape how care is delivered in the rehab world. #DrMegsi #CashBasedPT #PhysicalTherapyBusiness #TrueSportsPT #StrengthCoach #PostpartumFitness #SportsRehab #OnlineCoaching #FunctionalTraining #PTEntrepreneur #HybridPT #MovementMatters #WomenInPT #InjuryPrevention #TurkishGetUp #PelvicHealth #StrengthRehab #AthleteCare #PhysicalTherapyPodcast #TrueSportsPodcast

In this advanced-level clinical roundtable, Dr. Yoni Rosenblatt sits down with Dr. Rachel Knobel and Dr. Austin Colish to share an inside look at the upcoming True Sports in-person Achilles Rehab Course. More than just a CEU opportunity, this course is designed to address one of the most underserved areas in sports rehab: how to systematically and confidently return athletes from Achilles injury back to high performance. The trio walks through the biggest issues they see in Achilles rehab, like under-dosed tendon loading, over-reliance on passive markers, and a lack of progressive exposure to game-like movement. They outline how this course fills those gaps with a curriculum built on evidence, clinical reps, and performance context. You'll learn how the day is structured with morning theory and afternoon breakout labs featuring sprint drills, hopping mechanics, and progressive overload strategies. Dr. Colish highlights the necessity of going beyond textbook rehab to coach speed, rhythm, and psychological readiness. Dr. Knobel shares the mental and physical benchmarks she looks for before returning to play. And Yoni emphasises the importance of clinician confidence rooted in education and repetition. Together, they offer a clear and cohesive vision for better tendon rehab, with takeaways that clinicians can apply immediately. If you’re a PT who wants to level up your Achilles rehab programming, confidently dose load and speed, or understand what makes an athlete actually ready for sport. This episode is your preview of a course built to meet that demand. You’ll walk away with a new standard for return-to-play, and an invitation to join the clinicians shaping the future of sports PT. #AchillesRehab #TrueSportsPT #AustinColish #RachelKnobel #YoniRosenblatt #ReturnToSport #SprintMechanics #PhysicalTherapy #SportsRehab #PTMentorship #TendonHealing #InPersonPT #AthleteRecovery #RehabCourse #PerformancePT #PTPodcast #ClinicalEducation #HighPerformanceRehab

Welcome to a special throwback edition of the True Sports Physical Therapy Podcast, where we revisit one of our most popular and impactful conversations. This timeless episode features Dr. “Q” Willey as we dive into the complexities of predicting and rehabilitating hamstring strains - one of the most common injuries in sports. In this encore presentation, Dr. “Q” shares his expertise on risk factors, early detection methods, and evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for hamstring strains. You’ll hear strategies and techniques that remain just as relevant today, along with practical approaches to prevent these injuries and ensure effective recovery when they occur. Whether you’re a sports physical therapist, athlete, or coach, this throwback episode offers valuable insights to keep athletes performing at their best. Tune in to the True Sports Physical Therapy Podcast and enjoy this classic conversation with Dr. “Q” Willey, packed with knowledge that stands the test of time. #SportsTherapy #SportsRehab #StrengthTraining #PhysicalTherapy #TrueSportsPT #TSPTPodcast #Rehab

Navigating the financial world as a new or experienced physical therapist can be overwhelming, especially when juggling student debt, modest starting salaries, and the desire to invest in your future. In this episode, Dr. Yoni Rosenblatt sits down with Elliot Pepper, a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner, to dissect the money questions that PTs and other healthcare professionals desperately need answers to. From day-one financial moves after grad school to building a balanced strategy for wealth, Elliot makes personal finance practical, approachable, and even a little bit fun.   We cover essential concepts like building emergency funds, understanding employer-sponsored retirement plans (401(k), SIMPLE IRA, Roth), and the best way to approach student loan repayment. With analogies that tie financial health to patient rehab journeys, Elliot explains how to start small, build smart habits, and prepare for the long game. He also breaks down the psychological component of financial planning - helping you understand not just what to do, but why it matters for your personal goals.   The conversation dives into some of the most pressing questions facing young professionals: Should you rent or buy? When should you get a financial advisor? How do you pick the right one? And what the heck is a “high-yield savings account”? Elliot even shares his honest take on cars, credit cards, and the single most important factor for building wealth: time. His advice is straight-talking, transparent, and geared toward helping you avoid the traps so many fall into.   If you’re a physical therapist, healthcare provider, or anyone in the early stages of your professional career, this episode is packed with insights to change your financial future. Learn how to find financial stability, freedom, and confidence, and hear how Elliot’s own humble car choice (hint: it’s 2007 and has seen better days) reflects his grounded and intelligent approach to money. Tune in and take control of your financial game plan!   #FinancialPlanning #PhysicalTherapistLife #StudentLoans #PTFinance #MoneyTips #401k  #HighYieldSavings #PTPodcast #ElliotPepper #TrueSportsPT #RothIRA #SmartMoneyMoves #HealthcareFinance #YoungProfessionals #BudgetingTips

