Institute for Musculoskeletal Advancement

11/04/2025

A groundbreaking study from ATI Physical Therapy and the Duke Clinical Research shows that removing copays for physical therapy can dramatically reduce the use of costly downstream services including imaging, injections, and surgery.

Key Takeaways compared to traditional care pathways.
7% lower imaging and inpatient care
16% fewer surgeries/injections
57% fewer physician services

This study published in the PTJournal is more than just data. It’s proof of concept that innovative payment models can improve access, promote early conservative care, and meaningfully reduce healthcare costs.

These findings strengthen the case for policy and reimbursement reform that puts patients first and values early, evidence-based MSK care.

Congrats to the authors after many years of work on this publication.

Read the full release and explore the study: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/no-copay-physical-therapy-program-associated-with-lower-downstream-imaging-injection-and-surgery-for-musculoskeletal-conditions-according-to-a-new-joint-study-from-ati-physical-therapy-and-duke-clinical-research-institute-302600251.html

10/20/2025

What really happens to a pitcher’s shoulder over the grind of a season?

A new study that iMSKA's Director of Research, Myers was part of was recently published in International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. The publication tracked healthy Division I baseball players across fall, preseason, midseason, and postseason to determine whether or not shoulder strength would differ over a competitive season.

Key findings:
- Significant changes in shoulder strength occurred over the season, many changes exceeded the minimal detectable thresholds
- No differences were found between pitchers and position players
- Athletes’ self-reported shoulder and elbow function stayed consistent despite strength fluctuations
- Data provided reliable benchmarks for clinicians and researchers monitoring shoulder function

Access the full article here: https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.144772

09/30/2025

Big congratulations to the ATI Physical Therapy Sports & Orthopedic Residency graduates!

Completing residency is no small feat was a year of dedication, long hours, and a relentless drive to elevate clinical expertise. This milestone represents a major step for thiese PTs in advancing their career, care and shaping the future of our profession.

We’re proud of your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Here’s to the next chapter in your careers. Continuing to raise the bar in patient care and evidence-based practice!

Interested in taking your career to the next level? Applications for ATI’s Sports & Orthopedic Residencies open October 1st. Email residency@atipt.com to learn more.

09/18/2025

ATI Worksite Solutions (a division of ATI Physical Therapy) and iMSKA are partnering with Indiana State University to launch a Workplace Injury Prevention Certificate Program, the first of its kind through Indiana State’s Master of Athletic Training Program.

This program equips future health professionals with proactive care strategies to reduce workplace risks, improve employee well-being, and build a healthier workforce.

Why it matters:
- MSK disorders are a leading cause of lost workdays and disability.
- Students will learn to identify biomechanical, ergonomic, and behavioral risk factors.
- Graduates will be prepared to lead in workplace wellness, occupational health, and injury prevention.

This is just the start iMSKA plans expand the program nationwide with additional university partners.
Learn more about partnership and research opportunities

09/11/2025

Collaborating with Evidence In Motion (EIM), ATI Physical Therapy clinicians participated in a Manual Therapy of the Nervous System course showcasing the power of clinical education rooted in research and evidence-based practice. Clinicians gained hands-on skills while connecting pain science to practice, advancing knowledge and elevating patient care.

09/03/2025

Join iMSKA and ATI Physical Therapy for a 1-hour Journal Club on Return-to-Sport After ACL Injury: Surgery vs. Rehab – What the Evidence Really Says

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at 8 PM EST with Garrett Bullock

Explore evidence from 15 studies, biases favoring surgery, and how research can guide ACL rehab, counseling, and return-to-sport decisions. Interactive Q&A included.

Seats are limited, use the QR code below to register now!

08/25/2025

Over the last two weeks, we have highlighted studies published in JOSPT regarding Achilles tendinopathy and heel pain. Now those insights just got bigger.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) continues its push to show third-party payers the real value of Physical Therapy. Christopher Bise PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, Adam Lutz PT, DPT, PhD, MBA, and RobRoy Martin, PT, PhD, CSCS debut Perspectives for Payers, addressing gaps in knowledge by linking large-scale patient data to CPGs to guide value-based physical therapy.

Key Takeaways:
♦ Set clear timelines
♦ Predict visits & costs
♦ Reward high-quality care
♦ Improve patient access

Value-based PT isn’t a someday idea, it’s here.

Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/esR2HdT3

08/19/2025

This past weekend, Residents in ATI Physical Therapyhysical Therapy's Sports Residency Program joined North Greenville University’s football camp for hands-on training in on-field coverage, pre-season prep, and emergency care.

We want to recognize Avery Epstein, Cade Harris, Josee Brunault, Colleen Gaffney, Sara Labadorf, and Caleb Barr for putting their skills into action!

Follow iMSKA to see how the next generation of sports medicine clinicians are leading on and off the field.

08/14/2025

How long does plantar fasciitis really take to resolve? What outcomes can you expect and what does the data say about costs?

A study published in JOSPT of 10,500+ patients gives us real-world answers, breaking down episode length, recovery patterns, and billing trends.

Led by Chris Bise PT, DPT PhD, OCS, Adam Lutz, PT, DPT, PhD, MBA of ATI Physical Therapy, and RobRoy Martin, PhD, PT, CSCS, this research points to evidence-based care pathways that work for both clinics and payers.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Most patients recovered in 12–13 visits about 60 days
✅ FAAM-ADL scores improved from 63.9 → 78.1 on average
✅ Reinforces smarter, value-based care and reimbursement

Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2025.0502

08/13/2025

We’re excited to welcome our new cohort of Research Fellows who joined iMSKA in July 2025!

As practicing clinicians with ATI Physical TherapyATI Physical Therapy, they bring expertise from across the country and in all areas including PT, OT and ATC and they are already contributing to innovative research and collaboration.

Join us in celebrating the newest members of the iMSKA community!

07/31/2025

Burnout is real and it is reshaping the physical therapy profession. Tom Denninger, PT, DPT, Executive Director, shares powerful insights on why more clinicians are exploring non-clinical paths and how it might be time to rethink what a sustainable career in physical therapy really looks like. A must-read if you are questioning your next steps!

Burnout is real and it's reshaping the future of physical therapy! In this thought-provoking blog EIM expert, Tom Denninger, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, dives into why more clinicians are stepping beyond the treatment table and exploring non-clinical career paths. Don’t miss his perspective on what this shift means to reassess your values, realign your strengths, and redesign a career that is sustainable for the long haul!

📖 Read the full blog: https://bit.ly/44Dh59h

07/22/2025

iMSKA Welcomes New Director of Research

“We are thrilled to welcome Natalie Myers to IMSKA as our new Director of Research," said Executive Director, Thomas Denninger. "Natalie brings a rare blend of academic rigor and clinical insight that aligns perfectly with our mission to advance musculoskeletal care through meaningful research. Her leadership will be instrumental in expanding our impact and deepening our collaborations across the field.”

With Natalie’s arrival, we look forward to building on our momentum and pushing MSK research forward in bold, collaborative ways.

Want to learn more about what the iMSKA team has been up to? 🔗 i-mska.org