The Dave Kittle Show

Every year fewer students are entering the professionWe unpack the controversial 2 to 3 year DPT proposal and what it means for debt, enrollment, and the future of PT. Would it strengthen the profession… or cheapen the degree?Then we debate a bold idea: a Quest diagnostics biomechanics lab for PT. Smart innovation or just expensive?If you’re a clinic owner, educator, or PT wondering where this profession is headed this one’s for you. 👇Watch more from PT Pintcast →https://www.youtube.com/@PTPintcast---EPISODE BREAKDOWN[00:00] – Quest Diagnostics Rant[02:39] – Back to Future DPT[04:12] – The Five Year Roadmap[05:10] – Two Years vs Three Years[06:28] – Models from Other Countries[07:48] – Will Tuition Actually Drop[08:22] – Clinical Sites as Leverage[09:36] – Is the PT Profession at Risk[10:19] – Tuition Not Lost Clarified[11:10] – Recruiting Second Career Clinicians Pivots[13:08] – Recruit Bartenders Mindset[13:37] – Degree Inflation History[14:39] – Pay Same to Graduate Faster[17:11] – Movement Lab Shark Tank Pitch[19:01] – MOVIq Explained and Demo[20:19] – Why Owners Won’t Refer[21:38] – Quest Comparison Breakdown[24:53] – Specialized Testing Counterpoint[26:30] – Youth Sports Data Opportunity--Want to Connect with Dave?Book a strategy call:https://clarity.fm/davekittle/expertise/physical-therapy-merger-acquisitions-valuations-healthcare-marketing-salesThinking of selling your practice or partnering?https://www.fieldmakergroup.comConnect with Dave:Email: Dave@Conciergepainrelief.comInstagram: @davekittle https://www.instagram.com/davekittle/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekittle/orCall (646)-781-8884

I knew better… and I did it anyway.I break down one of the biggest leadership mistakes I made running my physical therapy practice, including hiring decisions I compromised on, documentation failures I ignored too long, and the hard lessons that followed.This is a raw, honest look at what happens when you settle into business, delay difficult HR decisions, and operate without tight systems in place.Watch more from PT Pintcast →https://www.youtube.com/@PTPintcast---EPISODE BREAKDOWN[00:40] – My 2025 Lessons Learned[01:09] – Hiring an International PT[04:07] – Cash Under the Table[06:04] – Transitioning to Formal Employment[07:41] – Documentation Problems Begin[10:10] – The Leaky Bucket Problem[11:52] – Settling for Less[14:54] – Cold LinkedIn Messaging Success[16:08] – The Corrective Action Plan[17:58] – Realizing Documentation Standards Failed[19:22] – The Missing Employment Agreement[21:57] – The Resignation Email[22:15] – Lessons on Professionalism[23:58] – Major Takeaway HR Process[26:00] – LinkedIn Recruiting Still Works[27:01] – Recruiting Success with Dr Andrew[27:37] – The Difference Quality Makes[29:18] – Key Takeaways[30:24] – Final Thoughts and Reflections--Want to Connect with Dave?Book a strategy call:https://clarity.fm/davekittle/expertise/physical-therapy-merger-acquisitions-valuations-healthcare-marketing-salesThinking of selling your practice or partnering?https://www.fieldmakergroup.comConnect with Dave:Email: Dave@Conciergepainrelief.comInstagram: @davekittle https://www.instagram.com/davekittle/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekittle/orCall (646)-781-8884

