How to Maintain Momentum After APTA CSM (Once You’re Back Home)

The dust is starting to settle! As we all come down from the post-conference high, and unpack, reminders of your incredible experience come in the form of:

• tote bag full of freebies

• 47 notes you swear you’ll review

• new connections you really want to keep up with

• new motivations

…and then Monday hits.

Suddenly, you’re back in clinic, back in class, back in real life, and the CSM momentum starts to fade.

But here’s the good news: the conference isn’t the destination. It’s the starting line.

Whether you attended as a student, a practicing therapist, or a facility leader, here are a few simple ways to keep the momentum going once the dust settles.

Step One: Do a Quick “CSM Reset” Before You Forget Everything

Before you jump fully back into routine, take ~ 30 minutes and ask yourself:

• Who did I meet that I want to stay connected with?

• What sessions and topics actually got me excited?

• Did I discover a new career path, setting, or opportunity?

• What’s one thing I don’t want to lose track of?

Pro tip: Open your notes app and make one list called “Post-CSM Follow-Up.” That alone will put you ahead of most people.

Step Two: Follow Up While It’s Still Fresh

The week after CSM is the golden window for networking or solidifying relationships that were struck up during the event. Conferences make it easy with attendee badges containing contact info, and lists of attendees sent out in the days following.

You don’t need a long message, just something simple like:

“Hi! It was so great meeting you at CSM during the student networking event. I’d love to stay in touch!”

LinkedIn is your best friend here

Seriously. This is the time to connect with:

• fellow clinicians you admire

• recruiters you talked to

• classmates and professors

• facilities or companies you want to learn more about

Think of LinkedIn as the conference hallway… but open all year.

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For Students & New Grad Therapists

CSM can feel like someone just opened 100 doors at once.

License talk, travel chats, discussions with recruiters and potential employers… suddenly it all feels possible.

So where do you start?

💡 Pick 2–3 Things That Actually Excite You

Instead of trying to chase every idea at once, narrow it down:

• a setting you want to explore

• a specialty area you’re curious about

• a location or lifestyle goal after graduation

That’s how you turn conference inspiration into an actual plan.

💡 Start Building Your Therapy Network Now (Not Later)

One of the best things you can do as a student or new grad is stay connected to the people you met.

Set a small goal:

➡️ Add 5 new LinkedIn connections this week
➡️ Send 2 follow-up messages
➡️ Keep showing up in the community

💡 Begin Exploring Travel Therapy (Super New Grad Friendly!)

Yes, you can explore Travel Therapy as a new grad. Many students don’t realize this, but therapy is one of the few healthcare professions where you can start traveling right after graduation.

At Ardor Health, we work with new grads all the time to help them:

• understand the travel timeline

• find supportive first assignments

• connect with mentors

• build confidence before taking the leap

Curious about travel therapy after graduation?
Connect with Ardor Health to explore new-grad-friendly opportunities and mentorship support.

➡️ Talk to a Recruiter
➡️ Join Ardor Aspire

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For Current Therapists (Staff or Travel)

If you left CSM feeling inspired… you’re not alone.

The hardest part is keeping that energy once you’re back, treating patients and documenting at all hours.

✅ Choose One Thing to Apply This Month

Not ten things. Just one.

Maybe it’s:

• a new treatment approach

• a patient communication tip

• finally pursuing a specialty certification

• exploring a job change you’ve been thinking about

Momentum comes from action.

✅ Don’t Sleep on LinkedIn After CSM

Post something. Comment on a takeaway. Stay visible.

It doesn’t have to be cringe; just present.

LinkedIn keeps the conference momentum alive long after the exhibit hall closes.

✅ Reassess: Are You Still Aligned With What You Want?

CSM has a funny way of reminding therapists what’s possible.

Ask yourself honestly:

• Am I growing where I am?

• Am I supported?

• Am I burnt out… or energized?

If you’re craving something new, travel therapy can offer:

• flexibility

• better earning potential

• new settings and experiences

• faster career growth

Ready for your next chapter, take the travel plunge, or just need an expert to talk to? 
Ardor Health helps PTs, OTs, and SLPs find roles that actually fit their goals.

➡️ Browse Open Therapy Jobs
➡️ Connect with Ardor

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For Facilities, Clinics, and Rehab Leaders

CSM isn’t just a conference for clinicians; it’s also one of the best times for facilities to connect with therapy talent.

If you attended as a rehab director, clinic owner, or hiring manager, the week after CSM is key.

💼 Follow Up With Candidates and Partners Quickly

The therapists you met may currently be in conversations with multiple organizations.

A simple follow-up can go a long way:

“Great meeting you at CSM! We’d love to continue the conversation about opportunities in our facility.”

💼 Get Ahead of 2026 Staffing Needs

If CSM highlighted anything, it’s that therapy staffing remains competitive.

Ardor Health partners with facilities nationwide to provide:

• highly qualified travel therapists

• fast, reliable coverage

• long-term staffing support

• therapists who align with your culture and care standards

Need therapy coverage you can count on?
Ardor Health connects clinics and hospitals with top-tier PT, OT, and SLP talent nationwide.

➡️ Request Staffing Support

CSM Was the Spark — Now Comes the Follow-Through

APTA CSM is energizing, inspiring, and honestly… a lot.

But what happens next is where the real magic is.

Whether you’re:

• a student building your future

• a therapist exploring what’s next

• or a facility leader planning ahead

The post-CSM window is full of opportunity, and Ardor Health is here to help you make the most of it.

#HealingOnTheFly