In this episode of the PT Snacks Podcast, we dive into the topic of cervicogenic headaches. We explore what cervicogenic headaches are, how to identify them, and how to differentiate them from other types of headaches. We also discuss evidence-based treatment options including manual therapy, joint mobilization, dry needling, and specific exercises. Don't forget to check the show notes for a special promo code for MedBridge subscriptions! 00:00 Introduction to Headache Case Study 00:48 Welcome t...
Jul 08, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 24
In this episode of PTs Snacks podcast, host Kasey Hankins covers proximal hamstring tendinopathy, a common issue for runners and athletes. She describes the causes and symptoms, highlights the importance of proper diagnosis, and outlines a progressive loading system for treatment. 00:00 Introduction to Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy 00:44 Understanding Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy 02:29 Diagnosing Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy 03:58 Key Tests and Assessments 05:28 Treatment Approaches and ...
Jul 01, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 23
In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, host Kasey Hankins addresses the challenge of identifying and treating bone stress injuries (BSIs) before they progress into stress fractures. Kasey delves into the biology of bone stress, detailing how osteoblasts and osteoclasts respond to stress, and discusses common risk factors for BSIs among athletes and military personnel. The episode offers practical advice on clinical assessment, including the limitations of x-rays and the benefits of MRIs, and prov...
Jun 24, 2025•15 min•Season 5Ep. 22
Hey everyone! In today’s PT Snacks Podcast episode, we're diving into the essentials of incorporating plyometrics in rehab. We'll cover what plyometrics are, how and when to use them in rehabilitation, and the importance of smart progression. We’ll break down different phases of plyometrics, from initial stages focusing on basic landing mechanics to advanced stages tailored for sport-specific demands. Plus, I’ll share some red and green flags to watch for during training and highlight some valua...
Jun 17, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 21
In this episode, we delve into the important topic of red flags associated with headaches that physical therapists should be aware of. The episode provides an overview of five critical headache red flags that may indicate serious underlying conditions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, temporal arteritis, stroke or brain tumor, meningitis, and increased intracranial pressure. 00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks Podcast 00:40 Introduction to Headache Red Flags 01:49 Thunderclap Headache: A Medical Emergency...
Jun 10, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 20
Welcome to PTs Snacks podcast! I'm your host, Kasey, and in today's episode, we dive into the underrated but crucial topics of sleep and stress management, and their impact on injury risk and recovery. Learn how quality sleep and effective stress management affect every aspect of our health and why they're essential for patients' success. We'll discuss research findings on the relationship between sleep, stress, and athletic performance, the physiological benefits, and practical strategies for p...
Jun 03, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 19
Welcome to PTs Snacks podcast! I'm Kasey, your host, and today we're diving into chronic workload ratios—an essential tool to manage injury risk in athletes. We'll break down the formula, discuss ideal ratio zones, and use examples like running, strength training, and RPE to showcase its application. This episode is perfect for physical therapists and students looking to apply this concept in various settings, from clinics to personal workouts. Tune in to learn how to quantify safe progressions ...
May 27, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 18
In this episode of the PT Snacks podcast, we discuss five critical red flags that physical therapists and students must identify in patients presenting with low back pain. These include cauda equina syndrome, metastatic cancer to the spine, spinal infections, vertebral compression fractures, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. We emphasize the importance of recognizing these symptoms early to refer patients to appropriate specialists promptly, potentially saving lives. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast...
May 20, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 17
In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, we dive into effective treatments for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The discussion builds on Episode 129, which focused on differentiating the sources of TMJ pain. The episode emphasizes personalized treatment plans based on the patient’s history and response to interventions. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:42 Recap of TMJ Dysfunction 02:33 Manual Therapy Techniques for TMJ 05:05 Therapeutic Exercises for TMJ 07:08 Additional Tips an...
May 13, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 16
In this episode of PTs Snacks podcast, we delve into the anatomy and common disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), tailored for physical therapists and students. The episode covers the joint's unique dual-compartment structure, primary supporting muscles, ligaments, innervation, and blood supply. We highlight three common TMJ disorders: myofascial pain, disc displacement, and joint degeneration, explaining their causes, symptoms, and assessment strategies. The episode concludes with tip...
