Ep832 | Where Is Physical Therapy Heading With APTA President Kyle Covington
Release Date: 07/15/2025
The P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast
850 Episodes In: 8 Lessons That Actually Move Your Business In this milestone episode, Doc Danny Matta reflects on 8+ years and 850 podcasts—what stuck, what changed, and what really matters if you want a durable, thriving cash-based PT business. From showing up consistently to building systems and recurring revenue, Danny lays out the playbook he wishes he had at the start. Episode Summary Consistency pays: Two episodes a week for 8+ years—compound impact over time. Origin story: From the Doc & Jock days to PT Entrepreneur, content created demand and clarity. The big mission: Add $1B...
info_outlineThe P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast
Prognosis Over Price: A Simple Hack to Boost Sales Conversions In this episode, Doc Danny Matta unpacks one of the most common struggles in cash-based PT: helping staff (and owners) get comfortable with sales. Drawing from years of coaching, Danny shares a simple “prognosis-first” approach that removes the stress around money and makes closing plans of care natural and effective. Episode Summary The sales hurdle: Many clinicians (especially new grads) struggle with money conversations. Danny’s early mistakes: Starting at $175/session, no packages, offering weak 3-visit plans. The...
info_outlineThe P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast
🚀 Two Variables That Separate 7-Figure PT Clinics From the Rest In this solo episode, Doc Danny Matta breaks down data from PT Biz’s industry report across 200+ clients. He reveals the two key factors that distinguish the biggest, most successful clinics from those still struggling to grow—and how you can apply them immediately to build a more profitable, scalable practice. 🎯 Episode Summary The name tag system: Clinics are grouped by revenue, from white ($<100K) to gold ($1M+). Two game-changers: Higher revenue per session and more recurring revenue separate gold clinics from...
info_outlineThe P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast
The 20% Rule: Health, Reputation & Real Growth for Your PT Clinic In this solo episode, Doc Danny Matta shares a simple story with a big lesson: a 67-year-old foundation repair rep drops into a perfect squat and pops back up—proof that health is a choice and momentum. Danny connects this to how PTs can reach the 70% of people who aren’t actively searching for help yet, using reputation, relationships, and clear asks—not just ads. 🎯 Episode Summary The 20% vs. 80% reality: A small slice stays active and sharp; most slide without structure and accountability. Choice beats chance:...
info_outlineThe P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast
Building Independence & Culture: Inside PHYT Collective with Ashley Speights In this episode, Danny sits down with Ashley Speights, PT Biz coach and founder of PHYT Collective in Washington, D.C. Ashley shares how she built her 4,000 sq ft practice during the pandemic, structured a unique contractor-based collective model, and created a culture of independence, collaboration, and empowerment. They explore the realities of running a clinic in a high-cost city, setting compensation models that work, and why listening deeply to patients creates lifelong loyalty. 🎯 Topics Covered How...
info_outlineThe P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast
Why 10x-ing Your PT Business Might Be Easier Than 2x-ing It Episode Highlights: Why small, “safe” goals are limiting your growth How 10x goals force innovation and smarter systems Real-life client examples who went from 100K to 1M+ The mindset shift that separates growing clinics from stagnant ones Why even “failing” at a big goal gets you further than hitting a small one Resources Mentioned: Like what you’re hearing? Please consider sharing this episode with a fellow PT and tagging Danny on Instagram. Let us know what part stood out most!
info_outlineThe P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast
Scaling Smart: Lessons from Building a Multi-Location Hybrid PT Clinic In this episode, Danny interviews Chris Roble, a longtime friend, PT Biz coach, and founder of Physio Room, a hybrid model clinic with 4 locations in Colorado. They dive deep into the evolution of his business, how he’s structured team incentives, front desk systems, and the mindset shifts that allowed him to scale without sacrificing culture or profitability. 🎯 Topics Covered The pros and cons of early business partnerships How Chris structured his hybrid model (cash + limited insurance) Why the front desk is your...
info_outlineThe P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast
How to Get More New Patients From Local Workshops Most clinicians who run workshops don’t know how to confidently position themselves—and as a result, they walk away with little to no new patients. In this episode, we break down: The mindset shift that turns workshops into patient drivers Why most clinicians fail to confidently pre-frame and close Exactly what to say at the end of a workshop to get new patients Resources & Links: – Learn how to go full-time with a clear, actionable plan – Discover how cash-based PTs overcame fear, imposter syndrome, and built thriving...
info_outlineThe P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast
3 Important Cash-Based PT Trends in 2025 What’s changing in the world of cash-based physical therapy? In this episode, Danny Mattei breaks down three emerging trends in 2025 that every clinician should know—whether you're just starting your practice or trying to scale past yourself. These shifts are reshaping the profession and will impact how you grow, hire, and stay profitable. 📈 The 3 Trends Clinicians are starting younger than ever: More DPT grads are skipping traditional jobs and going straight into private practice. Is this the new norm? The first growth cycle is getting harder:...
info_outlineThe P.T. Entrepreneur Podcast
The Speed Trap: Why Going Too Slow Is Costing Your Business In this episode, Danny explains why momentum is everything in business—and how clinicians often sabotage their growth by going too slow. Using the analogy of riding a bike or snowboard, he breaks down how fear, hesitation, and “waiting for the right time” lead to instability and burnout, not safety. 🎯 Topics Covered Why clinicians tend to move too slowly—and how it backfires The difference between healthy speed and reckless acceleration How going too slow creates pain, burnout, and lost momentum The mindset behind...
info_outlineInside the APTA: How Kyle Covington Sees the Future of Physical Therapy
In this episode, Doc Danny sits down with APTA President Dr. Kyle Covington for a candid conversation about the future of physical therapy. From navigating insurance and burnout to embracing AI and education reform, this episode covers the real challenges and massive opportunities facing the profession today. Whether you’re a student, seasoned clinician, or clinic owner, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about the evolution of PT.
🎯 Topics Covered
- How physical therapy has evolved over the last 20 years
- The rise of cash-based, hybrid, and non-traditional models
- Direct access laws, payment reform, and advocacy wins
- Burnout, staffing issues, and why reimbursement needs to change
- What the APTA is actually doing—and why most PTs don’t know
- Why communication, sales, and emotional intelligence matter more than ever
- The future of AI in PT: where it helps and where it can’t replace us
- How PT education is adapting to meet new demands
- What Kyle sees coming next for the profession
💡 Key Quotes
"If we take bad contracts, the insurance company wins. It’s that simple."
"Cash-based PTs are often forced to advocate and communicate better—that’s a skill every PT needs."
"We're not replacing the human element. AI can be a force multiplier, not a threat."
"The problems are obvious. The solutions are complex. And that’s why we have to work together."
🧠 Pro Tips
- If you're frustrated by reimbursement, learn to negotiate contracts or consider a hybrid model
- Don’t wait for the system to change—educate patients on your value right now
- Use tech and AI tools to reduce burnout and streamline admin work
- Get involved locally with your APTA state chapter to actually influence change
- PT school isn’t just about technique—learning communication and business skills matters just as much
🔗 Resources & Links
- Visit APTA – Explore advocacy updates and get plugged in locally
- Join the 5-Day Challenge – Get clarity and a plan to go full-time in your cash practice
- Meet Claire AI – Try 10 free SOAP notes and save hours on documentation
🧭 Final Thought
Physical therapy is changing—fast. But that’s not a bad thing. Whether you're frustrated with insurance, curious about AI, or wondering how to make a bigger impact, the profession needs voices like yours to move forward. As Dr. Covington says, we’re in our adolescence as a field—and what we do next will shape the future for decades.