Dr. Moyo Tillery sits down with Dr. Ron Shank to explore the evolving relationship between Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT) and Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (MDT). Drawing from decades of clinical practice, mentorship, and research, Ron reframes the debate — arguing that integration, not ideology, leads to better patient outcomes.

Together, they unpack directional preference, centralization, test–retest frameworks, patient empowerment, and the leadership principles that shape great clinicians. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating modern manual therapy practice.

Key Topics Covered:

• Directional preference vs centralization
• End-range testing as common ground
• Hands-on vs hands-off decision-making
• Patient self-efficacy and dependency
• Mentorship, leadership, and legacy in OMPT

Most physical therapists will treat TMJ pain. Almost none will ever encounter a full bilateral TMJ replacement—paired with mandibular advancement and upper palate expansion. When that rare case appeared, there was no rehab playbook… so this clinician built one.

What listeners will learn:

• How TMJ replacement compares (and doesn’t) to hip and knee replacements
• Why outcomes research exists—but rehab pathways don’t
• How to apply total joint principles to a jaw joint
• What to do when surgical restrictions limit “normal” movement
• The role of nutrition, SLPs, and interdisciplinary care
• How lived experience changes clinical decision-making

Why it matters:

This episode isn’t really about TMJ—it’s about how clinicians think when evidence is thin and responsibility is high.

Guest:

Katie Berry — sports & orthopedic clinician, adjunct professor, and OMPT fellow-in-training.

Cody Mansfield joins the show to unpack the real value of residency and fellowship training — and to share insights from his new Cardon Research Award–funded study examining outcomes in non-operative knee pain.

Cody serves as Director of the Ohio State OMPT Fellowship, research associate, physical therapist, associate editor for JOSPT Cases, and instructor in the OSU DPT program. His mixed-methods research evaluates whether post-professional training changes outcomes related to quality, service, and cost — and what patients themselves value about receiving care from fellowship-trained clinicians.

• Why this research matters for the future of OMPT

• Early insights from comparing trained vs. non-trained clinicians

• Patient perspectives on fellowship-trained PTs

• Residency vs. fellowship — how they actually differ

• Cody’s educational sessions on LE referral patterns and spinal decision-making

• His journey through a PhD while raising two young boys

Whether you’re a student, clinician, educator, or program director, this episode gives you a grounded look at what advanced training really does for patient care.