Unlocking speed performance starts here. In this in-depth episode of the True Sports Physical Therapy Podcast, Dr. Yoni Rosenblatt sits down with Colby Wartman, founder of Origin Performance and speed specialist, to unpack the science and strategy behind sprint mechanics. With a unique background that fuses physical therapy, strength training, and business acumen, Colby delivers a masterclass on how to assess, train, and improve athletic speed. Whether you're a physical therapist, coach, or athlete, this conversation is packed with takeaways that will transform how you think about sprinting and movement. Colby dives into the exact assessments he uses to evaluate sprinting form, from overhead squats and hip flexion angles to ground contact mechanics,and how he leverages tools like video analysis and markerless motion tracking to make changes visible and measurable. You'll learn how he addresses common deficiencies like poor ankle dorsiflexion, weak arches, and tight hamstrings, as well as the corrective drills and homework he prescribes for lasting change. His process is repeatable, objective, and athlete-centered. The conversation doesn't stop at biomechanics. Colby also breaks down how to differentiate and train acceleration versus max velocity, and how sport-specific chaos, like a football game, demands a different kind of speed readiness. With insights from his work in the Speed Lab system and years of training high-level athletes, Colby shares a scalable, data-driven model to build faster, more resilient athletes. His principles: lift heavy, sprint fast, jump high, throw hard. They are delivered with clarity and proven results. Finally, the episode tackles recovery, nutrition, and supplementation, including Colby’s personal experience with peptides like BPC-157, the importance of vitamin D, and why creatine is non-negotiable. This holistic view of athletic performance makes this episode essential for anyone invested in human movement. Don't miss this honest and actionable conversation with one of the most forward-thinking speed coaches in the country. #ColbyWartman #OriginPerformance #SpeedTraining #SprintMechanics #AthleticPerformance #TrueSportsPT #GroundContact #AccelerationTraining #StrengthAndConditioning #PhysicalTherapyPodcast #SprintForm #JumpTraining #MaxVelocity #BPC157 #Creatine #SprintCoach #SportsRehab #SpeedLab #HumanPerformance #RunFaster

In this energizing and knowledge-packed episode of the True Sports Physical Therapy Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Susie Spirlock, better known as Dr. Susie Squats, to dive deep into the world of hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and building a virtual practice that actually works. Dr. Susie shares her personal journey with hypermobile EDS and how that experience has shaped the way she coaches, rehabs, and educates clients from all over the world. Whether you’re a clinician, an athlete, or someone living with hypermobility, this conversation is a must-listen. Dr. Susie breaks down what most practitioners overlook when treating hypermobile athletes: How stretching can do more harm than good, why isometrics and load progression are game changers, and the importance of understanding the autonomic nervous system in cases like POTS. She provides actionable examples of how to modify strength and plyometric training for these clients, all while maintaining performance and promoting resilience. Her insights on load management, neuromuscular control, and tissue sensitivity offer immediate takeaways for any physical therapist or coach. But the episode goes far beyond clinical pearls. Dr. Susie opens up about leaving a soul-sucking outpatient clinic job to build her now thriving fully remote rehab and performance business, Move Your Bones. She discusses how she scaled her online offerings, the systems she uses, and how her team of PTs now supports hundreds of athletes, all remotely. It’s an inspiring and transparent look at what’s possible when you combine social media, evidence-based care, and relentless commitment to impact. If you’ve ever wondered how to deliver better outcomes for hypermobile clients or how to build a meaningful and scalable online practice as a PT, this episode delivers. Dr. Susie’s approach is empathetic, empowering, and practical, and she doesn’t hold back. Hit play to learn how to rethink hypermobility treatment, embrace virtual coaching, and lead with authenticity. Resources: Free 4-Week Beginner Strength Training Program: https://moveyourbones.myflodesk.com/4-week-beginner-guide  Free Using Intensity Based Training For Training With Pain: https://moveyourbones.myflodesk.com/intensity-based-training Susie’s Website: https://www.moveyourbonespt.com/ Beighton Score: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/assessing-joint-hypermobility/ Hospital Del Mar Criteria: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Hospital_Del_Mar_Criteria Diagnostic Criteria for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS): https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hEDS-Dx-Criteria-checklist-1.pdf  Defining the Clinical Complexity of hEDS and HSD: A Global Survey of Diagnostic Challenge, Comorbidities, and Unmet Needs: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.05.25329074v1.full.pdf In-person ACL course: 🗓️ Want to attend the ACL course in person? Join us on August 30 - 31 for an in-person, hands-on masterclass that’ll transform how you treat ACL injuries from start to finish: https://education.truesportsphysicaltherapy.com/true-sports-university-acl-masterclass-in-person-course #DrSusieSquats #Hypermobility #EDS #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #VirtualPT #OnlineRehab #MoveYourBones #POTS #SportsPerformance #RemoteCoaching #StrengthTraining #PTEntrepreneur #IsometricTraining #PhysicalTherapy #HypermobileAthletes #TrueSportsPT #PTPodcast #LoadManagement #NeuroTraining #WomenInPT