Physical therapy clinics are growing year over year… yet 70% of clinicians are thinking about leaving. What’s actually happening inside the profession?Break down with us new rehab industry data, debate 15-minute visits vs. 60-minute sessions, unpack why insurance models create burnout, and explore whether PT clinics should offer outcome-based guarantees. We also dive into what business models will actually survive the next decade.If you own a clinic or plan to, this one matters.Watch more from PT Pintcast →https://www.youtube.com/@PTPintcast---EPISODE BREAKDOWN[00:52] – Market Reports & the Real PT Drop-Off Problem[01:50] – Clinics Growing While Clinicians Want Out[03:46] – Do 15-Minute Visits Actually Improve Outcomes?[04:48] – The Hybrid: “Bougie” Eval + Efficient Follow-Ups[06:38] – Filet Mignon vs Flank Steak: Let Patients Choose Care Levels[08:44] – Why Utilization Management Still Exists (So Why the Friction?)[10:47] – Insurance Incentives, Advocacy Limits & The Math Reality[12:33] – Access for All vs Premium Care + APTA Expectations Debate[16:55] – Menu Complaints & Know What You’re Buying in APTA[19:32] – The 50% Guarantee Experiment (Pricing + Concept)[20:16] – Jimmy’s Back Pain Case Study: Selling the Outcome[21:59] – Handling Objections: Price Fear, Outcomes, and the Refund Offer[24:29] – Why Guarantees Can Backfire[26:10] – KPIs, Compliance Proof, and Who It’s For[30:37] – Parting Shots--Want to Connect with Dave?Book a strategy call:https://clarity.fm/davekittle/expertise/physical-therapy-merger-acquisitions-valuations-healthcare-marketing-salesThinking of selling your practice or partnering?https://www.fieldmakergroup.comConnect with Dave:Email: Dave@Conciergepainrelief.comInstagram: @davekittle https://www.instagram.com/davekittle/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekittle/orCall (646)-781-8884

AI isn’t coming for the best clinics.It’s coming for the average ones.Agree or disagree?Let’s debate 👇Sword Health just made a big move in digital MSK care but what does it actually mean for physical therapists? Today we break down the acquisition, why consolidation is really about access (not exercises), and who in the profession should be paying attention. Is this a real threat, overhyped tech news, or an early signal of bigger changes ahead? If you’re a clinic owner, staff PT, or student trying to understand where the industry is heading, this conversation will help you think more strategically about what comes next.Watch more from PT Pintcast →https://www.youtube.com/@PTPintcast---EPISODE BREAKDOWN[00:00] Debate: Will This Change Anything for Clinics?[00:57] Big News: Sword Health Buys Kaia Health ($285M)[01:34] Is This a Signal for Clinic Owners? [02:29] ChatGPT Take vs Dave’s Take: Cross-Selling, Users, and Investor Money[04:44] Who Gets Hit? The PT Bell Curve (Strip Mall vs Boutique vs Big Orgs)[07:43] Long Game Warning[08:53] Wearables vs Reality and What’s Next[12:25] Beyond Wearables: Computer Vision, Clinic Experience, and Implantables[15:44] Knee Replacements Are Booming (and Often Overdone)[16:23] The Sci‑Fi Knee: From Measuring Motion to Moving You[18:07] AI Adoption Curves and Who Gets Hit First[20:13] Tipping Point Tech[21:06] X‑Files Was Right + Real World Automation (Smart Shopping Carts)[23:07] Friction Points & the Tonal Future of Telehealth PT--Want to Connect with Dave?Book a strategy call:https://clarity.fm/davekittle/expertise/physical-therapy-merger-acquisitions-valuations-healthcare-marketing-salesThinking of selling your practice or partnering?https://www.fieldmakergroup.comConnect with Dave:Email: Dave@Conciergepainrelief.comInstagram: @davekittle https://www.instagram.com/davekittle/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekittle/orCall (646)-781-8884

