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Hands On Hands Off


Dr. Amy McDevitt: The Problem with 'Usual Care' in PT Research + Fixing the Gap in Evidence

July 24, 2025

What does “usual care” really mean in physical therapy research — and why is it so inconsistently applied across studies?

In this episode, Dr. Amy McDevitt joins us for a deep-dive conversation into the limitations of current PT research and how vague terms like "usual care" are impacting evidence-informed practice.


Dr. McDevitt discusses:


  • Why “nothing” should never be a control in clinical trials
  • How heel pain and orthotic studies show cracks in research design
  • The evolving role of manual therapy and therapeutic alliance
  • Her collaborative work with Dr. Moyo Tillery on minority faculty representation
  • Advice for early-career academics and clinical researchers
  • The connection between burnout, purpose, and academic productivity


This episode is a must-listen for PTs, educators, researchers, and anyone passionate about improving the quality of care through better scholarship.