The Future of Functional Wellness

In this week’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, FOX Regional Director John Dominski, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, joins the conversation to explore the future of healthcare and the evolving role of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. John shares why the profession must continue shifting from reactive care to proactive, preventative models—and how PTs can function as primary care providers of functional health. He paints a vision of a system that fully integrates PTAs, COTAs, and fitness specialists to support patients across the lifespan. The discussion unpacks the idea of “flipping the funnel,” emphasizing early intervention over downstream treatment. John also speaks directly to students and clinicians on preparing for this shift, changing long‑held mindsets, and advocating for the value of PT amid ongoing Medicare cuts.