Interview with Dr. Ryan DeBell, DC

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Ryan DeBell from The Movement Fix. During the interview, we discussed everything from movement assessment, to great physical therapy resources, and the relationship between physical therapists and chiropractors. 

---

Chiro vs. Physical Therapy

In the United States there is some political controversy regarding which states can perform manipulations; but the conversation should stop there. The fact that people still place a 'vs' in the question is hilarious. Both professions were founded on principles of health and wellness. We all have the same goal of getting people better! As Dr. DeBell states, "if you have time to worry about other people's professions, you need to figure out some stuff to do...go read a book and get better!" From a clinical standpoint, if someone finds another professional a threat to their practice, I suggest looking internally. There are definitely some insecurities that lie beneath the surface.

The day we start talking about collaboration over competition will be the day we start placing the patient at the center of care!

---

Movement Assessment

I initially interviewed Dr. DeBell for a new online resource I have been working on, The Movement Corner, so I was curious to see how he performed his evaluations. From a movement perspective, Dr. DeBell utilizes principles of the SFMA, Shirley Sahrmann, Stuart McGill, among a few others. However, I was excited to hear how much he focuses on the biopsychosocial approach to care. When I asked him about his standardized movement assessment, Dr. DeBell initially told a story about looking at the entire person first and foremost. The purpose of the story: not everyone needs a detailed movement examination! Sometimes identifying recent lifestyle changes or environmental factors is more important. As Dana Tew PT, DPT, OCS FAAOMPT, from the OPTIM Manual Therapy Fellowship states, "Don't miss the forest for the trees!" In other words, do not lose site of the entire person and solely focus on the impairments. 

Go to The Movement Corner

---

Suggested Resources

During the interview, Dr. DeBell and I discussed several of our favorite resources and great starting points for clinicians looking to improve their practice. Below the resources are broken down into both professional and personal development.

Physical Therapy/Healthcare Books: 
1) Stuart McGill: Low Back Disorders (or any book from McGill)
2) Shirley Sahrman Textbook
3) Gray Cook: Movement
​
​Life Improvement Books:
1) The Go Giver: A little story about powerful business ideas
2) The Slight Edge: Turning Discipline into Massive Success 
3) The Richest Man in Babylon
​4) Daily Domination Journal     <-- Dr. Ryan DeBell's Product!

---

Watch the Full Interview with Dr. DeBell

Thank you again Dr. DeBell! 
​-Jim Heafner PT, DPT, OCS