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Welcome to Research at PT Solutions
At PT Solutions, our research drives transformative care by advancing clinical excellence, optimizing patient outcomes, and shaping the future of rehabilitation.
At PT Solutions, our research drives transformative care by advancing clinical excellence, optimizing patient outcomes, and shaping the future of rehabilitation.
Embedded in our mission to expand access to care that helps people be unstoppable, our research team explores the intersections of innovation, human connection, and evidence-based practice.
We harness data-driven care pathways, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world clinical insights to improve total cost of care across outpatient, inpatient, and athletic training settings.
Explore our ongoing projects, meet our research collaborators, and see how PT Solutions is redefining what’s possible in physical therapy and rehab.
To pioneer essential, outcome-focused, and value-based care through collaborative research that improves lives, advances health economics, and informs better policy.
At PT Solutions, we believe physical therapy and rehab aren’t extras — they’re essential for thriving today and tomorrow. Our research reflects that belief by setting new standards, elevating outcomes, and improving care experience for patients and providers alike.
To pioneer essential, outcome-focused, and value-based care through collaborative research that improves lives, advances health economics, and informs better policy.
At PT Solutions, we believe physical therapy and rehab aren’t extras — they’re essential for thriving today and tomorrow. Our research reflects that belief by setting new standards, elevating outcomes, and improving care experience for patients and providers alike.
We welcome partnerships that move research — and care — forward. If you’re interested in collaborating with our team or accessing research resources, contact us today. We’re continually expanding our work in Total Cost of Care analysis for physical therapy and would be excited to explore opportunities for impact with you.
Our research program is led by Dr. Aditi Vyas, National Director of Research, who has over a decade of experience in human subject research, clinical decision-making models, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Daniel G. Pernell, VP of Clinical Quality, and Dale Yake, CEO of PT Solutions, serve as advisors to the research department.
Validating internally developed structured clinical pathways and decision trees by clinicians and education teams to standardize musculoskeletal care. Modified Kappa statistics and Content Validation Index (CVI) with expert panels across PT clinics were used as methodology for validation.
Status: In review for publication and finalizing validation results
Impact: Streamlining care, reducing variability in clinical decisions, and broad adoption by clinicians for patient care.
Analyzing outpatient physical therapy visit data to determine the optimal frequency and timing of visits for maximizing functional outcomes. The study utilized regression models, correlational analysis, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to evaluate functional gains across visit counts in PT clinics. Key trends included early improvement within the first 5–10 visits, a plateau effect beyond 15+ visits, and strong associations between predicted and observed functional change.
Status: Completed; internal white paper developed, publication submission in progress
Impact: Supports data-driven care planning, promotes efficient episode management, and aligns physical therapy delivery with value-based care models.
Comparison analysis evaluating clinical outcomes, efficiency, and cost in patients treated with standardized clinical algorithms versus traditional care.
Status: Proof-of-concept design in progress
End Goal: Publication + platform-wide adoption of best-practice
A systematic review and prospective study on delays in accessing physical therapy after referral identified bottlenecks and proposed scalable solutions.
Status: Data collection & meta-analysis in progress
Collaborators: University partners, FOTO database
Expected Outcome: White paper + peer-reviewed publication
Quantifying patient referral source and leakage from in-network and out-of-network physicians, measuring its impact on the cost of care, and evaluating retention strategies through leading platforms like WebPT and LeadingReach. Partnering with front office operations to understand the referral process and enhance strategies
Status: SQL-based data pull in progress
Deliverables: Internal PowerBI dashboard + referral optimization strategy
Participating in Maryland’s EQIP initiative to assess how physical therapy can increase patient engagement with care and cost efficiencies in high-risk populations utilizing Medicare.
Status: Enrolled in the program. Exploring engagement from patients and providers
Goal: Demonstrate the impact of engagement from PTs and patients for advanced financial forecasting models
Complete list of additional publications: Dale’s Google Scholar
Content Validation of PT Solutions Physical Therapy Clinical Pathways© for Management of Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions Using the CARE-CCF Tool.
Heavy resistance training in the management of hip pain in older adults: A case series. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 38(12), 2241-2249.
An irritability-based approach to whiplash-associated concussion rehabilitation: a case series. Physiotherapy theory and practice, 38(13), 3136-3145.
Treatment of non-sports related concussion in adolescents following an irritability algorithmic approach: a case series. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 38(10), 1570-1578.
Clinical decision making in physical therapy–Exploring the ‘heuristic’in clinical practice. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 62, 102674.
The impact of graft type on rehabilitation outcomes following ACL reconstruction: Bone patellar tendon bone versus quadriceps tendon grafts. Physical Therapy in Sport, 52, 234-238.
A Symptom-Based Approach to Sports-Related Concussion Rehabilitation in Adolescents: A Case Series. Jospt Cases, 1(1), 5-12.
Mirror Therapy as an Intervention Following Rotator Cuff Repair: A Case Report. JOSPT Cases, 1(3), 143-147.
Utilization of manual therapy to the lumbar spine in conjunction with traditional conservative care for individuals with bilateral lower extremity complex regional pain syndrome: A case series. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice.
Importance of early improvement in the treatment of low back pain with physical therapy. Spine, 45(8), 534-540.
Effect of low back pain chronicity on patient outcomes treated in outpatient physical therapy: a retrospective observational study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 101(5), 861-869.
Treatment of shoulder pathologies based on irritability: a case series. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 36(11), 1266-1274.
Use of cognitive behavioural therapy with usual physical therapy intervention for individuals who are unemployed secondary to chronic low back pain: A case series. Musculoskeletal Care, 17(3), 269-273.
Converting Detractors: the Importance of Addressing Patient Satisfaction Early in a Plan Of Care. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 100(12), e172.
A Closer Look at Patient Cancellation and No-shows in Physical Therapy. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 100(12), e165
Delivery Methods and Dosage of Pain Neuroscience Education, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 100(12), e214.
Lumbar thrust manipulation and exercise for the treatment of mechanical low back pain in adolescents: a case series. journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy, 46(5), 391-398.
Dr. Aditi Vyas leads the research enterprise at PT Solutions, where she integrates clinical research, technology, and operational strategy to advance physical therapy and rehabilitation outcomes across the care continuum. With a multidisciplinary background in physical therapy, exercise science, and biological research, she has over a decade of experience in human-subjects and clinical research.
In her current role, Dr. Vyas oversees all research initiatives, including validation of algorithmic care models, total cost of care outcome studies, and strategic data partnerships with platforms such as Limber, FOTO, WebPT, LeadingReach, and Epic. She also chairs the PT Solutions ERC/IRB and leads external collaborations with health system and university partners to expand outpatient and inpatient musculoskeletal care research.
Her mission is to make clinical research accessible and impactful, so frontline clinicians have access to evidence-based treatments to improve patient care delivery and engagement
Daniel Pernell is the Vice President of Clinical Quality at PT Solutions Physical Therapy, bringing over two decades of experience in clinical practice, operations, and strategic leadership.
Daniel oversees the research program by developing and implementing quality improvement initiatives across PT Solutions’ extensive network of clinics. His responsibilities include enhancing patient outcomes by training clinicians on clinical pathways adoption, integrating tools like Limber across the practice, and ensuring compliance with the industry’s best practices. Daniel’s leadership has been pivotal in integrating evidence-based practices into daily operations and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Daniel remains actively engaged in clinical education through our orthopedic residency program and community outreach, reflecting his passion for improved patient care and professional growth within the physical therapy community.
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