Private practice physical therapy, pain science, and clinic growth strategies come together in this conversation with Dr. Tom Walters of Rehab Science. If you're a PT or clinic owner wondering how social media, general exercise, and patient education fit into modern rehab — this episode breaks it down clearly and practically.
Dr. Tom Walters, orthopedic physical therapist and creator of @RehabScience, joins Jimmy to discuss pain science, manual therapy, general vs specific therapeutic exercise, and what it really takes to empower patients. With over 16 years of clinical experience and a platform reaching over a million people, Tom shares how education — not perfection — drives better outcomes.
For busy PTs and clinic owners, this matters now. Patients are getting information from social media whether we like it or not. The question is: will it be accurate, empowering, and aligned with what we know works?
We cover:
• The real influence of social media on rehab
• When general exercise works — and when specificity matters
• The role of manual therapy in modern practice
• How pain education improves outcomes
• Why patient self-efficacy is non-negotiable
Chapters
00:00 – Intro
03:12 – From Cirque Du Soleil
12:45 – Social Media Influence
22:18 – General vs Specific Exercise
33:40 – Manual Therapy Debate
45:52 – Building Rehab Science
