May 2026 PULSE

The PULSE The PULSE MAY 2026

I would like to see improvements made to the health insurance program.

Great environment

I miss the healthcare rewards program.

Burst Mode: 2026 Engagement Surveys I love my job; love my team

Love the team I Education on other retirement funds and work with. Flexibility is great talks on investing for future financial planning

Address Listening, Learning, and Making PTSMC a Great Place to Work Historically, PTSMC has administered an annual employee engagement survey. It is important to us to get a measured sense of how our people are feeling about working here and provide an opportunity for everyone share what’s working, what’s not, and what they’d love to see. Feedback helps us figure out what matters and how we can make things better for everyone.

Looking ahead to 2027, there was particular interest in the Gallup Q12 model due to its reputation and simplicity, consisting of just 12 highly targeted questions.

In the interim, we recognized the need for more agile ways to stay connected to employee sentiment. That led us to the Employee Value & Perception Study (EVPS), where we took a deeper dive into benefits.

Energage had told us this was an area most people were were least satisfied. Yet the Energage results provided no specifics. The EVPS gave us some additional guidance on what matters most to our people when it comes to benefits.

Looking back, it was great to try something new. We We have been at this a long time! Starting in 2010 know that EVPS was a very extensive survey and we’ve PTSMC elected to participate in the Top Workplaces learned from that. program, which included the administration of the In 2026 the approach we are taking is to use BURST Energage Employee Engagement Survey. The next surveys. Burst (also known as pulse) surveys are one of fourteen years we listened and learned from the the latest trends in the engagement world. The process survey responses. We also had the opportunity to involves brief, focused surveys, administered at various celebrate being recognized as a Top Workplace. times through the year, to capture timely insights on The honors and awards are awesome. The responses key elements of the employee experience. Similar to and comments were where I always found the most how that Gallup Q12 survey is designed, less questions value; where employees engaged! is more!

When our employees tell us what is needed, we do our Read on in the main feature of the PULSE, for the to respond. That could mean improving wellness perks, process. tweaking things to help with life balance, or offering I am looking forward to trying something new again, to new ways to grow careers. continue to check-in and gauge how people are feeling There is no “one size fits all” approach to being an about their work experience. The shorter survey format “employer of choice”. will hopefully help us also have more focused analysis.

Long and extensive surveys can be challenging to As we approached 2025, leadership saw an complete and to analyze. I think this new approach will opportunity to explore new methods for capturing result in improvements on understanding what PTSMC employee feedback. In February 2025, Partners and needs to continue to do or change.

Directors reviewed several options, including continuing with Energage, implementing a 62-question No matter our process to companywide feedback, the survey through EANE (Employers Association of the goal remains the same; to have opportunity for people Northeast), and exploring the Gallup Q12 survey. to be open and honest. By keeping the conversation open and always working to improve, we are trying to In addition to evaluating survey tools, we also make sure PTSMC is a place people are excited to join discussed how and how often we measure and happy to stick around. engagement. While there was strong agreement that a comprehensive, externally administered engagement I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to survey is important, leadership aligned on a new respond to these bursts when received. You will help cadence… conducting a large-scale survey every three guide the decision making at every level in the years rather than annually. organization. Help us make PTSMC better!

PTSMC Lunch & Learns

Announcements

Join us for a series of informative and engaging sessions aimed at offering valuable resources to enhance your knowledge!

Financial Resilience & Longevity May 13: Two Sessions 12:30–1:15 PM – Early Career 1:30–2:15 PM – Growing Responsibilities / Early Family Years Presented by advisors at Connecticut Wealth Management CLICK HERE FOR SESSION DETAILS

Save The Date: June 24 Introduction to the NEW PTSMC Benefits Hub! Presented by the HR Team 11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Reach out to Nicole Dorosh with questions or for more info!

IN THIS ISSUE

Employees pg 6 Spotlight: Tracy Laramore, Billing Coordinator Main Feature pg 7-8 Burst Mode: 2026 Engaegment Surveys

Highlights & Happenings pg 9-12 DEI pg 13 Jury Duty: A Real-World Lesson in Listening, Respect & Responsibility

Are You Or Your Coworker Graduating?!

We would love to highlight and celebrate graduations in the PULSE!

Use this form to share graduation information and a photos.

