logo
episode-header-image
May 27
1h 8m

Objective Data, Better Outcomes: How VAL...

PREHAB
About this episode

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how technology and objective data are reshaping rehab and performance — and why so many clinicians are still stuck in outdated methods.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

  1. Why “trusting the process” isn’t enough — and how to prove your value with data

  2. The hidden cost of not measuring outcomes in rehab

  3. What it takes to get clinic buy-in on tech (even if you're the only one using it)

  4. How tools like force plates and handheld dynamometers are being used across the rehab continuum

  5. Why the future of PT demands better systems, not just better clinicians

 

Subscribe for more episodes on performance rehab, clinical innovation, and technology that moves the field forward.

#physicaltherapy #rehabtech #clinicaltools #prehab #sportsperformance

Looking for more programming? Check out all of our content on the Prehab App: https://theprehabguys.com/membership

Timestamps

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

Up next
Apr 29
The Science (and Myths) of Health Tech: VO2 Max, Wearables & Longevity with Dr. Todd Schroeder
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Todd Schroeder. USC professor, exercise physiologist, and co-founder of K2 Sciences, to explore what actually works when it comes to health and fitness technology. From wearables and VO2 max testing to EMG studies and AI-powered motion tracki ... Show More
1h 22m
Mar 2025
The Future of Knee Surgery & Patient Care with Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Nima Mehran
In this episode of The Prehab Podcast, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nima Mehran returns to discuss cutting-edge advancements in ACL repairs, meniscus transplants, cartilage regeneration, and robotic surgery. He breaks down: ✅ Why he left a large healthcare system to build a patient-cen ... Show More
50 m
Feb 2025
How We Built a PT Clinic That Puts Patients & Clinicians First (Growing PrehabPT)
In this episode of The Prehab Podcast, Dr. Michael Lau sits down with Dr. Adelle Smener to share the journey of building PrehabPT, their Los Angeles-based physical therapy clinic. They break down the challenges clinicians face, the flaws in traditional PT, and how PrehabPT is red ... Show More
36m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
Dr. Bret Contreras: How to Build Bigger Glutes & Legs
My guest is Dr. Bret Contreras, PhD, CSCS, a leading expert in glute training. We cover key strategies for maximizing glute growth, explore the anatomy and function of the glutes, and break down effective exercises like the hip thrust. We discuss how to structure training program ... Show More
3h 28m
Oct 2023
Ep 45: Fitness in your 40's and beyond | Dr. Stephanie Estima
In this week's episode, Ashleigh speaks with Dr. Stephanie Estima, a doctor of chiropractic and a health expert focusing on improving lifespan, health span, body composition, and optimal performance. They dive into topics like: Optimizing diet and training for longevity and healt ... Show More
1h 35m
Apr 2022
303: Rocky Snyder on Optimizing Foot and Glute Function with a Joint-Based Approach to Training
Today’s show features biomechanist, coach and author, Rocky Snyder.  Rocky is the owner of “Rocky’s Fitness” in Santa Cruz, California.  Rocky is an accomplished personal trainer with an absolutely immense library of knowledge in multiple disciplines of human performance, such as ... Show More
1h 30m
Jan 2025
NLP644 - The Top 5 Most Underrated Gym Exercises
In this episode of The Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast, cohost Craig Smith and I dive into the top five most underrated exercises you’re likely missing in your gym routine. These are moves that you rarely see on social media or in typical workout programs but pack a serious p ... Show More
38m 54s
May 2024
068: Debunking Nutrition Myths, A Different Approach To Pain Management & Exposing Fitness Lies With Layne Norton
This week, I am excited to have Layne Norton with me on the podcast. Layne has been a huge inspiration and a source of knowledge since my health and fitness journey began. After years of study and research, he obtained a PhD in nutritional sciences, and his extensive knowledge is ... Show More
2h 23m
Jan 2025
2831: How to Do a Proper Pull Up, and Why You Need to Do Them by Steve Kamb of Nerd Fitness on Exercise Goals
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2831:Steve Kamb dives into the transformative power of pull-ups, explaining why mastering this exercise boosts not just your ... Show More
10 m
Aug 2024
2414: Cardio Vs. Weight Training for Fat Loss, How to Build Muscle as a Runner, Enclomiphene Vs TRT & More (Listener Live Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom. Mind Pump Fit Tip: Here’s the truth about the carnivore diet when it comes to building muscle and burning body fat. (2:14) The motivation behind the podcast. (12:34) Changing the narrative around ... Show More
1h 51m
Oct 2023
2188: How to Properly Train to Failure, When to Eat Post Workout, the Qualities That Position a Trainer for Success & More
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer four Pump Head questions drawn from last Sunday’s Quah post on the @mindpumpmedia Instagram page.  Mind Pump Fit Tip: Take care of yourself to better take care of others. (2:01) How the cooling pad from Eight Sleep has im ... Show More
1h 31m
Aug 2024
2401: The Truth About Gaining Muscle on a Carnivore Diet, How to Train While on a GLP-1, Ways to Get More Defined Legs & More (Listener Live Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom. Mind Pump Fit Tip: Here is a good rule of thumb if you’re doing strength training: If you’re doing low reps, bump your sets. If you’re doing higher reps, drop your sets. (2:31) How Adam has used p ... Show More
1h 37m