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Physical Therapists Take on a New Role in Primary Care

Jamestown, ND (07/14/2025) — When most people think of primary care, they picture a physician or nurse practitioner as the first stop for aches, pains or injuries. But new research and recent legislative changes are putting physical therapists at the front of the line for musculoskeletal care.

Mitch Wolden, PT, DPT, PhD, director of the Ph.D. in Clinical Research and professor, Dallas Ehrmantraut, PT, DPT, assistant professor and director of pro bono services at the University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program, and Dr. Bremen Abuhl, a recent graduate and future UJ faculty member, are leading the charge. Their work looks at how patients access care and how the health system uses its resources.

From the Field to the Clinic

Both Ehrmantraut and Abuhl were drawn to physical therapy through athletics. "I was an athlete in high school and knew I wanted something in the medical field," Ehrmantraut said. "After shadowing physical therapists, I realized this was the right path."

Abuhl had a similar experience. "I started shadowing PTs and saw them practicing in a very futuristic way. That really solidified PT as my career," he said.

Their passion for the field has only grown. Ehrmantraut said he's become more interested in the broader impact of physical therapy on health care. Abuhl said he's found new excitement in advocacy and research, helping patients trust their bodies again and pushing the profession forward.

Research That Makes a Difference

Wolden, Ehrmantraut and Abuhl recently had a study published in the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal comparing outcomes for patients who saw a physical therapist first versus those who saw a primary care provider for musculoskeletal disorders.

The results were clear: Physical therapists are just as effective as primary care providers in reducing pain and disability. Patients who saw a PT first were 45 percent less likely to receive imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs, and used fewer prescription medications. Health care resource use was also lower, with no increase in cost or drop in patient outcomes.

"We're not trying to take away from other providers," Abuhl said. "We want to build up the primary care system so those providers can focus on more complex cases. It's about teamwork and making health care more efficient for everyone."

Legislation Meets Research

The timing of their research is significant. North Dakota recently passed Senate Bill 2273, legislation allowing physical therapists to order all types of imaging, not just X-rays. This change aligns with the findings of Ehrmantraut and Abuhl's study, giving PTs a more comprehensive role in patient care.

Ehrmantraut is also taking his advocacy to the national level. He plans to visit Capitol Hill in Washington to meet with lawmakers and promote policies that support PTs as essential members of the health care team.

A New Era for PT Education

Both Dallas and Bremen credit the University of Jamestown's innovative physical therapy and clinical research Ph.D. programs for fostering professional growth. The physical therapy program, founded in 2013, achieved accreditation candidacy in its first year and was designed to emphasize innovation and clinical expertise. It has consistently delivered exceptional results, with four of the last five graduating classes achieving a 100% pass rate on national board exams. The Ph.D. in Clinical Research program, one of the only fully online, asynchronous programs of its kind in the world, attracts students globally. Its flexible format allows students to pursue advanced research in areas ranging from traditional physical therapy topics to cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and genetics, all while balancing their professional and personal commitments.

"The flexibility and support here are unmatched," Abuhl said. "If you want to teach, research or practice at the highest level, this is the place to be."

Looking Ahead

Physical therapists are no longer just the experts you see after a referral. Thanks to research and forward-thinking legislation, they are becoming the first stop for millions of patients with musculoskeletal pain. Leaders like Wolden, Ehrmantraut, and Abuhl are helping to transform primary care, making it more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered than ever before.

About University of Jamestown

University of Jamestown is consistently ranked as a top regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1883 as Jamestown College, UJ is a private, Christian liberal arts institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. At the bachelor's level, students can pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, and nursing. The university also grants master's degrees in business, education, leadership, technology and clinical counseling. Additionally, UJ provides doctoral programs in clinical research, character in leadership, and physical therapy. To expand access to its high-quality education, University of Jamestown launched UJ Accelerated, its online division, which delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners across diverse settings. For more information about academic offerings, campus life, and online programs, please visit UJ.edu.

Media Attachments

From left, Dallas Ehrmantraut, PT, DPT, Assistant Professor and Director of Pro Bono Services at University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program, and Dr. Bremen Abuhl, PT, DPT, a recent graduate and current clinical research student who will be starting as a UJ faculty member this August, speak during an interview.

From left, Dallas Ehrmantraut, PT, DPT, Assistant Professor and Director of Pro Bono Services at University of Jamestown Physical Therapy Program, and Dr. Bremen Abuhl, PT, DPT, a recent graduate and current clinical research student who will be starting as a UJ faculty member this August, speak during an interview.

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