Reach out to Mallory Izmirlian with any questions

May DEI Forum Thursday, May 28 2:30-3:00 PM Topic: LGBTQ+: Building a Meaningful PRIDE Month Together RSVP by email to: Marilex.Harwood@ptsmc.com

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CIA pg 14 Prompt Sidekick App Clinicians Corner pg 15-16 3 Quick Movement Tests Every Golfer Should Pass Before the Season Starts

Rehabilitation of the Injured Runner Course WHERE The Taft School Athletic Facilities 90 Guernseytown Road Watertown, CT 06795

WHY Grow your understanding of overuse injuries in running Learn how to evaluate and address common faulty running mechanics Understand how to safely progress training load for runners Learn how to manage common running-related injuries Here is a link for more course details: ptonice.com/our-courses

WHEN June 6-7, 2026 8am - 5pm Sat & Sun

REGISTER NOW Click this link to secure your spot: Rehabilitation of the Injured Runner – Fill out form Email ConEd@ptsmc.com with any questions!

ORTHOPAEDIC RESIDENCY INFO SESSION

Learn how PTSMC’s program is unique, will level up your practice, and advance your career path.

A time to ask questions about this opportunity!

MEET THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Danielle Dunn PT, DPT, OCS, MTC Expert-led labs & lectures Advanced mentorship Clinical schedule options Leadership & development pathway

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 8:00-8:30 PM Virtual Session

Join from anywhere

RSVP

danielle.dunn@ptsmc.com

5K

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PTSMC WALLINGFORD IS HOSTING A RACE!

STRIDE TO PROVIDE

STRONG STEPS, FULL PLATES.

Join us for a 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk to support our local food pantry Master’s Manna as they celebrate their 20th anniversary!

START TIME 9AM-1PM DAG MIDDLE SCHOOL 106 Pond Hill Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 RACE WEBSITE CLICK HERE REGISTER NOW!

PARTNER WITH US

sponsor OUR 5K WE INVITE LOCAL BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS TO SPONSOR OUR MISSION TO SUPPORT MASTER’S MANNA IN THEIR EFFORTS TO ASSIST HOMELESS, NEAR HOMELESS, LOW TO MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS IN OBTAINING ESSENTIAL LIFE NEEDS. Provide shelter and food for those in need

Advertise your business on shirts/website Support local businesses CONTACT ELENA KELLEHER, WALLINGFORD ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, IF YOU HAVE A CONNECTION INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP!

RAFFLE PRIZES! AWARDS FOR TOP FINISHERS!

5K WALK RUN

CALL: (203) 793-7592 EMAIL: ELENA.KELLEHER@PTSMC.COM

Welcome

ptsmc employees

Natalie Crocker New Haven PT Aide

Livia Fiordelisi Watertown PSC

Honna Flores Manchester PT Aide

ome Back!

Welc

Sophia Koveleskie Westbrook PTA

Mariah Rasmussen Norwich PTA

Marisa Tortolano Data Analyst

May Anniversaries

Not Pictured New Employees Leilani Fecho, Essex PT Aide

Years Wanda Figueroa

Bryce Sheehan, Wallingford PT Aide Ellie Weinzimer, Westbrook PT Aide Stars are referred by current employees!

Year

Chasity Troyer Gavin Bravado Taylor Hyde Logan Rathbun Kevin Sari Sami Brodeur Sarah Lagasse Emily Sternat Audrey Montero Krystiana Torres Timothy Baumer Mina Vidal Stephanie Ager Brooklyn Platt

Accounting

Authorization PT Aide PT PT Aide PT Aide PT PT Aide PT PT Aide Marketing PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide PT Aide

Admin

Admin Middletown Naugatuck New London Watertown Watertown Watertown Windsor Fairfield Admin Bristol Glastonbury Wallingford Orange

Emp

T r a c yo r e SPOT LIGHT L a r a m

loyee

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Tracy Laramore, Billing Coordinator, brings many years of experience and knowledge to PTSMC, no matter the distance! Prior to joining PTSMC, Tracy spent five years handling benefit authorizations, billing, collections, front desk responsibilities, and transcription at another outpatient PT clinic. In 2008, after her third child went off to preschool, she joined the Watertown clinic as a part-time PSC. When Waterbury moved to its location on West Main Street, Tracy helped support Erin Walsh (Waterbury Partner) with the transition and never left! At a time when the clinic needed additional administrative support, Tracy stepped into a new role, becoming one of PTSMC’s first Patient Services Administrators.

Fast forward to February 2022, Tracy resigned from PTSMC to relocate to Indiana.

