Can physical therapy evolve without data? In this deep-dive conversation, clinical leaders from Prehab and Vald come together to explore how technology and objective data are reshaping rehab and performance — and why so many clinicians are still stuck in outdated methods.
From the first handheld dynamometer purchase to building global tools that elevate care, this episode uncovers the real-world frustrations, breakthroughs, and opportunities in modern physical therapy.
Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or a PT student, you’ll walk away with insights that challenge how we think about clinical decision-making, patient outcomes, and proving value in a changing healthcare landscape.
In this episode, we discuss
- Why “trusting the process” isn’t enough — and how to prove your value with data
- The hidden cost of not measuring outcomes in rehab
- What it takes to get clinic buy-in on tech (even if you’re the only one using it)
- How tools like force plates and handheld dynamometers are being used across the rehab continuum
- Why the future of PT demands better systems, not just better clinicians
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🎙 Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 — Intro: Why Objective Data Is the Future of Physical Therapy
00:01:45 — Introduction & Early Career Reflections
00:07:55 — Research and Validation of Clinical Testing Tools
00:11:10 — Orthopedic Residency: Building Clinical Expertise
00:17:46 — Challenges in Adopting New Technology in PT
00:22:18 — Why Data + Objective Testing Improves Patient Outcomes
00:29:35 — How VALD Came Into the Picture: Technology Meets Rehab
00:34:45 — Subscription Plans & Ongoing Customer Support
00:38:45 — PT-driven Products/Team
00:44:51 — Data’s Role in Enhancing Patient Engagement and Care
00:49:35 — The Future of Physical Therapy Is Data-Driven
00:57:10 — Building a Team That Drives Innovation
01:02:25 — Final Takeaways: Start Using Better Data Now
Timestamps: [need to be adjusted & finalized]
00:00 - Introduction: Meet Dr. Nima Mehran
00:40 - Why Dr. Nima left a large healthcare system for private practice
03:00 - The biggest problems in modern healthcare & patient care challenges
07:22 - The future of healthcare: What needs to change?
11:22 - Common knee injuries: ACL tears, meniscus injuries, arthritis
15:54 - Meniscus transplants vs. repairs: Who actually needs surgery?
19:38 - Cartilage transplants & regeneration: What works and what doesn’t?
26:04 - The rise of robotic-assisted knee surgery: Game-changer or hype?
29:28 - PRP, stem cells, and biologics: Do they actually work for knee injuries?
35:31 - Why ACL injuries keep happening – and how to prevent them
40:58 - Prehab, rehab & surgical recovery: What every clinician should know
46:02 - Where to follow Dr. Nima & final takeaways
Today's Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by Jane, a clinic management software and EMR that has been a game-changer for us at Prehab PT. If you're looking for a smooth transition to better clinic management, book a 1-on-1 demo 
