Innovation, Collaboration, and the Future of Physical Therapy: Reflections from the APTA Future of Rehab Summit
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the APTA Future of Rehab Therapy Summit in Washington D.C., and it was an incredible experience.
This event brought together a dynamic mix of clinicians, entrepreneurs, vendors, and thought leaders all aligned around one shared goal: shaping the future of rehab therapy. What stood out most to me was the energy—optimistic, curious, and deeply collaborative. As someone who lives at the intersection of clinical care and innovation, it was powerful to be in a room full of people who aren’t just thinking about what’s next—they’re building it.
Collaboration Over Competition
One of the most refreshing themes that surfaced throughout the summit was how collaborative the industry has become. There’s a real shift happening. Vendors aren’t just competing—they’re partnering. Whether it’s through formal acquisitions or informal collaborations, companies are working together to solve problems for clinicians and streamline workflows in meaningful ways.
It was inspiring to see so many players in the space prioritizing impact over ego. The vibe wasn’t “Who’s going to win?”—it was “How can we move the industry forward, together?”
At EverEx, we’re proud of the part we play in industry growth and innovation with our partners. Our recent partnership with SME exemplifies how aligned organizations can come together to enhance clinician experiences and ultimately improve patient care. It’s collaborations like these that drive the kind of integrated, future-ready solutions that practices and patients need.
Innovation Rooted in Experience—Clinical and Beyond
Another theme that deeply resonated with me was the growing recognition that innovation in rehab therapy isn't just about new tools—it's about reimagining the full experience. Yes, we saw incredible work being done by clinicians who are leveraging their firsthand knowledge to develop new technologies and platforms. From AI-powered assessment tools to remote monitoring solutions, the innovation on display was exciting and pragmatic.
But more importantly, we’re seeing a shift in mindset: one that values not just clinical outcomes, but the entire patient journey. Innovation now includes how we engage patients before their first visit, how we communicate between appointments, and how we make the care experience more human, more empowering, and more seamless.
That’s why I’m especially excited about EverEx’s work with Jerry Durham, who recently joined us as a strategic advisor. Jerry has long been a powerful advocate for prioritizing the patient experience as central to business success—and clinical success. His approach reframes innovation to ask: “How does this improve the patient’s experience, understanding, and outcome?” That question is helping shape how we build and deliver our platform—from onboarding and education to adherence and engagement.
This broader lens on innovation is exactly what the industry needs: tools that support clinicians and elevate the way patients experience care.
From Skepticism to Embracing Technology
Not long ago, discussions about virtual physical therapy, AI, or remote care were often met with hesitation. Concerns about complexity, disruption, or losing the human element in care were valid—and widespread. But that mindset has shifted.
Today, there’s not just growing adoption of technology in practices—there’s growing trust in it. What was once seen as futuristic or risky is now viewed as essential to keeping up with patient expectations, business demands, and modern care delivery.
A major factor in that shift? Implementation became easier. Technology solutions are no longer clunky add-ons—they're integrated, user-friendly tools that can be folded into existing workflows with minimal disruption. The emphasis is now on supporting the team, not replacing them.
At EverEx, we've seen how meaningful it is when technology aligns with how therapists already work. The most effective solutions are those that fit naturally into daily practice, provide clear value, and offer the right training and support to make adoption feel simple—not overwhelming. The key is implementation and EverEx does it right.
This is where real change happens: when people feel empowered to use new tools confidently and can immediately see the benefits for themselves and their patients. That’s how innovation takes hold—and sticks.
Looking Ahead
Leaving the summit, I felt energized—not just by the conversations, but by the shared sense of momentum. The future of physical therapy is tech-enabled, yes. But more than that, it’s clinician-led, collaborative, and deeply human.
To everyone I met at the event—thank you for your ideas, insights, and passion. If we didn’t get a chance to connect, I’d love to keep the conversation going. Because the future is bright, and we’re just getting started.
If you’d like to learn more about EverEx, please visit us here.