But her time with PTSMC wasn’t over just yet! A year later, Sandy Wickman Mason (VP of Operations) reached out to her with a remote opportunity as PTSMC prepared to bring revenue cycle management in-house. Tracy jumped at the opportunity to return, working on liens and billing while also supporting the Virtual Services Department as a VPSC. Accustomed to the energy of a busy clinic and daily in-person collaboration, Tracy initially missed the daily bustle and conversation. Over time, she adjusted to remote work, becoming comfortable using digital tools to stay connected with her team and the clinics. Having worked with so many partners and directors, clinicians, and front desk staff over the years, she still feels a strong sense of camaraderie and connection!

Tracy has worked alongside Director of Billing, Jenn Detlefsen, since the creation of the Billing department and credits the decision to bring billing in-house as a true game changer to making our processes faster and more efficient. In 2025, Tracy was promoted to Billing Coordinator. She felt the role was a natural fit given her background and experience. Still working remotely, Tracy makes an effort to always be actively engaged. She’s enjoyed participating in HR Virtual Road Trips and is a recent graduate of the Admin Leadership & Management Development Program!

When she’s away from her desk, Tracy makes the most of her time by traveling and enjoying moments with family. Family time is something she truly treasures, whether it’s a quick visit to see her children back in New England or a longer trip centered around a milestone event. This May will be especially meaningful as Tracy travels back for her daughter’s graduation from Providence College. She’s excited to celebrate the moment and spend quality time with her children. She also plans to detour to Finger Lakes in NY for some exploration.

Tracy and her husband share a dream of retiring and traveling the country by RV, including a trip to Alaska. They’ve now got a truck, and the next big-ticket item to buy is a trailer. Tracy has begun checking off her bucket-list destinations, including Yellowstone and Dauphin Island. Yellowstone is her favorite so far, with its incredible wildlife and picturesque mountain views. She is eager to continue her adventures exploring how life and landscapes differ across the country.

FUN FACT Tracy and her stepson make Christmas cookies together every year on Thanksgiving!

MAY FEATURE

Burst Mode:

2026 ENGAGEMENT SURVEYS In 2026 PTSMC is taking a new approach to measuring employee engagement and gathering feedback on the workplace experience.

OUR JOURNEY TO A BETTER WAY TO LISTEN

20102024

ENERGAGE ENGAGEMENT SURVEY

This tool served us well for over a decade, providing valuable insights into our organization and contributing to an achievement we are incredibly proud of helping us earn Top Workplaces recognition for 14 consecutive years regionally and 5 years nationally for a people first culture.

EVPS WITH ONEDIGITAL

2025

We administered the Employee Value & Perception Study (EVPS) in partnership with OneDigital, focusing specifically on understanding what matters most to our employees in terms of benefits. A summary of those results was shared in the January 2026 PULSE.

BURST SURVEYS

2026

We are introducing a simpler and more sustainable approach in 2026.

Central to this strategy is the use of burst surveys. They are short, focused surveys, distributed periodically throughout the year to capture real-time insights on specific aspects of the employee experience.

Our approach combines the strengths of the Gallup framework with the flexibility of burst surveys by prioritizing fewer questions, asked more intentionally over time.

This approach allows us to listen more consistently, respond more effectively, dive deeper into feedback and better understand trends over time, while respecting everyone’s time and input.

We are excited about this evolution and look forward to continuing to build an exceptional workplace.

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WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026 Here is an overview of our engagement survey plan for the year:

Two core surveys will be conducted in June and September

Each survey will be up to 10 questions

Includes an Employer Net Promoter Score (eNPS) question

Includes an open-ended response opportunity

Surveys will be anonymous Based on results, there may be follow up with short, targeted burst surveys to explore specific topics more deeply FOUR KEY THEMES

BASIC NEEDS

PROTECTED INSIGHTS TRANSPARENCY

INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCE

TEAMWORK

GROWTH

One to two demographic questions will be included to help identify trends, while maintaining a strong commitment to anonymity and psychological safety Survey results and insights will be shared with both leadership and employees

YOUR FEEDBACK HELPS SHAPE OUR WORKPLACE - THANK YOU!

HIGHLIGHTS Celebrating our people, clinics, and communities

Virginia (Katz) is excellent. She always asks before the session begins how I’m feeling and how I felt after leaving the previous appointment. She will give me some stretching excercises to do and will watch me perform them and will show me any mistakes I’m making if I’m not doing the motion the correct way.