May 06, 2025•16 min•Season 5Ep. 15
In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, we discuss the significance of understanding osteoporosis medications for physical therapists and PT students. The episode covers the basics of osteoporosis, various medications used in its treatment, and the clinical implications for physical therapy practice. Emphasis is placed on the importance of exercise, fall prevention, and patient education in managing osteoporosis. Additionally, the episode provides guidance on screening for side effects and tailori...
Apr 29, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 14
In this episode of PTs Snacks podcast, host Kasey delves into osteoarthritis (OA), clearing up common misconceptions and explaining its impact on physical therapy. Kasey emphasizes the importance of addressing patients' self-limiting beliefs about OA and highlights the necessity of educating them about the true nature of the condition. The episode covers the basics of osteoarthritis, including its degenerative nature, contributing factors, and commonly affected joints. Kasey stresses that OA is ...
Apr 22, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 13
In this episode of PT Snacks podcast, host Kasey discusses the relationship between exercise and diabetes, specifically aimed at physical therapists and students. The episode covers the different types of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational), and how exercise influences blood sugar levels. It also highlights the effects of various diabetes medications on exercise and provides practical tips for safely managing patients with diabetes in a physical therapy setting. Additionally, useful resou...
Apr 15, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 12
In this episode of PT Snacks podcast, host Kasey explores the importance of understanding common hypertension and cholesterol medications encountered in outpatient orthopedic settings. Kasey discusses the effects of beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and statins on patients' response to exercise. The episode covers potential side effects, red flags, and practical tips for physical therapists, highlighting the significance of a holistic approach to patient c...
Apr 08, 2025•9 min•Season 5Ep. 11
In this episode, we dive into rotator cuff tendinopathy—a common but often misunderstood condition. Topics covered include: The role of the rotator cuff and why it matters Who is most at risk for rotator cuff tendinopathy How to assess and diagnose it accurately The best evidence-based treatment approaches Why imaging doesn’t always tell the whole story This episode is designed for physical therapists and PT students looking to refine their clinical reasoning and treatment strategies. Support th...
Apr 01, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 10
In this episode, we discuss gluteus medius tendinopathy—a common cause of lateral hip pain. This episode breaks down the role of the gluteus medius muscle, the development and risk factors of tendinopathy, and diagnostic strategies. Treatment phases, such as progressive loading and monitoring, and discussed in addition to adjunct treatments such as PRP injections and shockwave therapy. 00:00 Welcome to PTC's Podcast 00:40 Introduction to Gluteus Medius Tendinopathy 01:26 Understanding the Gluteu...
Mar 25, 2025•15 min•Season 5Ep. 9
In this episode of the PT Snacks Podcast, host Kasey delves into Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training, explaining its historical background, mechanisms, and benefits. The podcast covers how BFR can facilitate muscle hypertrophy, strength gains, and rehabilitation with lower mechanical loads. Key discussions include contraindications, exercise protocols, and practical setup guidelines. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:30 Special Offer from Tindec 01:11 Introduction to Blood Flow Restriction Tra...
Mar 18, 2025•15 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In this episode, we dive into the treatment and rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy , specifically patellar tendinosis. This condition is notoriously difficult to treat, often requiring six months to a year for full recovery , but with the right approach, athletes and active individuals can return to full function. Using a structured, stage-based progression , we discuss how to: Implement isometric exercises to manage pain and begin strengthening Progress to isotonic loading to rebuild muscl...
Mar 11, 2025•13 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In this episode, we dive into patellar tendinopathy —how to recognize it, differentiate it from other knee conditions, and key clinical findings to look for. Using a realistic patient case , we go step by step through subjective history, clinical testing, and differential diagnosis to improve your assessment skills. What You'll Learn: How to identify patellar tendinopathy based on patient history Key risk factors and common populations affected The difference between tendinitis and tendinosis Ho...
Mar 04, 2025•15 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast , we break down running biomechanics —what makes running different from walking, common running faults, and how to address them for more efficient, pain-free movement. Whether you're a physical therapist, student, or a runner looking to optimize performance , we cover key gait cycle phases, overstriding, hip drop, cadence adjustments, and strength training strategies. Plus, get practical tips on modifying load, preventing injuries, and enhancing running effic...
