Podcast Summary:

Physical Therapist Career Insights: A Journey to Improve Lives

Podcast: How Much Can I Make? - Career Insights For Your Job Search
Host: Mirav Ozeri
Guest: Trish Groff, Director and Physical Therapist at AccessPT
Date: September 2, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Mirav Ozeri sits down with Trish Groff, Director and Physical Therapist at AccessPT, to explore the real-life experiences, rewards, and challenges of a career in physical therapy. The interview covers everything from common patient cases and workplace dynamics, to training requirements, pay scales, technology, and advice for those considering the field. The conversation is candid, informative, and full of practical insights for job seekers, career changers, and those simply curious about the world of physical therapy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pathway Into Physical Therapy

• Motivations: Trish initially studied psychology, drawn to human connection and how the brain works, but found herself too empathetic for psychotherapy.

  “I realized being a psychotherapist might not be the best idea for me. I think I would take it home with me, you know?” (01:23, Trish Groff)

• Career Shift: Exposure to a PT clinic as an aide led her to discover her true passion.
• Connection to Neurology: Physical therapy isn’t just about muscles and joints; it’s deeply connected to brain function, both psychologically (restoring hope) and physically (working with stroke patients, etc.).

2. Education and Training

• Years of Study: Trish details the rigorous educational pathway.

  “You have to get your doctorate.” (02:42, Trish Groff)

  • Typically, 6–7 years: bachelor’s (often biology or psychology), then Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
  • Coursework is demanding, similar to medical school in duration/intensity.

3. Typical Workday & Responsibilities

• Dual Roles: Trish works as both director and full-time treating PT.
  • Administrative work is “sprinkled throughout the day.”
  • Responsibilities include managing staff, budgets, equipment, schedules, and overseeing patient care (03:52).
• Clinic Environment: AccessPT is unique—a converted house, preferred by the community.
  • Private rooms used for evaluations and specific treatments (such as pelvic floor therapy); most follow-ups in a shared gym space.

4. Common Patient Cases

• Back and Neck Pain: Most prevalent, both acute and chronic cases.
  • Main culprit often “sitting too long and sitting too much.” (07:07, Trish)
• Patient Referrals:
  • Many referred by physicians—others self-advocate or are sent by family/friends (05:48).
  • Most patients require multiple treatments, often twice a week for 6–8 weeks.

5. Sports & Repetitive Injuries

• Sports Injuries: Weekend warriors, not just athletes—pickleball, tennis, golf, skiing injuries common.
  • Repetitive strain injuries such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, ACL tears, and rotator cuff issues frequently seen (07:21–08:00).
• Pickleball Surge:

  “We got a good amount of pickleball people in the past year.” (08:28, Trish Groff)

  • Back pain due to rotation, especially with people new to athletic activity.
  • Importance of warm-up/cool-down and stretching emphasized.

6. Treatment Approaches & Differences with Chiropractic Care

• Collaborative Effort: Success depends on the patient’s participation—doing exercises at home is essential.

  “This is team effort, and if you’re not doing your end…this is pointless.” (06:34, Trish)

• Physicality of the Job: PTs are hands-on—manipulating limbs, performing mobilizations, instructing and assisting resistance exercises (10:13).
• PT vs. Chiropractor:

  “They are doing it to the patient…we have the patient work with us.” (09:18, Trish)

  • PT emphasizes active participation and building strength, often with a set treatment regimen.

7. Building Trust and Patient Relationships

• Immediate focus on rapport and customizing communication to each patient in private initial evaluations (11:23).
• Sensitivity to dynamics as a female PT working with male patients touched upon.

8. Success Stories & Emotional Rewards

• Trish shares a moving story of a double-leg amputee with diabetes regaining independence, driving, and walking:

  “We got him back to driving and stairs and walking in curves…He did it all over again.” (13:37, Trish)

• Emotional investment and empathy as both challenge and reward.

9. Work Challenges: Staffing, Schedules, and Burnout

• Hiring and Retention: High turnover a current stressor, impacts patient care due to waitlists (13:59).
• Long Hours: Shifts vary; Trish works early (7:30–4:30/1) to accommodate before- and after-work patients.
• Admin Burdens:

  “It’s the worst part of our job…Any PT would tell you that—the documentation.” (15:08, Trish)

  • Insurance documentation is tedious, often leading to burnout.

10. Pay, Getting Hired, and Professional Development

• Starting Salary:
  • Trish started in 2017 at ~$60k; now, new graduates see $85–95k in outpatient settings (15:32).
• Hiring Criteria:
  • Passion, motivation, and eagerness to learn valued more than school pedigree (16:23).
  • Ongoing education encouraged; field is continually evolving.

11. Technology in Physical Therapy

• AccessPT isn’t heavy on equipment/tech, but some clinics use advanced strength assessments or balance tests.
• Dictation technology for documentation expected to grow.

12. Advice for Aspiring PTs

• Test the waters: Work as an aide or intern.

  “Go be an aide somewhere and submerge yourself in the environment.” (17:46, Trish)

• Schooling is expensive and demanding—ensure you’re passionate before committing.
• Shadowing and clinical rotations required in PT programs.

13. Job Satisfaction

• Deeply rewarding profession—empowering patients and restoring hope:

  “Giving patients hope and then seeing them achieve their goals…that’s a game changer.” (18:32, Trish)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the role of empathy:

  “I’m so, like, empathetic towards others that I realized being a psychotherapist might not be the best idea for me.” (01:23, Trish)

• On the physical and collaborative nature of PT:

  “We have the patient work with us…they’re actually exerting the effort most of the time…” (09:18, Trish)

• On patient responsibility:

  “If you’re not doing your end, I mean, you know, this is pointless.” (06:34, Trish)

• On admin burdens:

  “It’s the worst part of our job…Any PT would tell you that—the documentation.” (15:08, Trish)

• Heartfelt success story:

  “We got him back to driving and stairs…We had to start all over again…he did it all over again.” (13:37, Trish)

• Advice for career explorers:

  “Go be an aide somewhere and submerge yourself in the environment. And if you feel like you love it…go for it.” (17:46, Trish)

• On the best part of the job:

  “Giving patients hope and then seeing them achieve their goals…that’s a game changer.” (18:32, Trish)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Motivation/Background: 01:23–02:00
• Education Path: 02:34–03:06
• Clinic Director/Responsibilities: 03:49–04:59
• Common Cases & Patient Visits: 05:07–06:28
• Sports/Repetitive Injuries: 07:18–08:42
• Physical Job Demands: 10:13–11:01
• Building Trust & Patient Relationship: 11:23–11:50
• Success Stories: 12:36–13:51
• Biggest Challenges (Staffing/Admin): 13:59–15:29
• Beginner Pay/Earnings: 15:32–16:09
• Hiring & Qualifications: 16:13–17:03
• Technology: 17:07–17:41
• Advice for Aspiring PTs: 17:46–18:25
• Most Rewarding Aspect: 18:28–18:46

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a thorough, honest look at the field of physical therapy—balancing stories of real-world impact with sober discussions of training, work demands, pay, and the need for true passion. Trish Groff’s openness and passion make this episode a must-listen for anyone considering PT or wanting to understand this vital health profession.