Recorded live at CSM, this episode is a direct challenge to every Physical Therapist Assistant who has ever thought, “There’s no room for growth.”

Deanne Yates shares her journey from PTA to national-level leadership involvement, including work with FSBPT and PTA governance initiatives. She discusses:

• Why PTA and PT are both terminal clinical designations
• The danger of self-limiting beliefs
• Running for national office as a PTA
• Artificial (augmented) intelligence in rehab education
• The shift toward blended and hybrid PTA programs
• Why we need clearer definitions in hybrid education
• Why every PTA should attend CSM

If you’ve ever waited for permission to lead — this is your sign.

Special Thanks to:

Thanks to US Physical Therapy for hosting PTA+ at CSM.

MedBridge users: Visit ptapluspodcast.com for your exclusive discount code: PTAPLUS

Follow PTA+:

Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos

Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725

In this episode of PTA+ (Physical Therapist Assistant), Katie talks with Ryan Elsass, PTA, CSCS, owner of Ace Sports Performance in Pittsburgh. Ryan shares how failing forward—PT school rejection and an early setback in PTA school—pushed him into a niche bridging rehab to real-life performance for golfers, tennis players, and pickleball athletes.

We cover:

• Why patients often get re-injured after discharge—and how to close the gap
• The mindset shift: don’t demonize pickleball (or deadlifts)—train for the demands
• How TPI screens reveal mobility/stability needs that show up in the swing
• PTA career growth: mentorship, certifications, and building a role that fits you
• “Assess, don’t guess” training—why cookie-cutter exercise lists fall short

00:00 Intro: bridging rehab + performance

01:04 Sponsor: MedBridge

01:24 Katie & Ryan history

04:00 What Ryan does now (PTA + performance)

07:13 PT school rejection → new path

09:04 The discharge-to-gym injury gap

13:40 Closed-loop care + collaboration

17:20 Pickleball + “don’t demonize the movement”

20:15 TPI screens + prevention

22:35 PTAs boxed in + building a niche

27:50 Failure stories + growth

34:10 Student panic + safety nets

36:01 “My name is Linda” (rapport + confidence)

38:24 Advice for PTAs who don’t fit the mold

41:45 Game: screen or swing?

44:38 Live mini-screen demo + regional interdependence

51:17 Ryan’s plus points + mentorship

53:00 Where to find Ryan

Where to find Ryan:

Website: https://www.aceperformancepgh.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AceSportsPerformancePGH/

Ryan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elsassrt/ (bio references @aceperformancepgh)

Follow PTA+:

Website: https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos

Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/

LinkedIn (Katie Sutton): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725

MedBridge —

Katie’s affiliate discount is available via:

https://www.medbridge.com/pricing?utm_source=PTA+Plus+Podcast&utm_medium=Affiliate+Link

https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

(code:PTAPLUS, also mentioned in episode).

Feeling overwhelmed about CSM? You’re not alone. In this episode, Katie flips the format and lets Macy Frederick Rogers (first-time attendee) ask the questions every PTA is thinking—so you can walk into CSM with a plan.

You’ll hear practical tips on:

• How to build a schedule you can actually follow (without burnout)
• What first-timers miss in the exhibit hall (including activations + APTA pavilion moments)
• Networking that doesn’t feel cringey—and why talking to presenters matters
• Packing and travel strategy (time change, snacks, shoes, coffee hacks, and more)
• Posters, overflow rooms, and how to support other PTAs in the space

Affiliate: MedBridge

Use code PTAPLUS, find the discount link at ptapluspodcast.com

Katie’s affiliate discount is available via:

https://www.medbridge.com/pricing?utm_source=PTA+Plus+Podcast&utm_medium=Affiliate+Link

https://www.ptapluspodcast.com/

Subscribe & Follow

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ptapluspodcast/videos
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-sutton-0725
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pta_plus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PTA-Podcast-100093326902910/
• Website: ptapluspodcast.com