She truly cares about her patients and isn’t just going through the motions.

-Branford Josh (McAdams) and his team provide a unique atmosphere and skill set that I have not seen before.

Every patient is treated with care, thoughtful listening, and providing a tailored treatment plan based on individual needs. Their goal is to get you back to a normal lifestyle. The enviorment is very friendly, almost family like. It is very apparent that the entire staff enjoys working with each other and patients alike.

-Danbury

PTSMC was ranked #1 for physical therapy in Litchfield Magazine’s, “The Best of Litchfield County”! New Milford was specifically named in the article- CONGRATULATIONS. Shoutout to Watertown as well who is also in this region!

Eric (Horne), the PT I see is the best, and I literally refer everyone that I know to him because he has helped me so much.

-Easthampton, MA

Emily Pelz and Bri Boulerice presented together at the Waterbury Senior Center on balance, dizziness, and reducing fall risk.

CAUGHT IN THE MEDIA!

Fab 5

Clean, friendly environment. Professional, understanding and knowledgeable staff. Truly concerned about the patient.

-Newington Friendly, professional atmospshere. I like that there are physical therapists available during each of my visits. I have taken family and friends to other physical therapy areas and some only have a therapist a couple times a week and then a therapy aide takes over making sure that the client does the excerise right.

-Plainville

This month was all about viral challenges! Wallingford went viral on TikTok with over 1 million views with a “Who did it best?” mobility plank challenge.

Guilford tried the stim & water drinking challenge. Staff made attempts at drinking water while having their arm attached to a stim machine.

On the Road with the PLs Fairfield hosted Dr. Jacob Lurie & Dr. Shyam Desai from OSG and were joined by Shelton & Orange clinicians.

Our OTs from New Haven, Guilford, and Branford met with Dr. Andrea Halim and Dr. Rey Ramirez, Yale Ortho Hand Surgeons.

Clinicians from Waterbury & Naugatuck met with Dr. Annie Ong, internist from Trinity Health of New England.

Orange clinicians met with Dr. Ilda Molloy, from Yale Orthopedics.

Chris & Heather represented PTSMC at the Connecticut Orthopaedic Society (COS) 2026 Annual Meeting.

10 Mike Stofko (Shelton) met virtually with Dr. Sarah Ballatalli from Yale Oncology.

Dana Colonese (Orange)met with OP Specialty Bracing.

Rebecca Sauve (Naugatuck) met with Dr. Jabbour, hand surgeon from HHC. Clinicians from New Haven & Orange met virtually with APRN Breann Wise Yale ENT. Simsbury hosted a Meet & Greet with Dr. Subramanyam, UCONN Ortho Trauma, and were joined by Avon & West Hartford.

Kyleen Sidwell (Putnam), Micaela Pina (Danielson) & Michelle Gallerani (New London) had an introduction meeting with Dr. Gauthier & Dr. Pantuosco at Orthopedic Partners.

Student Program Update CI’s with May Students Becca Ferlazzo, Glastonbury, will host Lilian Amoako from American International College (AIC) Sam McMullen & Xantiana Sanchez, Southington, will host Austin Farb, Husson University Xavier Gibson, Naugatuck, will host Allie Smith from Husson Josh McAdams, Danbury, will host Jedidiah Weires from Marist University Liza Peressini, Danbury, will host Hunter Ances from Sacred Heart University (SHU) Ryan Solorzano, Hamden, will host Mark Vazquez from SHU Kyleen Sidwell, Putnam, will host William Hamill from UCONN Shawn Nash, Manchester, will host Mason Goddell from University of Hartford (UHart) Cody Filingeri, Avon, will host Simantha Brisman from UHart Shana Virtudes, Newington, will host Carson Gotimer from UHart Vladimir Smolgovskiy & Nate Gockel, West Hartford, will host Emma Pinkston from UHart

I could not have asked for a better first clinical experience. The staff at PTSMC were extremely friendly and supportive and were always there to provide advice and learning opportunities.

-Student on first affiliation

Shout-Out Your Specialties Students are seeking out clinical experiences that provide specialized treatment techniques and unique patient populations. Specific areas of focus include, concussion, sports, vestibular, oncology, lymphedema, performing arts, geriatrics, neuro and pediatrics.

Want to share your passion? Reach out to Juliann Chacko or Kevin Howard.

