In a time when healthcare is evolving faster than ever, physical therapists are stepping into new roles as innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, and tech pioneers. Across clinics, classrooms, boardrooms, and digital spaces, a new wave of leaders is shaping the future of physical therapy, bringing vision, voice, and real-world solutions to the challenges that clinicians and patients face today. This shift is part of a broader industry-wide move toward technology-enabled, patient-centered care that is redefining what clinics and clinicians can offer.

In this 2026 edition of Physical Therapy Thought Leaders to Watch, we're spotlighting individuals who are pushing boundaries, building impactful communities, and redefining what's possible in our profession. From advancing MSK ultrasound and launching tech-powered clinics to transforming patient education and leading global conversations, these trailblazers are worth following not just for what they do, but for how they think.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner, an educator, or an early-career therapist looking for inspiration, these leaders represent the bold, collaborative, and forward-thinking spirit driving physical therapy into its next era. We've re-verified every title, affiliation, and credential below as of September 2026, since several of these leaders have changed roles since this list was first published.

Alex Bendersky

Head of Clinical Innovation at WebPT; Founder of Rehab Think Tank

Why you should follow Alex Bendersky

Alex is a seasoned healthcare technology innovator with more than 23 years of experience transforming patient care through advanced digital solutions. In August 2026, WebPT named him Head of Clinical Innovation, a move that puts his expertise in AI-enabled clinical workflows, value-based care strategy, and remote therapeutic monitoring to work at one of the largest rehab therapy platforms in the industry. He continues to run Rehab Think Tank, the platform he founded to explore musculoskeletal care strategy and the future of healthcare technology. Earlier in his career, Alex helped grow a national rehabilitation organization to more than 350 clinics and built high-impact partnerships with organizations like the Department of Defense. Clinicians exploring how AI-powered documentation tools fit into modern practice will find his perspective especially useful.

Anthony (Tony Maritato) Maritato

Founder of ChoosePT1st.com and Physical Therapist at Total Therapy Solutions LLC

Why you should follow Anthony (Tony Maritato) Maritato

Anthony Maritato is a physical therapist, clinic owner, and educator with over two decades of experience in the physical therapy field. He specializes in total knee replacement rehab and leads Total Therapy Solutions LLC, where his focus on personalized, outcome-driven care has helped countless patients regain mobility and confidence. Beyond the clinic, Anthony is also the founder of ChoosePT1st.com, a national directory built to help patients find the right physical therapist for their specific needs, and he now also advises on AI-driven documentation for PT, OT, and SLP practices. This ongoing work reflects his mission to empower both patients and practitioners through transparency, access, and education. Patients weighing whether they can see a PT directly, without a physician referral, will find his directory work connects naturally with the current state of direct access to physical therapy.

With a background in business and martial arts, Anthony brings structure, empathy, and innovation to everything he does. He also creates valuable educational content for patients and fellow PTs, making him a respected and relatable voice in the physical therapy community.

Brandy Wilkins

PT, DPT, CPHQ — Healthcare Quality & Career Transition Advocate

Why you should follow Brandy Wilkins

Brandy is a fierce advocate for safer healthcare and a powerful voice for clinicians navigating career transitions. She has since earned her CPHQ (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) credential, reflecting her growing focus on quality and patient safety work. As the host of Clinician Career Reboot, she shares practical tips, inspiring journeys, and honest conversations about leaving bedside care, shifting into non-clinical roles, and driving impact in healthcare and beyond. Brandy's work is especially valuable for healthcare professionals who are ready to pivot but still want to use their clinical expertise meaningfully. She's a must-follow for anyone exploring what's next while staying committed to improving the healthcare system from every angle.

Carlos Jimenez

Physical Therapist, 460th Medical Group, United States Space Force (Buckley Space Force Base, CO)

Why you should follow Carlos Jimenez

Carlos is an experienced physical therapist currently serving with the United States Space Force at the 460th Medical Group on Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, where he applies his expertise to ensure the health and readiness of personnel in this unique and specialized environment. He has since earned his RMSK (Registered in Musculoskeletal Sonography) credential and is now a PhD candidate, while continuing his volunteer work with the Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement (APCA) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program. In this capacity, he contributes to maintaining high standards in diagnostic ultrasound by reviewing and approving quiz questions, answers, rationales, and media, and collaborating with the MOC team to keep certification materials aligned with best practices in the field. His dual contributions to military healthcare and diagnostic ultrasound education demonstrate his ongoing commitment to advancing the profession.

