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how technology and objective data are reshaping rehab and performance — and why so many clinicians are still stuck in outdated methods.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

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 tracking, Dr. Schroeder breaks down the science behind the trends and shares what decades of clinical research really say.

We cover what health tech matters (and which don’t), how to think critically about the data you're getting, and what role tech should play in your health journey. Plus, we get into the realities of muscle loss, why sleep is your most underrated training tool, and how innovation is reshaping physical therapy.

This episode will help you cut through the noise and think more critically about the role of technology in your health.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

02:01 Meet Dr. Todd Schroeder

06:35 Founding K2 Sciences: Bridging Research and Innovation

10:10 How Technology & Data Is Reshaping Our Rehab & Training

12:20 Wearables, Tracking Data and Smarter Coaching

15:32 The Importance of Baseline Data for Rehab Professionals

17:40 Overrated vs. Underrated Begins

18:03 Fitness Trackers & Smartwatches: Accurate or Overhyped?

18:44 VO2 Max Testing for Non-Athletes: Necessary or Not?

22:05 Zone 2 Training vs. HIIT: How to Train Smarter

25:00 Three Sets of 10: Still the Gold Standard?

29:10 Clinician’s Eye vs. Motion Capture: What’s Better?

33:33 EMG Studies: Valuable or Overrated?

36:25 Can Motion Tracking Technology Replace Physical Therapy?

44:30 How AI Can Gamify Exercise

46:25 Sleep Trackers: How Accurate Are They Really?

50:02 Should Everyone Use a Glucose Monitor?

54:00 Handheld Body Fat Tools: Are They Reliable?

56:56 Cardio vs Strength Training As You Age

58:23 Minimal Effective Dose: How Much Exercise Is Enough?

01:02:25 Testosterone, Recovery, and Injury Rehab Insights

01:06:00 Lessons from Endurance Training & Triathlons

01:10:13 Nutrition and Sleep vs. Working Out: What's More Important for Health?

01:13:53 AI in the Exercise Space: Influence on Coaching

01:14:43 Women's Health, Recovery, and the Menstrual Cycle Myths

01:19:35 Final Thoughts: How Tech, Recovery, and Exercise are Evolving

Contact Dr. Schroeder:

Email: Todd@MK2lab.com or eschroed@usc.edu

K2Sciences.com

MK2Lab.com

@MK2LAB

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-centered private practice

✅ Meniscus transplants vs. traditional knee surgery – who actually needs it?

✅ The future of robotic-assisted knee surgery & its impact on surgical precision

✅ How biologic treatments (PRP, stem cells, injections) fit into patient care

✅ Why ACL injuries keep happening – and how to prevent them

Whether you're a physical therapist, athletic trainer, chiropractor, or surgeon, this episode is packed with evidence-based insights you can use to improve patient outcomes and understand where orthopedic care is headed.

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 HERE.

https://jane.app/book_a_demo?utm_medium=prehab_guys&utm_source=ambassador&utm_campaign=book_a_demo&utm_content=static&utm_term=us_pt

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Contact Dr. Nima Mehran: @drnimamehran https://www.mmorthopaedics.com

Listen to the previous episodes with Dr. Nima :

https://theprehabguys.com/podcast/acl-injuries-with-dr-nima-mehran/

https://theprehabguys.com/podcast/meniscus-injuries-with-dr-nima-mehran/