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE MEGHAN BLANUSA MTC Certified

Completed her MTC (Manual Therapy Certification) through EIM (Evidence In Motion).

HARRY GEORGES CSCS Certified

Completed his CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist) certification through NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association)

KATHERINE FAN

Congrats DOCS Grad!

Emily Mantz PT, DPT Fairfield Physical Therapist

I really enjoyed all of the skills labs of the DOCS program to review past topics and to hear different ideas and techniques from other providers.

Now that I have completed DOCS, I am looking forward to obtaining my Schroth certification and continuing education focused on working with dancers, with the goal of becoming a dance PT.

Goal : Become a dance PT

COMT Certified

SIPTA

GRADUATES

Completed her COMT (Certified Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Therapist) Certification through NAIMT (North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy).

Congrats to the following PT Aides who completed the Skills Introduction for PT Aides Program:

Jaimi Anderson, Branford Ryan Carterud, New London Leilani Fecho, Essex Blake Guarda, Plainville

DOCS UPPER EXTREMITY COURSE

The DOCS Upper Extremity Course was hosted at the Naugatuck clinic in April, instructed by Andrew Kalach and assisted by Xavier Gibson.

LMDP & ALMDP

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20 YEAR PS T

The April 16 LMDP group met with guest instructors! Pictured top left Presentation Skills was also held for to bottom right: Emily Pelz, Justin Marceau, Xavier Gibson, Mike this group of ALMDP & staff who Durand, Micaela Pina, Leah speak and present regularly. Top Cummings, Devin Kelly, Sandy left to right: Evelyn Villarreal Wickman Mason, Sean Donohue, Laclede, Chris Colley, Harry and guests John Demitrus, Caty Georges, Mary Jo, Emily Fillion, Mulligan and Ryan Balavender.

Kristen Tolo and Dani Casey

Happenings!

This LMDP group completed Presentation Skills with Mary Jo Leahy on March 26. From left to right: Jeff Panepento, Leah Cummings, Brianne Dwyer, Mike Popolizio, Jacky Fernandez, Ryan Nguyen, Ray Weitekamp, and Liz Rubbo

PTSMC was a Gold Sponsor for the 2026 National Advocacy Dinner (NAD) at QU. Chris Chimento represented, connecting with PT/PTA students across CT

Congratulations to Devin Kelly who married Allie on March 28 in Hawaii!

Congrats again to Dan Vala on graduating from PTSMC's Orthopedic Residency Program! Picture here at a celebratory dinner.

JURY DUTY A REAL-WORLD LESSON IN Listening, Respect & Responsibilty

Most people hear “jury duty” and immediately start thinking of every possible way to get out of it. I was no different. It felt like an inconvenience, a disruption and not something I was looking forward to.

What I walked into ended up being one of the most real, unfiltered human experiences I have had in a long time.

The case itself was heavy. It was a civil case centered around excessive force involving police officers. There were strong emotions, complex details, and a lot at stake for the people involved.

I was selected by my fellow jurors as the Foreperson.

This is the presiding juror who acts as the spokesperson and leader of a jury during deliberations. The foreperson is responsible for directing, overseeing work quality, and signing official documents. I had responsibility to ensure ten jurors could work through something difficult, together.

Our jurors had different backgrounds, life experiences, communication styles, and very different initial opinions about the case. Some people were confident and assertive. Others were quiet and deeply thoughtful.

Some were firm in their stance early on. Others needed time to do their processing.

We spent six days deliberating, listening, questioning, revisiting evidence, and challenging our own assumptions. Ten people trying to navigate their difference resulted in moments of tension, moments where voices got stronger and moments where it would have been easier for people to shut down or dig in deeper. The responsibility to come to an agreement was anything but simple.

Amongst the deliberating, something else happened too... When people felt heard, they stayed engaged.

When conversations slowed down, thinking deepened.

When questions were asked instead of conclusions pushed, perspectives began to shifted and evolved.

DIVERSITY. EQUITY. INCLUSION.

Sitting in that room, I felt the weight of ten people who took their responsibility seriously, ensuring their answer was one they truly and collectively stood behind.

In many ways, that jury room felt like the most real version of DEI work I have seen. Not in a structured training or a defined conversation. In a group of people figuring out how to listen to each other, respect differences, and work toward something fair.

It made me think about the environments we create every day.

Do people feel heard before we expect them to align?

Do we create space for different perspectives, even when they challenge our own?

