An NFL PT Guide to Healing w/ Dave Kempfert :: Ep 87

Former NFL offensive lineman and now Director of Rehabilitation Services at Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, Dave Kempfert, joins The Lindsey Stafford Show to unpack what great physical therapy really looks like—from Friday Night Lights injuries to joint replacements and everyday aches that just won’t go away.

Dave shares how watching a teammate come back stronger from an ACL tear pulled him into PT, how Bone and Joint brings pro-level care to Williamson and Rutherford County schools free of charge, and why movement, balance, core strength, sleep, and smart progression matter more than “pushing through” pain.

If you’re a parent of a student-athlete, recovering from surgery, or simply tired of living with pain, this conversation will help you know when to seek help, what good rehab should feel like, and how to protect your long-term quality of life.

Timed Highlights:

0:00 Welcome back to The Lindsey Stafford Show and intro to Dave Kempfert

1:10 From Missoula to the NFL: Dave’s path to the Seahawks, Rams, and Jaguars

4:00 The ACL comeback that proved the power of physical therapy

6:20 Bringing a pro-sports rehab mindset to everyday patients

8:40 How Bone and Joint supports local schools with free sideline coverage

11:30 Inside the care team: athletic trainers, surgeons, PTs, coaches, and parents

14:15 Building Bone and Joint’s rehab program and growing to six locations

17:40 Culture of excellence and accountability in rehab care