APTA Orthopedics Podcasts - Previously Ortho Static

On this episode of Pain Cast presented by the Pain SIG of APTA Orthopedics, host Eric Kruger explores integrating the ICF model into pain education and clinical reasoning for physical therapists. Learn practical strategies to help DPT students synthesize biological, psychological, and social factors in patient care, improve clinical reasoning, and link assessment to intervention in complex and chr...

Join us for an eye-opening Imaging SIG webinar with Drs. Dallas Ehrmantraut and Bremen Abuhl, University of Jamestown faculty and driving forces behind North Dakota’s recent victory for full MSK imaging referral privileges. Fresh from their Editor’s Choice publication in Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, these researchers share a landmark meta-analysis showing physical therapists as f...

What’s in the proposed 2026 Physician Fee Schedule and why should physical therapists care? In this video, Bob Hall breaks down five key issues in the CMS proposed rule, including: - Physician referrals as plan of care certification - Site-of-service payment differences - Permanent virtual direct supervision (telehealth) - Conversion factor updates - Revisions to practice expense methodology These...

In the fourth episode of Did You Know?, part of the APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody chat with Susan Appling about the power of professional involvement in physical therapy. Susan reflects on her leadership journey, offers advice for getting started, and shares how participating in advocacy and organizational service can inspire growth—not just for the pr...

Dr. Norman Johnson, recipient of the 2024 APTA Orthopedics Innovative Practice Award, presents his groundbreaking approach to fall risk screening through the development of a functional and multidirectional reach assessment device. In this presentation, Dr. Johnson walks through the history of reach testing, its clinical limitations, and how his device provides a dynamic, reproducible, and inclusi...

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists! In this case scenario, Paul-Neil Czujko walks you through a complex cervical spine presentation involving a 50-year-old male with insidious neck pain, radiating symptoms, and new onset red flags following cervical manipulation. You'll explore clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, key examination findings, and evidence-based intervention st...

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists! In this lumbar spine case scenario, Paul-Neil Czujko walks through the evaluation of a 32-year-old female presenting with insidious low back pain, radicular symptoms, and functional limitations. Follow along as he explores differential diagnosis, identifies clinical patterns, and discusses evidence-based management aligned with clinical practice...

Big News in Physical Therapy Advocacy! After nearly a decade of persistent advocacy, Aetna has dropped its outdated referral requirement, paving the way for greater direct access to physical therapy for over 36 million people. In this video, Bob Hall breaks down what this major win means for patients, providers, and the future of access to care. This win is a clear sign that persistence in advocac...

In this episode of APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, host Dhinu J. Jayaseelan is joined by John Heick to explore the evolving role of physical therapists in the primary care setting. They unpack the differences between direct access and primary care PT, discuss the historical roots of the model in military and emergency care, and examine the clinical and policy shifts that are shaping the future of muscu...

Watch the presentation on APTA Orthopedics YouTube! Performing arts students face unique physical and sensory demands that are not adequately addressed in traditional concussion recovery protocols. In one of our innovative practice award winners presentation, Kristen Schuyten, Paola Savvidou, and Allyssa Memmini share their innovative development of the Progressive Return-to-Performance Protocol....

In the third episode of Did You Know?, part of the APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody chat with Francois Desmeules and Lori Michener about the brand new 2025 Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for rotator cuff tendinopathy. They explore what’s changed since the 2022 CPG, why a new version was needed so soon, and how international collaboration helped shape m...

In this episode of APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, host James Spencer is joined by Dr. Janey Prodoehl, PT, PhD, CCTT, recipient of the 2024 Innovative Practice Award, for an insightful conversation on advancing physical therapy care for individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Dr. Prodoehl shares evidence-based strategies from her work developing a national clinical practice guideline, inclu...

In this episode of APTA Orthopaedic Podcasts, host Luciano Garcia and guest Paul Mintken explore how mindfulness can enhance clinical practice, reduce chronic pain, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the therapeutic alliance. Paul shares practical techniques for both clinicians and patients—including strategies you can use today to be more present, connected, and effective. Whether you're ne...

