Rehab Through PA and PT Collaboration

Krystal Martin, PT, DPT, MPAS, PA-C, who has worked as both a physical therapist (PT) and a PA, says her dual training offers a unique perspective in rehabilitation settings.

“My PA training complements the work of a PT by bringing a strong medical perspective — diagnosis, pharmacology, and management of coexisting conditions — while the PT perspective focuses on movement, function and independence,” said Martin. “With both perspectives, I am able to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses complex conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, vestibular dysfunction, spasticity, migraine, and traumatic brain injury — ultimately helping patients achieve better function, safety, and independence.”

Martin says that for PAs interested in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), developing neurologic and musculoskeletal exam skills is essential.

“Equally important is the ability to collaborate with therapists and the rehabilitation team to set functional goals while showing empathy toward patients with chronic conditions,” said Martin.

She added that PM&R often goes unnoticed until function is impaired.

“I often say PM&R is the specialty often overlooked until a patient’s function is affected. After surgery fixes the heart, brain, or joints, it ultimately comes down to function: is the patient safe, mobile, and able to return to meaningful life activities?”

Beyond clinical care, Martin believes PAs can play a key role in advocating for physical therapy.

“We can partner with physical therapists to advocate against reductions to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements that limit physical therapy coverage,” Martin said.

She also encourages interdisciplinary education, noting that joint training among PA, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing students fosters respect and collaboration.

“Teaching the next generation of rehabilitation professionals is incredibly rewarding, and I feel that I have made a positive difference by sharing my knowledge and passion for anatomy and science.”

Martin acknowledged that communication barriers can exist between PAs and PTs, often due to differing expectations for patient outcomes.

“Effective communication with nurses, physicians, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and case managers, along with the patient and their families, helps determine the most appropriate rehab disposition,” said Martin. “This collaborative communication improves patient-centered care and deepens respect for the value each team member brings.”

When asked whether she prefers being a PA or PT, Martin said she values both roles.

“I enjoy being a PA because of the wide variety of specialties, great autonomy and earning potential,” she said. “However, I know that becoming a PT helped me to become a more empathetic and compassionate PA.”

Martin credits her mother, Trudy, a longtime school PT in Detroit, as her inspiration. Trudy worked as a school PT in Detroit Public Schools for nearly 30 years, advocating for her students with severe physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities.

“Even after retirement and two knee replacements, she continues to care and encourage others including my father during his health challenges and my late uncle Robert during his courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer,” Martin said. “She is even a caregiver to her former PT educator and mentor, who is over 100 years old.” 

Martin continues to build on her family’s legacy of compassionate care, bridging disciplines to empower patients and inspire the next generation of rehabilitation professionals.