What do Anthony Bourdain, fake CEU stunts, and a “range-of-motion soup spoon” have in common? More than you think.We will talk about why is traditional PT marketing is broken and why clinics need to think more like media companies (or even circus acts). From viral content ideas to embracing lifestyle branding and launching quirky stunts like “RunBall”, Jimmy, Dave, and Tony explore how to get attention before you worry about monetization.Plus: What PTs can learn from Brooke Monk’s lashes, why content doesn’t need to be clinical, and how to make your clinic unforgettable.👉 Want to build a PT brand people actually remember? Watch this.Watch more from PT Pintcast →https://www.youtube.com/@PTPintcast---EPISODE BREAKDOWN[00:53] — CEU Courses and Inventory Pitch[03:38] — Disney's Strategy [04:13] — Brooke Monk's Strategic Branding[05:44] — Launching a Product with a Signature Move[06:50] — Unexpected Career Paths and Opportunities[09:43] — Content Creation Stress[10:36] — Balancing Professional and Personal Content[14:23] — Building Your Personal Brand[14:49] — Advice for Content Creation[16:09] — The Frank Kern Curve Explained[18:56] — Engaging Content Ideas[19:51] — Creative Content Ideas[22:00] — Why Lifestyle Content[24:02] — Run Ball: A Fun Content Idea[25:23] — Fun Concepts[27:59] — Parting shots--Want to Connect with Dave?Book a strategy call:https://clarity.fm/davekittle/expertise/physical-therapy-merger-acquisitions-valuations-healthcare-marketing-salesThinking of selling your practice or partnering?https://www.fieldmakergroup.comConnect with Dave:Email: Dave@Conciergepainrelief.comInstagram: @davekittle https://www.instagram.com/davekittle/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekittle/orCall (646)-781-8884

"Hard work didn’t stop working, it just stopped paying."What is the real reasons why physical therapists feel stuck in a broken system? From rising student debt to outdated insurance models, the profession’s value chain is under fire.But here’s the twist: the clinics that embrace AI, content creation, and business innovation are already rewriting the rules. We break down how Disney’s YouTube strategy, Game Changer style analytics, and streaming could transform the future of private practice, especially in cash-based models.Watch more from PT Pintcast →https://www.youtube.com/@PTPintcast---EPISODE BREAKDOWN[00:03] — The Rise of Data Centers and Electricians[01:07] — "Sponsor Segment" Rehab Stick[01:52] — Discussion on Hard Work and Upside in Physical Therapy[02:42] — Challenges in the Physical Therapy Profession[03:12] — Financial Struggles and Student Debt[03:57] — Debate on Hard Work and Upside[05:08] — Insurance and Payment Issues[06:54] — Demand for Health and Wellness Services[09:17] — Improving Efficiency in Healthcare Practices[14:18] — Commitment and Patient Outcomes[16:11] — Do People Still Rent Movies in Hotel Rooms?[16:59] — Monty Python Flavor Imagery[17:32] — Steal This Strategy: Disney's High School Musical Experiment[20:19] — Facebook's Automatic Video Chopping[21:44] — The Future of EMRs and Patient Interaction[25:37] — Live Barn: Revolutionizing Sports Viewing[26:34] — Clinic of the Future: A Content Machine[29:35] — The Potential of AI and Drones in Clinics--Want to Connect with Dave?Book a strategy call:https://clarity.fm/davekittle/expertise/physical-therapy-merger-acquisitions-valuations-healthcare-marketing-salesThinking of selling your practice or partnering?https://www.fieldmakergroup.comConnect with Dave:Email: Dave@Conciergepainrelief.comInstagram: @davekittle https://www.instagram.com/davekittle/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekittle/orCall (646)-781-8884

What if your evals were recorded… and AI graded your sales pitch in real time? This isn't sci-fi! It is happening right now in physical therapy clinics.Dave Kittle talks about the rise of AI-powered evaluation tools that analyze therapist patient conversations, score sales scripts, and offer real time feedback. From objection handling ("Too expensive") to improving plan of care presentations, this tech is transforming how PTs communicate, sell, and improve.Watch more from PT Pintcast →https://www.youtube.com/@PTPintcast---EPISODE BREAKDOWN[00:00] — Sales in Therapy[01:31] — Recording Physical Therapist Interactions[02:01] — Legal Aspects of Recording[02:25] — Using Recordings for Documentation and Sales[03:27] — AI Insights and Sales Scripts[05:10] — Real-Time Evaluation Monitoring[06:40] — Therapist Feedback and AI Integration[10:10] — Cost and Value of AI Tools[12:55] — Market Penetration and Pricing[13:59] — Therapist Reactions to AI Tools[17:57] — AI in Other Industries[19:09] — Naming and Marketing AI Tools[20:32] — Sales Role Play and Objections Handling--Want to Connect with Dave?Book a strategy call:https://clarity.fm/davekittle/expertise/physical-therapy-merger-acquisitions-valuations-healthcare-marketing-salesThinking of selling your practice or partnering?https://www.fieldmakergroup.comConnect with Dave:Email: Dave@Conciergepainrelief.comInstagram: @davekittle https://www.instagram.com/davekittle/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekittle/orCall (646)-781-8884