Clyde Staley

Clinical Director at Spear Physical Therapy

Why you should follow Clyde

Clyde is a Physical Therapist, Sports Physical Therapy Fellow, and Sports Performance Coach who focuses on closing the gap between rehabilitation and athletic performance. He has served as Clinical Director at Spear Physical Therapy since March 2023 and works closely with soccer players and athletes across skill levels to support full recovery and maximize performance on game day. Clyde combines clinical precision with performance-based strategies to ensure that athletes are not only ready to return to play but also prepared to excel. His content is ideal for clinicians who want to integrate performance concepts into their care and for athletes looking to recover smarter and perform better.

Colin Rigney

Business Partner at Modern Physical Therapy And Sports Medicine

Why you should follow Colin Rigney

Colin is a master physical therapist, seasoned educator, and recognized leader in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound. With over a decade of experience teaching radiology and imaging for orthopedic physical therapy, he has become a bridge-builder between physical therapy and sports medicine. As a business partner at Modern Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine and co-founder of the Advanced Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Center, Colin is streamlining the way clinicians diagnose and treat MSK conditions with precision and efficiency. His commitment to advancing the use of MSK ultrasound in physical therapy education and practice makes him a go-to resource for clinicians seeking to elevate their diagnostic skills.

Danny Matta

Founder at Physical Therapy Biz

Why you should follow Danny Matta

Danny is a visionary leader in the physical therapy space, known for helping performance-based clinicians grow their businesses while also enhancing their quality of life. Through Physical Therapy Biz, he combines clinical expertise with sharp business strategy to help cash-based practices reach new levels of success. His work has earned accolades such as Inc. 5000 and Vet 100 honors, and in 2026 he was featured on an APTA podcast discussing how clinicians can build a career around a clinical niche. As the host of the PT Entrepreneur Podcast, Danny delivers real-world advice that helps clinicians confidently navigate the business side of healthcare. His message is grounded in the belief that you can build a thriving practice without sacrificing your relationships, health, or personal time.

Dr. Chris Stackpole

Vice President, Athlete Care at New Jersey Devils

Why you should follow Dr. Chris Stackpole

Chris is a distinguished leader in sports medicine, combining a Doctorate in Physical Therapy with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Boston University. He is a board-certified Clinical Specialist in Sport through the American Physical Therapy Association, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and also certified in Organizational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. His expertise includes athlete care coordination, return-to-play protocols, sports science, and organizational design, making him a trusted voice in both clinical and performance environments. For over a decade, he has worked at the highest levels of professional sports, serving in impactful roles within the NBA and NHL before taking on his current role as Vice President, Athlete Care for the New Jersey Devils. His ability to lead interdisciplinary teams, build efficient care systems, and apply sports science to real-world performance challenges makes him an influential figure in the evolution of athlete health and recovery.

Jackleen Samuel

President & CEO at Resilient Healthcare

Why You Should Follow Dr. Jackleen Samuel

Jackleen is the visionary leader behind Resilient Healthcare, where she continues to transform patient care with innovative hospital-at-home services. With over a decade of experience, she is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible and transparent. Jackleen's entrepreneurial journey includes founding a post-acute rehabilitation company, leading a neurology therapy clinic, and co-owning a physical therapy management firm, all while integrating technology and innovation to improve patient care. She holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rutgers University and was named in Becker's Hospital Review's 2023 list of "116 Women in Health IT to Know." As a UBS Luminary Fellow and a contributor for Forbes, Jackleen continues to shape the health-tech landscape. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and has a passion for soccer, and she remains an active member of WBL (Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Health Care Industry Foundation).