Do we guide conversations in a way that builds understanding, or do we rush toward being right?

In our clinics, we work with people who bring their own beliefs, fears, and experiences into the room. Just like that jury, alignment is not always immediate. How we show up in those moments matters.

I walked into jury duty expecting to get through it. I left with a deeper understanding of what it really looks like to bring people together. And a new appreciation for the responsibility we carry, not just in what we say, also in how we help others feel heard while we say it.

Stronger Together

CIA Report

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Clinical Information Analyst Prompt Sidekick App

As we encourage patients to move, engage, and stay active during rehab, the new Prompt Sidekick App allows clinicians to document in real time while moving with them. This mobile tool streamlines clinical documentation by letting clinicians record sessions directly from their smartphones, removing the need to stay tethered to a computer. With access to the full daily schedule and one‑tap options like Auto Note or Dictation, documentation becomes more natural, efficient, and aligned with how care is delivered in the gym.

Recommendations

A few best practices help ensure a smooth experience.

PTSMC policy on devices connecting to the business WiFi is for business purposes only. Cell phones using the Sidekick app are approved to connect to the business WiFi.

1.Download Prompt Sidekick App on either the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).

2.Log in to the Prompt Sidekick app to view the schedule for the day.

3.Select the patient currently being treated from the schedule.

4.Begin documentation by recording audio directly on mobile device.

5.Start recording by tapping Auto Note or Dictation.

Auto Note captures the entire session and uses AI to generate a structured note.

Dictation converts spoken words into text.

6.End the recording by pressing the red stop button.

7.Keep the recording screen open until the upload fully completes before switching patients or closing the app.

Feedback

Prompt Sidekick continues to evolve, and clinician feedback is vital to improving the experience. If you encounter issues or have suggestions, please reach out to Cait Arnold or Lindsey Scianna.

When using a cell phone, be sure settings are set to SILENT. Placement of the cell phone should be out of sight of the clinician and the patient to eliminate cell phone NOTIFICATION DISTRACTION. Place the phone slightly away from the immediate treatment space, or in a pocket are options.

As soon as it’s appropriate, stop recording and put the cell phone away to ensure the patient feels your full attention.

Troubleshooting

If the patient schedule does not appear, try pulling down on the screen to refresh. If this doesn’t work, confirm that the phone’s operating system is up to date.

Recordings are easy to find once you return to a computer. In most cases, they automatically appear in the patient’s note. If the recording doesn’t appear right away, refreshing the page usually fixes the issue.

Accidental recordings may always be removed by opening the note on a computer, selecting the recording, clicking the three dots, and choosing Clear Results.

Questions about Sidekick or Prompt Snapshot?

Ask your clinic's Prompt Champion or email CIA@ptsmc.com

Clinicians Corner

3 Quick Movement Tests Every Golfer Should Pass Before the Season Starts TJ Bresnahan, PT, DPT New London Physical Therapist

As the weather starts to turn and courses begin to open back up, a lot of the golfers I work with are eager to get out and start swinging again. Most of the focus this time of year is on getting back to the driving range and dialing in mechanics, but one thing I consistently see overlooked is how well the body is moving going into the season.

The golf swing is a full-body movement that relies on a combination of mobility, stability, and coordination. When something is limited, whether it’s hip mobility, thoracic rotation, or balance, the body will find a way to compensate. Over time, those compensations are often what lead to inconsistent swings, loss of distance, or the more common complaints we see in the clinic like lower back, shoulder, or elbow pain.

In the clinic, I often use movement-based assessments to help identify these limitations early. Systems like those developed by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) share a lot of overlap with other clinical tools such as the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA). Both assessments focus on how the body moves as a system, which tends to be much more useful than looking at individual muscles in isolation, especially for a rotational sport like golf.

Below are three quick movement tests I commonly use that golfers can try on their own before the season starts.

1. Seated Trunk Rotations Rotation through the thoracic spine is a key component of an efficient golf swing. When I see limitations here, the lower back usually ends up compensating.

How to Perform: Sit upright in a chair with your feet flat on the ground and arms crossed over your chest. Keeping your hips still, rotate your shoulders to each side as far as you can.

What to Look For: You should be able to rotate about 45 degrees or more in both directions without your hips shifting.

Why It Matters: If rotation is limited, it can lead to a shorter backswing and increased stress on the lower back as it tries to make up the difference.

