PT Podcast, Episode 9: Psychologically Informed Rehab

by | May 27, 2025 | Blog, Podcast, Videos

In his PT Podcast, University Orthopedics Physical Therapist Dan Bien discusses the role of therapy related to various orthopedic injuries and surgeries.

In Episode 9, Dan was joined by Dr. Kate Jochimsen, a clinician-scientist from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, whose work bridges biomechanics, pain psychology, and rehabilitation after hip arthroscopy. With an impressive research background, Dr. Jochimsen shares her expertise in hip screening tools, patient-centered care, and evidence-based interventions.

Topics Covered:

  • [3:10] Foundational Research: Dr. Jochimsen discusses her early work in post-hip arthroscopy outcomes and the need for robust, patient-focused tools.
  • [4:20] Selecting Screening Tools: A deep dive into tools like the OSPRO, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, PSEQ, and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, emphasizing patient communication and outcome-informed care.
  • [8:20–14:15] Clinical Frameworks: Exploration of the Doha and Warwick Agreements in classifying hip/groin pain and FAI (Femoroacetabular Impingement).
  • [17:46–24:16] Movement & Motor Function: She discusses movement impairments, compensation strategies, and dynamic joint stiffness, with references to her own peer-reviewed research.
  • [11:58–32:10] Psychological Dimensions of Pain: Highlights the relationship between psychological factors and recovery, integrating tools like graded exposure, breathing techniques, and SMART goal setting.
  • [36:23] Tech in Rehab: Introduction to mindfulness and VR tools such as Headspace, Calm, Curable, and RelieVRx, supporting mental health in recovery.
  • [37:15] Interdisciplinary Care: Emphasis on timely referral to psychologists and building cohesive care teams to support recovery.
  • [44:30] Future Directions: Dr. Jochimsen previews the Helping Improve Psychological Health (HIPS) initiative and ongoing research into the psychomotor aspects of hip pain.

 

About Dan Bien

Dan Bien is a physical therapist at our Kettle Point Campus in East Providence. Dan has worked at University Orthopedics since 2006 and serves as the Coordinator of Clinical Education for the physical therapy department.

Dan is currently recognized as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a Credentialed Clinical Instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association.

RELATED POSTS

The Importance of On-Field and On-Court Rehab After ACL Surgery

The Importance of On-Field and On-Court Rehab After ACL Surgery

ACL-reconstructed athletes should pay close attention to recent research findings regarding on-field rehab. A recent 2026 retrospective study from Della Villa et al. of the Isokinetic Medical Group examined the role of on-field rehab on return to play and reinjury...

Hamstring Injuries in Soccer: Evidence and Effective Rehab

Hamstring Injuries in Soccer: Evidence and Effective Rehab

The World Cup opens in June 2026 here in North America.  Already, many high profile players including Lamine Yamal, Alphonso Davies, Mo Salah, Achraf Hakimi, and Reece James have suffered hamstring injuries that put their availability for the World Cup in doubt....

FOLLOW REST PODCAST

Dan Bien, PT

REST Podcast

Videos

Blog

Follow Me
Copyright © 2026 Dan Bien, PT. All Rights Reserved.