Jason Schuster

Doctor of Physical Therapy and Owner of Intricate Art Spine & Body Solutions

Why You Should Follow Jason Schuster

Jason is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the founder of Intricate Art Spine & Body Solutions, a continuing education platform helping healthcare professionals sharpen both clinical and business skills. Through his CEU Central community, he provides board-certified courses in dry needling, nutrition, and business, giving clinicians practical tools to enhance patient outcomes and professional growth. His mission focuses on delivering high-impact education, fostering collaboration, and supporting long-term success.

John A. Gallucci Jr.

President & CEO at JAG Physical Therapy

Why you should follow John A. Gallucci Jr.

John is a nationally recognized voice in physical therapy and sports medicine, with a career that bridges clinical excellence, media presence, and authorship. He's frequently featured on outlets like ESPN, PIX11, and Fox5, and is the author of Soccer Injury Prevention & Treatment and co-author of Play Ball: Don't Let Injuries Sideline You This Season. His third and most personal book, The JAG Method, offers a motivational roadmap for personal and professional growth.

Beyond his role as President & CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, Gallucci continues to serve as Assistant Chief Medical Officer for Major League Soccer and consults with professional athletes across sports. He's also been a clinical instructor at institutions like Columbia and Rutgers and remains deeply committed to giving back through community health and youth sports initiatives.

John DeLucchi

CEO & Co-Founder of COACH!; Regional Vice President at Compleat Rehab & Sports Therapy

John DeLucchi is a powerhouse in musculoskeletal (MSK) care, blending clinical expertise, operational strategy, and bold innovation to reshape how care is delivered. As Co-Founder and CEO of COACH!, he leads the vision and execution of a next-gen health and fitness coaching platform built on the HURT! Network, designed to reduce inefficiencies, improve outcomes, and humanize the patient experience for surgeons and physical therapists alike.

John has since moved on from his previous clinic-management role and now also serves as Regional Vice President at Compleat Rehab & Sports Therapy, where he oversees clinical, administrative, and financial operations across multiple locations. Armed with his DPT and MBA, he brings a systems-thinking approach to leadership, data analysis, and scalable care design.

John's skill set reads like a superpower roster: transforming MSK strategy with clinical clarity, decoding data into actionable insights, optimizing clinical workflows with precision, and building retention-driven teams and scalable growth models that work in real life, not just on paper. His current dual role, running a health-tech platform while overseeing a multi-site rehab operation, makes him a useful case study for clinicians thinking about how technology can support, rather than replace, clinical judgment.

Joseph Lowe

Founder at Pure PT Supply

Why you should follow Joseph Lowe

Joseph is a lifelong entrepreneur who's bringing a bold, fresh mindset to the physical therapy supply world. After years of running e-commerce businesses, he is now on a mission to flip the script in PT by helping clinic owners keep more of their hard-earned profits rather than handing them over to overpriced product companies. He is challenging the status quo and building solutions that truly serve the people on the frontlines.

Julia Lerond

Regional Manager of Operations (CA/NV) at ACP

Why you should follow Julia Lerond

Julia is a high-performing healthcare leader known for balancing clinical excellence with strategic operations. She managed 14 clinics while maintaining a full patient caseload, sharpening her ability to prioritize, lead, and deliver outstanding care. After transitioning into digital health, she rose into regional operations leadership, where she now oversees California and Nevada, leveraging technology to improve outcomes and scale patient impact. Julia thrives on driving innovation, exceeding performance metrics, and mentoring others as she continues to grow her influence. Based in Santa Paula, CA, she enjoys traveling with her husband and dog, Barley, and is always on the hunt for great food, hidden breweries, and local wineries.

Jumaah I. Goldberg

Chief Strategy Officer at NeuroLight

Why you should follow Jumaah I. Goldberg

Jumaah Goldberg is a strategic healthcare leader with 18-plus years of experience guiding pharmaceutical and medical technology organizations through complex global launches. After leading strategy consulting engagements at Lumanity, she was appointed Chief Strategy Officer at NeuroLight in August 2025, where she now drives commercialization strategy for the company's brain state transfer technology. Known for blending scientific expertise with business strategy, she has played a key role in bringing multiple neuroscience therapies and medical devices to market, including a stint as Head of US Medical Affairs-Neuroscience at Ipsen, where she was recognized as Innovator of the Year in 2023. Jumaah thrives in cross-functional environments, aligning stakeholders from key opinion leaders (KOLs) to regulatory agencies and patient advocacy groups to drive innovation and improve outcomes.

