Sam Altman, Scalable MSK Care, and Smarter HEPs

Volume 13 June 23, 2025

✍️ From the Editor

Reflecting on the future of physical therapy, it's clear that AI is arriving faster than many in our field expect. Much like the dawn of the internet, hesitation could leave us behind. But as Sam Altman puts it, this feels more like the introduction of the transistor—foundational, invisible, yet everywhere. Most of us can’t explain how a transistor works, yet we depend on millions of them every day.

I believe three generations from now, AI will be embedded in every aspect of life and care our grandkids may not even realize it's there. They'll just expect it to work. For us, that means thinking strategically about where AI fits in physical therapy, especially as we face shrinking reimbursements and a growing shortage of PTs. The time to experiment, to lead, and to build AI-informed workflows is now.

Sam Altman Just Revealed Your AI Career Timeline (7 min read)

Summary:
In OpenAI’s new podcast, CEO Sam Altman shares a vision for how AI will reshape professional life—sooner than many expect. He confirms GPT‑5 is likely coming this summer and stresses the importance of mastering current tools over chasing updates. Altman highlights ChatGPT's memory feature as a way to personalize workflows and recommends a simple three-step plan: enable memory, delegate one routine task to AI, and share your learnings.

🔗 Read the full article here (7 min read)

Why this matters for PTs:
ChatGPT memory can remember your documentation habits, patient education needs, or billing formats—saving time across sessions. Testing one AI-assisted task can ease clinics into broader adoption.

AI Scales MSK Care Without Sacrificing Outcomes (6 min read)

Summary:
A 2024 study found that PTs using an AI-supported digital therapy model managed over twice the patient volume—without losing clinical effectiveness. Pain reduction and mental health improvements matched control groups, and patient engagement and satisfaction also improved.

🔗 Read the full study here (6 min read)

Why this matters for PTs:
It’s a strong case for AI-powered telehealth and hybrid models. Clinics can serve more patients without burning out staff—especially useful in high-demand or rural settings.

A Roadmap to Bring AI into Physical Therapy Practice (5 min read)

Summary:
A recent framework from PTJ offers a guide for integrating AI and machine learning into clinical PT settings. It focuses on preparing staff, securing data pipelines, validating tools, and monitoring ethical and legal compliance.

🔗 Read the full framework here (5 min read)

Why this matters for PTs:
Instead of reacting to AI trends, clinics can lead them. This guide helps PTs pilot smart changes without disrupting care quality.

What’s New in ManagePT

New Feature: Live Customization for Home Exercise Programs
You can now edit an exercise description once and have it update everywhere you prescribe that movement in the future. This means no more retyping or tweaking instructions every time you assign a wall squat. The system remembers your preferred cues, reps, or patient-friendly descriptions and keeps them consistent across the board.

Why it helps:
You save time, improve clarity, and ensure patients get the same high-quality instruction every session, every time.

Policy Pulse

APTA's Position on AI in Physical Therapy (4 min read)

Summary:
APTA supports AI as a tool to expand access, reduce admin burden, and improve outcomes—but only when ethically implemented. PTs must remain in control of clinical decisions, and AI should never be used by insurers to deny care. The association also encourages responsible integration of AI into practice, education, and research.

🔗 Read the official APTA position here (4 min read)

Why this matters for PTs:
Your expertise remains the anchor. AI should empower, not replace. APTA's stance offers a roadmap to adopt AI while protecting professional integrity and patient trust.