Are we developing better physical therapists—or simply producing more credentials and collecting more data?

In Episode 71 of KIMEcast, KIME founders Tony Mikla, DPT, and Russ Dunning, MPT, challenge conventional approaches to physical therapy education, mentorship, and sports medicine.

From residency and fellowship training to force plate testing and return-to-sport programming, Tony and Russ explore what it actually takes to develop a confident, capable sports clinician.

They discuss why technical knowledge alone isn't enough, why mentorship requires more than occasional case reviews, and why understanding the demands of an athlete's sport is essential to preparing them for competition.

In this episode:

• Why traditional residency programs may be missing critical components of sports medicine education

• What effective mentorship and clinical development should look like

• The importance of mastering movement, kinetic linking, and progressive loading

• Why force plates and objective testing should support—not replace—clinical reasoning

• The gap between rehabilitation in the clinic and performance on the field

• How communication with coaches strengthens the return-to-sport process

• Why KIME is expanding its educational model toward a sports residency program

At KIME, we believe clinical excellence is developed through structured learning, practical application, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Because being a great clinician isn't just about what you know. It's about what you can do with that knowledge—and the impact you make on the people you serve.

KIMEcast | Real conversations about sports medicine, rehabilitation, performance, and doing physical therapy differently.

#KIMEcast #SportsPhysicalTherapy #SportsMedicine #PhysicalTherapy #Mentorship #ReturnToSport #ClinicalDevelopment

Does a torn rotator cuff always require surgery? And if surgery is necessary, what really determines a successful recovery?

In this episode of KIMEcast, Tony Mikla and Russ Dunning welcome back Dr. Sean Robinson of Revolution Orthopedics for an in-depth conversation about rotator cuff injuries, shoulder surgery, and the evolving science of rehabilitation.

From understanding why rotator cuff tears develop to exploring the intricate decisions surgeons make in the operating room, Dr. Robinson offers a perspective on the complexity of shoulder injuries—and why no two repairs are exactly alike.

The conversation explores:

• Why rotator cuff tears develop and when surgery may be necessary

• The role of strength, movement, nutrition, and tissue health in shoulder function

• How modern surgical techniques have changed recovery

• Why physical therapy is critical before and after surgery

• The differences between partial and full-thickness tears

• How biceps pathology and shoulder mechanics influence treatment decisions

• Why patient engagement, communication, and individualized rehabilitation matter

Throughout the episode, the discussion reinforces an important principle: surgery can repair the tissue, but the body still has to heal—and the patient has to do the work.

Dr. Robinson and the KIME team also discuss their collaborative approach to orthopedic care, connecting surgical expertise with progressive rehabilitation to help patients restore movement, rebuild strength, and return to the activities they love.

Whether you're dealing with shoulder pain, considering rotator cuff surgery, recovering from a procedure, or working in sports medicine, this episode offers valuable insight into what it takes to achieve a successful outcome.

KIMEcast | Breaking through the noise in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and human performance.

What does it really mean to perform better?

In this episode of KIMEcast, Tony Mikla and Russ Dunning sit down with KIME Fit Lead Coach Jamal Albini to talk about training, competition, coaching, and the relentless pursuit of getting better.

Jamal shares the experiences that shaped his approach to performance—from working with professional and youth athletes to discovering just how meaningful strength can be for someone simply trying to move better and live independently.

The conversation explores why more training isn't always better, the problems with year-round specialization in youth sports, why recovery and adaptation matter, and how intelligent programming can build stronger, more resilient people without simply beating them into the ground.

They also dive into Jamal's background as a high-level competitive martial artist and the mindset that continues to drive him today: Get better.

Because performance isn't reserved for professional athletes. Whether the goal is running faster, getting stronger, moving without pain, staying healthy, or simply doing the things you love for as long as possible—everyone has something they are training for.

This is the vision behind KIME Fit: bringing the principles of high-performance training to everyday people and creating a connected system where physical therapy, performance, fitness, and human development work together.

Train with purpose. Find the limiting factor. Get better.