Katie O'Bright

Owner, Educator at Redefine Health Education

Why you should follow Katie O'Bright

Katie is redefining continuing education for physical therapists through her company, Redefine Health Education. She focuses on equipping PTs in primary care roles with cutting-edge, practical training, and in 2026 she was featured on an APTA podcast discussing the newly published Primary Care Physical Therapy consensus definition. A residency-trained and board-certified orthopedic Doctor of Physical Therapy, she brings strong clinical expertise, especially in managing hip and pelvic conditions. She's a standout leader pushing the boundaries of how PTs learn and grow in modern practice.

Mark Kargela

Founder at Modern Pain Care

Why you should follow Mark Kargela

Mark is the Founder of Modern Pain Care, a company committed to transforming how pain is understood and managed globally through clinician education and patient empowerment. With nearly a decade at the helm, he has developed practical frameworks that challenge outdated beliefs and bring science-backed strategies to the forefront of care. He also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at a leading university, where he mentors the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through the Modern Pain Podcast, now past 200 episodes and covering topics from pain neuroscience to AI's role in musculoskeletal care, Mark creates a space for diverse perspectives, including clinicians, researchers, and patients, to share insights and advance meaningful conversations around pain.

Lance Mabry

Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at High Point University; Instructor at Redefine Health Education

Why you should follow Lance

Lance is a passionate advocate for the physical therapy profession, with a strong focus on advancing the field through research, policy, and education. Now an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at High Point University, where he teaches courses on primary care, diagnostic imaging, and professional leadership, he continues to instruct with Redefine Health Education on the side. He's dedicated to creating a stronger, more unified voice for physical therapists, pushing for better recognition and support across the healthcare system. Whether through his academic work, legislative advocacy, or thought leadership, Lance is constantly working to elevate the profession and its impact.

Ryan Martin

Business Partner & Director, MSK Education at Modern Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine

Why you should follow Ryan Martin

Ryan is a seasoned physical therapist with a specialization in musculoskeletal ultrasound, and he is passionate about advancing the field of physical therapy. He is deeply invested in empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals through education, and now holds the title of Business Partner & Director, MSK Education at Modern Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, where he continues to shape the future of MSK ultrasound training alongside his work as an instructor with the Advanced Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Center. His commitment to innovation extends beyond his role as an educator. Through his LinkedIn group called "Physical Therapy Outside the Box," he is bringing together professionals from all corners of healthcare to challenge conventional practices, share insights, and foster discussions that lead to breakthroughs.

Todd Norwood

Senior Director, Clinical Services at Omada Health

Why you should follow Todd Norwood

Todd is a trailblazer in digital physical therapy. As the clinical leader and founding member of Physera, he built and scaled one of the first nationwide networks of exclusively telehealth PTs. His early work earned him four patents in computer vision and machine learning. After Physera's acquisition by Omada Health in 2020, Todd transitioned into his current role as Senior Director of Clinical Services, where he led the team through rapid growth and spearheaded the initiative that earned Omada an early URAC telehealth accreditation in the MSK space. He has since earned his FACHE (Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives) credential, underscoring his growing focus on healthcare leadership and management.

A respected thought leader, Todd has been published in major journals and invited to speak by leading healthcare organizations. He's also a contributor to product development, shaping clinical workflows and integrating emerging tech to enhance patient care. Outside the clinic, he's a competitive cyclist, Stanford sports fan, and an active mentor and coach in the PT community.

Quick Reference: Who's Who

Here's a quick-glance summary of these 2026 thought leaders, their focus areas, and where to follow them.

The future of physical therapy isn't just being written. It's being built, taught, coded, filmed, and lived by these standout professionals. Their work reminds us that innovation in our field doesn't always come from big systems. It often starts with one clinician challenging the status quo, one idea that redefines care, or one conversation that sparks a new path.

Follow these thought leaders. Learn from them. Connect with them. And if you feel inspired, join them in shaping a future where physical therapy isn't just reactive care, but a proactive, dynamic force in modern healthcare.