Duke DPT Faculty Drive National Conversation on Manual Therapy

When nearly 700 clinicians, educators, and researchers gathered for the 2025 American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) Conference, the energy in the room was electric. This annual event has long been a key platform for advancing manual therapy practice and research, but this year had an added significance: it was led by Derek Clewley, PT, DPT, PhD, FAAOMPT, assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and associate director of the Center for Excellence in Manual and Manipulative Therapy at Duke University.

For Clewley, the heart of the conference isn’t just the sessions or the keynote addresses—it’s the people.

“The thing I am always most proud of is the community and networking that happens at this event,” he reflected. “It’s a springboard for many clinicians’ next steps in their careers. It’s also a time to catch up with friends and colleagues and meet new people. I’m proud of the content delivered through keynotes, education sessions, research platforms, and posters. A lot of knowledge was spread far and wide in many forms.”

That sense of connection is what makes AAOMPT unique. It’s not just a meeting—it’s a movement, one that thrives on collaboration and innovation. But pulling off a national conference of this scale is no small feat. Behind the scenes, countless details demand attention, from scheduling sessions to ensuring technology runs smoothly. “Logistics—making sure everything is in the right place at the right time—are always a challenge,” Clewley admitted.

“AAOMPT has an incredible staff and executive director, which makes much of this easier on me. My biggest challenge is making sure we have the type of content that will draw colleagues from every corner.”

This year, that challenge was met head-on. Attendance soared, engagement was strong, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Interestingly, one unexpected factor contributed to the success: the location. “Oddly enough, the location,” Clewley said with a laugh. “While Reno may not be a destination point on many people’s radars, it worked!”

Of course, the content truly defines the experience. Selecting keynote speakers is a crucial part of the process, and Clewley approaches it thoughtfully. "I generally keep an eye and ear out for presenters who can attract interested PTs—whether related to manual therapy directly or indirectly,” he explained. This year, a last-minute change created an inspiring moment. “Corey Simon, DPT, PhD, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke, was at the top of my list for next year’s conference in Buffalo, his hometown. But we needed a last-minute assist, and Corey was willing and excited to do it. He knocked it out of the park!”

The sessions reflected the changing landscape of manual therapy. Safety and risk-benefit considerations in neck treatment were emphasized, alongside progress in pain science, and the integration of technology—including new applications of artificial intelligence in physical therapy. These themes highlight the profession’s dedication to evidence-based practices and innovation.

Duke’s presence at the conference was unmistakable. Faculty, alumni, and even students contributed to discussions, presentations, and research platforms. “Duke is leading the way in manual therapy research, teaching, and clinical practice,” Clewley said proudly. “We had every bit of that represented at the conference, and many Duke-connected PTs were there. The AAOMPT community is strong, and Duke certainly was present in all areas.”

As the conference wrapped, Clewley was already thinking ahead. “We’ll review what we did well and what we can improve, then start planning for next year—including identifying keynote presenters and making adjustments,” he said. “But first, maybe a week or two break!”

The 2025 AAOMPT Conference was more than an event—it was a testament to the power of community and the relentless pursuit of progress in orthopaedic manual physical therapy. Congratulations to Dr. Clewley and the entire AAOMPT team for delivering an experience that will resonate long after the closing session.