Paul Mintken

Paul Mintken is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy within the Graduate College of Health Sciences at Hawai'i Pacific University, where he works remotely from Denver, CO. Previously, he held faculty positions at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, serving in leadership roles such as chair of the Senior Faculty Committee and the promotions committee for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Dr. Mintken holds a D.P.T. and M.S. in Physical Therapy and a B.A. in Kinesiology, all from the University of Colorado and University of Northern Colorado. He completed a Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy at Regis University. He is a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic and Manual Physical Therapists.

His research focuses on conservative care for musculoskeletal disorders, spinal and extremity manipulation, and clinical education in physical therapy. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles and 7 book chapters, with work featured in journals such as Physical Therapy, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, and Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, where he serves on the editorial board.

The 15 most recent articles reflect a consistent focus on evidence-based practice, clinical prediction rules, manual therapy techniques, and educational innovations in DPT programs. The keywords span physical therapy, orthopaedics, rehabilitation science, and medical education, with sub-fields including spinal manipulation, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, clinical reasoning, and patient outcomes.

Dr. Mintken has received numerous national awards, including:

• Kaltenborn “Teach I Must” Award
• Dorothy Baethke-Eleanor J. Carlin Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching (APTA)
• James Gould Excellence in Teaching Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Award (APTA)
• Rose Excellence in Research Award
• JOSPT Excellence in Research Award
• Chattanooga Research Award
• Outstanding Physical Therapist Award for the State of Colorado

He remains clinically active one day per week at Wardenburg Health Center, University of Colorado Boulder, treating orthopaedic conditions. He advises on research and education initiatives and has contributed to professional service through roles in the APTA Orthopaedic Section and AAOMPT research committees. He currently serves on the nominating committee for the APTA Orthopaedic Section and maintains an active research agenda supported by peer-reviewed publications and editorial engagement.

Dr. Mintken leads no formal lab but contributes to research teams focused on manual therapy and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, often in collaboration with academic and clinical partners. His work bridges clinical practice, education, and research, emphasizing translational impact in physical therapy.