Physical Therapy Marketing Tips for Patient Video Testimonials

David Straight February 9, 2025 Physical Therapy Websites

Video testimonials are one of the most powerful tools in your physical therapy marketing toolkit. Why? Because people trust people—especially people who’ve been in their shoes, limping in with pain and walking out with results. A good video testimonial creates an emotional connection, builds trust, and helps prospective patients take that first step to book an appointment.

But getting video testimonials that actually convert into new patients takes more than pointing a smartphone at someone and pressing “record.” And what do you do when your happiest patients suddenly freeze at the sight of a camera?

Let’s dive into how to collect compelling video testimonials—and how to work with those wonderful but camera-shy patients who still have a powerful story to share.

Part 1: How to Capture a Great Video Testimonial That Attracts New Patients

1. Set the Stage (Literally)

A testimonial doesn’t need to be a full-blown production, but it should be clear, clean, and distraction-free. Choose a quiet space in your clinic with good natural light or consistent soft lighting. Frame the patient with a neutral background—like your logo or therapy space in the background—and avoid noisy gym equipment or chatter in the background.

Pro tip: A lapel mic or a quiet room makes a big difference in sound quality, which helps build credibility.

2. Guide the Conversation Without a Script

Patients aren’t actors—and that’s a good thing. You want genuine emotion and honest feedback, not a memorized monologue.

Here are a few prompts to get authentic, story-driven responses:

“What brought you in for physical therapy?”
“How were you feeling before you started treatment?”
“What was your experience like working with us?”
“What’s different about your life now?”
“What would you say to someone who’s considering coming here for treatment?”

Ask these in a conversational tone, and let them answer in their own words. The goal is to capture their transformation—pain to progress, frustration to freedom.

3. Keep It Short and Sweet

Aim for 60–90 seconds. The best video testimonials are concise and emotionally engaging. You don’t need a life story—just the highlights of their journey and the results they got with your help.

4. Focus on Emotion + Outcome

Testimonials that move the needle tend to show both emotion and outcome. A patient saying, “I couldn’t even tie my shoes before, and now I just finished a 5K!” is powerful. Look for stories that include a before and after, ideally showing life improvement, not just symptom relief.

5. Get Permission (and Give Thanks)

Always get written or digital consent to use patient testimonials, especially on your website, YouTube, social media, or digital ads. A simple release form will do the trick. Then, thank your patient—whether it’s with a shoutout, a small gift, or just heartfelt appreciation.

Here’s a boilerplate release form from rev.com .

Part 2: What to Do If Your Star Patient Is Camera-Shy

We’ve all had them—patients who sing your praises but wilt the second a camera appears. Here’s how to help them share their story comfortably (without pushing them too hard).

1. Start with a Conversation, Not a Camera

Rather than launching right into “Let’s record a video!”, ask, “Would you mind sharing your experience with us to help others who are nervous about starting therapy?”

Once they say yes, ease into the idea of a short, casual video. Let them know it doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be real.

2. Offer an Off-Camera Option

If they’re really hesitant, you can film them while keeping the camera focused on your logo, the clinic, or even just their hands or feet as they speak. Alternatively, record their audio and overlay it with treatment photos (with consent). These can still be compelling and maintain their privacy.

3. Give Them Time to Prepare

Some people just need a heads-up. Let them know you’d love to capture their story, and offer to do it next visit. That gives them time to think about what they want to say and feel more comfortable.

4. Reassure Them It’s Casual

Make it low-pressure. Let them know you can redo it if needed, and remind them that they’re just talking to you—not to an audience of thousands. Many patients feel more at ease once they realize it’s just a conversation, not a production.

5. Share Examples of Other Testimonials

Seeing another friendly face on camera can be all the encouragement they need. Show a few short examples from past patients who’ve shared their experience. This gives your camera-shy patient a sense of what to expect—and what to aim for.

Why Video Testimonials Are Worth the Effort

Video testimonials can work around the clock, selling your practice 24/7. They build trust, increase conversions, and help prospective patients make the leap from “I’m not sure” to “Let’s schedule.”

Plus, they give your current and former patients a chance to feel proud of their progress and pay it forward by inspiring others.

Final Thoughts

If you want to grow your practice through physical therapy patient testimonials—especially video testimonials that actually convert—now’s the time to make it a priority.

And if you’d rather not do it alone, we’ve got you covered.

At E-rehab.com, we specialize in video testimonials and comprehensive physical therapy marketing strategies. With over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of success, we help clinics like yours attract more patients—at a price that won’t break the bank.