A patient found Dave through AI. Not Google. Not Yelp. Not even word of mouth. The patient asked Grok, “Who’s the best physical therapist in NYC?” and the AI answered: Dave Kittle.We will break down what that means for the future of marketing, how physical therapists can position themselves for “Answer Engine Optimization,” and why the front door to care is shifting fast.If you’re in healthcare, especially PT, and you want to future proof your business then this episode is your a wake up call.Watch more from PT Pintcast →https://www.youtube.com/@PTPintcast---EPISODE BREAKDOWN[01:37] — The Future of Rehab?[02:17] — Personal Anecdotes and Resistance Bands[02:43] — Big Story: Hinge Health's Bold Move[04:14] — Larry Ben's Influence in Physical Therapy[05:46] — Hinge Health's Business Model[07:40] — Debate on AI and Accountability[11:06] — Consumer Preferences and Market Dynamics[14:25] — Remote Programming and Human Accountability[16:40] — The Wrong Strategy for Selling[18:27] — Marketing Mistakes and Lessons Learned[18:58] — Hinge Health's Approach to Cost Savings[20:20] — Healthcare Innovation vs. HR Innovation[21:59] — Patient Acquisition through AI[25:14] — AI and Answer Engine Optimization[28:45] — Effective Communication and SEO Strategies--Want to Connect with Dave?Book a strategy call:https://clarity.fm/davekittle/expertise/physical-therapy-merger-acquisitions-valuations-healthcare-marketing-salesThinking of selling your practice or partnering?https://www.fieldmakergroup.comConnect with Dave:Email: Dave@Conciergepainrelief.comInstagram: @davekittle https://www.instagram.com/davekittle/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekittle/orCall (646)-781-8884

If beer companies can’t even show beer and being drunk but still dominate advertising...what’s your PT clinic’s excuse?The crew dives into what PTs can learn from beer commercials, Geico ads, and even diagnostic ultrasound on HBO. We explore the power of creative constraints, why hard work doesn’t always convert, and how AI is poised to shake up everything from marketing to patient scheduling.This one’s packed, don’t miss it.Watch more from PT Pintcast →https://www.youtube.com/@PTPintcast---EPISODE BREAKDOWN[01:42] — Beer Ads and Creativity Constraints[02:19] — The Power of Constraints in Marketing[04:06] — Geico's Creative Marketing Strategy[05:22] — Physical Therapy Marketing Challenges[06:25] — Creating Effective Content for Physical Therapy[07:41] — Understanding Consumer Needs in Marketing[10:03] — The Curse of Knowledge in Content Creation[12:55] — The Importance of Presentation in Professional Services[17:38] — Debate on Work Ethic and Compensation[20:39] — The Role of Effort in Professional Success[23:33] — Leveraging Media Exposure in Physical Therapy[24:21] — Paid Product Placements in Media[27:31] — Unusual Gifts and Office Stories[28:00] — High School Locker Sticker Story[28:57] — Product Placement in Media[31:03] — Wheel of Fortune's Product Showcase[32:02] — Graham Sessions[34:22] — The Future of Payment Models in Healthcare[36:25] — AI's Role in Physical Therapy[39:29] — AI and Human Interaction in Healthcare[45:16] — Recruitment and Retention in Physical Therapy[48:56] — Unlimited Gym Access Model[49:56] — Managing Gym Memberships in Clinics[55:14] — Implementing Gym Models in Different Settings[56:51] — Parting Shots --Want to Connect with Dave?Book a strategy call:https://clarity.fm/davekittle/expertise/physical-therapy-merger-acquisitions-valuations-healthcare-marketing-salesThinking of selling your practice or partnering?https://www.fieldmakergroup.comConnect with Dave:Email: Dave@Conciergepainrelief.comInstagram: @davekittle https://www.instagram.com/davekittle/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekittle/orCall (646)-781-8884