2. Single-Leg Balance Test A lot of golfers don’t realize how important balance is in the swing. In the clinic, this is one of the first things I look at, especially in patients dealing with inconsistency or lower body discomfort.

How to Perform: Stand on one leg with your hands on your hips and hold your balance for 10 seconds.

What to Look For: Excessive wobbling, hip drop, or needing to put the other foot down are all signs that stability may be lacking.

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Why It Matters: Poor single-leg control can affect weight transfer and lead to compensations that place added stress on the knees and lower back.

3. Overhead Shoulder Mobility Test Shoulder and upper back mobility are important for getting into good positions during both the backswing and followthrough. When this is limited, I’ll often see golfers compensate through their spine.

How to Perform: Stand tall and raise both arms overhead, trying to keep them in line with your ears without arching your lower back.

What to Look For: If you have difficulty getting your arms overhead or need to lean back to do it, there may be restrictions in the shoulders or thoracic spine.

Why It Matters: Limitations here can impact swing mechanics and may contribute to shoulder or elbow irritation over time.

From a clinical perspective, these movement limitations often underlie both reduced performance and increased risk of injury. The goal isn’t to overhaul your swing, but to make sure your body can move into the positions your swing requires.

For many of the golfers I work with, addressing these areas leads to noticeable improvements, not just in how they feel, but in how consistently they’re able to swing the club. Even small changes in mobility or stability can make a big difference over the course of a round.

Taking a few minutes to check in on your movement before the season starts can go a long way. In many cases, improving how your body moves can be just as important as the time you spend practicing your swing.

Click Here for References

2026 PTSMC Sponsored Courses

2026 DOCS Program Courses

Myopain: Dry Needling Certification DN 2: May 15 -17 DN 3: August 14-16 All held at QU North Haven Campus

Lower Extremity August 1, 2026 Instructed by: Melissa Boutagy, PT, DPT, OCS, CMT, CMTPT Clinical Compliance Officer & Guilford PT Location: PTSMC Guilford

Institute of Clinical Excellence: Rehabilitation of the Injured Runner June 6-7, 2026 Location: The Taft School, Watertown Institute of Clinical Excellence: Cervical Spine Management October 17-18, 2026 Location: PTSMC Southbury Still in the works...

IAMT: Exercise Prescription (Month TBD)

Introduction to the Assessment & Treatment of the Concussed Patient November 7, 2026 Instructed by: Rick Purdy, PT, CMTPT New Haven PT Location: PTSMC New Haven

CLICK HERE FOR ALL COURSE REGISTRATION LINKS!

Editorial Team & Content Contributors Co-Editor Marilex Harwood

Co-Editor Mallory Izmirlian

Contributor Alan Balavender

Contributor Meghan Blanusa

Contributor Sandra Boccialetti

Contributor Juliann Chacko

Contributor Emily Fillion

Contributor Kristen Forster

Contributor Aneesa Mohamed

Contributor Caty Mulligan

Contributor Bri Rivera

Contributor

DEI Lead & Senior Internal Communications Coordinator

Director of Culture & Engagement

Clinical Excellence Coordinator & Naugatuck PT

Director of Human Resources

Senior Marketing Coordinator

AVP of Operations

Training & Development Coordinator

President

Orange Assistant Director & Director of Student Program

Administrative Office Assistant

Janet Tarasuk

Administrative Assistant

Practice Liaison

Contributor

Sandy Wickman Mason VP of Operations

Featured This Month: CIA Report Lindsey Scianna

CIA Report Caitlyn Arnold

CIA & New London PT

CIA & Watertown Assistant Director

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

PT Avon Danbury East Hampton Essex Glastonbury Groton Guilford Hamden Lock St Manchester New Haven New Milford Newington Newtown Norwich Westbrook Wethersfield Windsor

PSC Danbury New Milford Westbrook PCC Westbrook

Clinicians Corner TJ Bresnahan

PT AIDE Groton Guilford Middletown New Haven Orange Southbury Waterbury Westbrook

Admin Accountant Patient Account Receivable Rep.

Industrial & Tactical Athletic Trainer Putnam

Contact Karen Havlicek if you are interested in a position

New London PT

Referral Bonus Opportunities

ADMIN Hourly: $500 ADMIN Salary: $1000 ADMIN Director: $2000 AT: $1000 PT/OT: $2000

PTA: $1000 PSC: $500 PT Aide: $25 at time of hire, $100 after 180 days of employment.

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