In this special roundtable episode of the True Sports Physical Therapy Podcast, Dr. Yoni Rosenblatt sits down with Dr. Tim Stone and Dr. Rayce Hauser to break down the thought process behind their upcoming in-person ACL course. Designed to elevate clinicians who want to truly master the art of ACL rehab. Together, these experienced clinic leaders unpack the why behind the course: what most ACL protocols are missing, how rehab can go wrong even with good intentions, and how to blend real-world coaching with evidence-based practice. They also share behind-the-scenes insight into how the course will be structured, what participants can expect, and why hands-on, mentorship-driven learning is essential for growth. They cover how to create better ACL rehab outcomes through clarity, progressions, and coaching, what red flags to look for in return-to-play decisions, how mentorship and in-person learning accelerate development, the clinical leadership strategies that shaped the course’s content and why building a standardized approach doesn't mean sacrificing individual care. If you’re a PT, coach, or rehab specialist who works with athletes, especially post-ACL, this episode offers a preview of what you’ll learn in the course and how it can immediately improve your results in the clinic. 🗓️ Want to attend the ACL course in person? Join us on January 10-11 for an in-person, hands-on masterclass that’ll transform how you treat ACL injuries from start to finish: https://education.truesportsphysicaltherapy.com/true-sports-university-acl-masterclass-in-person-course-nj Whether you're a new grad, a clinic leader, or a therapist aiming for mastery, this episode will leave you with powerful takeaways to improve your practice and lead with purpose. #TrueSportsPT #YoniRosenblatt #TimStone #RayceHauser #PTLeadership #PhysicalTherapy #ClinicCulture #MentorshipMatters #PTPodcast #AthleteCare #BurnoutPrevention #HighPerformanceRehab #CommunicationInPT #ClinicianDevelopment #TeamBuilding 

In this powerhouse episode of the True Sports Physical Therapy Podcast, we sit down with Coach Jon Heck: former UNC football star and NFL strength coach turned entrepreneur and host of the Hammer and Chisel Podcast. Coach Heck shares deep insights on hypertrophy training, rehab strategies, exercise selection, and sports nutrition that apply to athletes of all levels, physical therapists, and strength coaches alike.   From optimizing quad hypertrophy post-ACL to creating effective warm-ups and supplement protocols, Coach Heck breaks down complex topics into digestible, actionable advice. He also dives into programming strategies, the value of progressive overload, machine-based training, and the pitfalls of overusing force plates in elite settings.   Whether you're a clinician, coach, or athlete looking to get stronger, faster, and more resilient, this episode is packed with practical gold.   🔗 Learn more about Coach Heck and his programs: hammerchiselperformance.com 🎧 Check out the Hammer and Chisel Podcast: https://hammerchiselperformance.com/podcasts   Join us on August 30 - 31 for an in-person, hands-on masterclass that’ll transform how you treat ACL injuries from start to finish: https://education.truesportsphysicaltherapy.com/true-sports-university-acl-masterclass-in-person-course   #JonHeck #HammerAndChisel #HypertrophyTraining #StrengthCoach #PhysicalTherapy #SportsPerformance #ACLRehab #TrueSportsPT #AthleteRecovery #MachineTraining #ForcePlates #SportsNutrition #StrengthAndConditioning #ProgressiveOverload #HammerChiselPerformance