In this episode of APTA Orthopaedic Podcasts, host Luciano Garcia and guest Dr. Kelli Wilson, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, discuss how orthopaedic clinicians can start integrating pelvic health concepts into practice—without needing to perform internal exams. Dr. Wilson shares practical tips for assessing breath, posture, the abdominal wall, and external pelvic floor coordination. She also talks about h...

In this episode of APTA Orthopaedic Podcasts, host Luciano Garcia is joined by Dr. Melissa Hoffman to explore inclusive care in orthopaedic physical therapy—focusing on affirming, evidence-based practices for LGBTQIA+ patients. Dr. Hoffman shares insights from their research, clinical work, and advocacy—highlighting the importance of inclusive data collection, cultural humility, and practical tool...

In this episode of APTA Orthopaedic Podcasts, host Jimmy McKay sits down with Meghan Homoky from the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) to break down the evolving science and clinical realities of concussion management. From clinical profiles and active recovery strategies to controversial topics like neck strengthening and return-to-play decisions, Meghan brings clarity, passion, and practical ad...

What happens when mentorship is more than a buzzword? In this powerful kickoff episode of The Mentorship, a part of the APTA Orthopaedic Podcasts, host Matthew Haley explores how structured mentorship can shape physical therapy careers, fight burnout, and elevate patient outcomes. Drawing from personal stories and professional insights, Matthew shares how lifelong learning and leadership go hand i...

This engaging town hall discussion explores the APTA Orthopaedic community forums for PTAs and PTA students and the potential to foster stronger PT/PTA collaboration through educational content. Participants highlighted the need for more robust interprofessional training, proposed video interviews showcasing successful PT/PTA team dynamics, and suggested board prep resources for students and early...

**Watch this presentation on APTA Orthopaedics' YouTube** In this Occupational Health Presentation, Rick Wickstrom explores the value of Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) in facilitating return-to-work outcomes. Rick shares insights on integrating job-specific testing into the rehabilitation process, emphasizing the importance of on-site evaluations and collaborating with employers. Learn how...

In this Performing Arts SIG panel, PASIG Vice President of Education Melissa Kolski, PT, leads an expert discussion featuring a lineup of clinicians deeply embedded in the world of circus and performing arts: Heather Heineman, PT, DPT, OCS, WCS; Emily Scherb, PT, DPT (author of Aerial Athletes: Flying, Hanging, Wrapping, Catching); and Dawn Muci, DPT, SCS, ATC. Together, they explore physical ther...

In the second episode of Did You Know?, part of the APTA Orthopaedic Podcasts, hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody chat with Evan Nelson and Scott Tauferner, co-authors of a recently published, myth-debunking original journal article in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy titled: "Ordering of Diagnostic Imaging by Physical Therapists: A Multi-Center Analysis of Successful I...

Join us for an eye-opening Imaging SIG webinar with Dr. Aaron Keil as he shares results from a powerful new study debunking common misconceptions about physical therapists and diagnostic imaging. From outdated assumptions to insurance myths, we dive deep into the data and how it can transform advocacy, practice, and patient care. You’ll also get a sneak peek at exciting upcoming research and legis...

Exploring Issues in Physical Therapy Research, Practice and Leadership In the very first episode of Did You Know?, hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody chat with Molly Malloy, President of the APTA Orthopaedic Residency/Fellowship SIG. They explore topics like mentorship requirements, how to find the right program fit, and how each pathway can elevate your clinical skills and career. W...

In this episode of APTA Orthopaedic Podcasts, host Luciano Garcia and guests Andy Wagner and Jeff Arnold discuss AI tips for orthopedic clinicians. Explore how AI is transforming physical therapy documentation, improving efficiency, reducing admin burden, and enhancing patient care. Hear insights from PT practice owners on the benefits, challenges, and future of AI in clinical workflows. Target Au...

Health care policy moves fast—and if you’re a physical therapist, you can’t afford to fall behind. In this exclusive update, Bob Hall breaks down the latest advocacy issues shaping orthopaedic physical therapy, including threats to reimbursement, legislative wins, and what’s next on the federal and state level. Stay informed, stay empowered, and stay active in shaping the future of your profession...