Feb 25, 2025•14 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Gait analysis is an essential skill for physical therapists—especially when evaluating patients with radiculopathies, post-surgical deficits, or neurological impairments. In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast , we break down the phases of gait, from stance to swing, and explore how myotomal weakness can lead to key gait deviations. Learn how knee buckling, Trendelenburg gait, foot drop, and other compensations can signal underlying neurological deficits. We’ll also discuss how gait deviations can...
Feb 18, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Not all disc herniations are the same. In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast , we break down the four main types of disc herniations (bulging, protrusion, extrusion, and sequestration) and how that factors in to their response to physical therapy. We’ll also dive into key risk factors to better understand who may be more susceptible to disc issues. Who responds well to physical therapy, and who may require surgery? Learn how to identify patients that are great candidates for rehab versus those wh...
Feb 11, 2025•16 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast , we break down intervertebral disc herniations —from anatomy and function to healing timelines and progressive loading strategies. We’ll discuss why the disc allows both movement and stability , how its slow healing rate impacts rehabilitation , and why not all herniations lead to leg pain . Plus, we’ll go over clinical considerations for treating patients based on symptom response . Whether you're a physical therapist or a PT student , this episode will giv...
Feb 04, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Curious about anterior hip labral tears and how to manage them in a physical therapy setting? In this PT Snacks Podcast episode, let's break down the hip labrum’s anatomy and function, common mechanisms of injury, and practical strategies for conservative management and post-surgical rehab . Learn why glute strengthening , careful exercise progression , and collaboration with orthopedic surgeons can help you achieve better outcomes for your patients—all in about 10 minutes. Tune in for a bite-si...
Jan 28, 2025•8 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In Part 2, we focus on evidence-based treatments for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFP). Learn effective exercise strategies , movement retraining , and what the research says about manual therapy and taping to address muscle weakness, movement dysfunctions, and mobility impairments. This episode gives you the tools to help your patients recover and get back to activity faster. If you missed Part 1, be sure to catch up on how to assess PFP! Resources mentioned: Best practice guide for patellofem...
Jan 21, 2025•13 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In Part 1 of our PFP series, we break down how to assess and diagnose Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome effectively. Learn about the key symptoms, the impairment-based classification , and how to use this framework to guide your treatment. We’ll cover the best assessment tools, from subjective history to functional tests, to help you identify the root causes of PFP and set the stage for targeted interventions. Articles mentioned: Patellofemoral Pain (Clinical Practice Guideline) Best practice guide f...
Jan 14, 2025•14 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Welcome to PT Snacks! I hope your 2025 is starting off strong and that you are excited to tackle this next year. This episode is meant to check in with YOU to see what you would like more of. What type of content do you want to hear? Would you be interested in a newsletter? Youtube videos? Please fill out this this survey HERE ! Support the show Why PT Snacks Podcast? This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who wan...
Jan 07, 2025•4 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Don’t forget about MedBridge’s Cyber Week deal—grab $150 off plus a $20 Amazon gift card with code PTSNACKSPODCAST20 . Offer ends December 6th! 🎁 Click [ HERE ] to lock in your deal! Shoulder injuries are common, but acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations can be tricky to manage. In this episode, we break down everything PTs need to know: A quick anatomy review of the AC joint Common mechanisms of injury (like falls or impact sports) How to identify an AC joint separation clinically The Rockw...
Dec 03, 2024•11 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Medbridge Black Friday Special: Lasts until Dec. 1st! Enjoy $150 off + 1 extra month will be added to your subscription for a total of 13 months. Use promo code PTSNACKSPODCAST13 or click HERE to access! Is your patient presenting with shoulder instability, but the symptoms don't fit the typical mold? In this episode, we break down multidirectional shoulder instability , including: Key symptoms to watch for. The best tests to confirm your diagnosis. Effective treatment strategies to improve shou...
Nov 26, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 20
In this episode, we cover the following: Occurence of shoulder dislocations and types Characterists of the shoulder that help keep it stable Passive and active stabilizers of the shoulder Medbridge Black Friday Special: Lasts until Dec. 1st! Enjoy $150 off + 1 extra month will be added to your subscription for a total of 13 months. Use promo code PTSNACKSPODCAST13 or click HERE to access! Support the show Why PT Snacks Podcast? This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed f...
Nov 19, 2024•14 min•Season 4Ep. 19
