Let's Get Physical (Therapy)

Send us Fan Mail In Part 1 of this conversation, we sit down with physical therapist Chris Palmer to unpack how we arrived at the bio-psycho-social model of pain and why this shift matters so much in modern physical therapy. We explore the evolution of pain science—from tissue-focused explanations to a more comprehensive understanding of how biological, psychological, and social factors interact....

Send us Fan Mail Trail and ultra runners push the limits—but subtle red flags often get missed. In this episode, we discuss the unique risks in this population, what PTs and physicians should watch for, and why early recognition is key to keeping runners healthy and performing at their best.  Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questi...

Send us Fan Mail Physical therapy is rewarding—but it’s also challenging. In this episode, Bryan Caplan dives into why so many PTs are rethinking their careers, from productivity pressures and insurance battles to career pivots and cash-based models. We explore practical solutions, ways to sustain a long career, and how PTs can thrive while providing great patient care.  Check out our first podcas...

Send us Fan Mail As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and think about how we want to show up — both personally and professionally. Joining me today is Kathryn Knill, Regional Clinical Well-Being Specialist with MedStar Health. Kathryn works closely with clinicians to support their well-being, balance, and growth, and she’s here to share insights we can all use to se...

Send us Fan Mail As the year winds down, many healthcare providers find themselves running on empty—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The holidays can disrupt routines, magnify stress, and make it harder to prioritize our own health.  In this end-of-year episode, physical therapists Brigitte Henry, Rebecca Orloski, and host Rebecca Schumer come together as members of the MedStar Health Wellne...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re exploring the world of functional fitness and barbell training, and why it has an important place in rehab and athletic programming. We’re joined by two incredible clinicians, physical therapist, Kristin Famiglietti and  physical therapy assistant, Ashley Faller, who will guide us through everything from Olympic lifts to powerlifting, CrossF...

Send us Fan Mail Returning an athlete to sport after injury isn’t just about feeling ready—it’s about proving readiness. In this episode, we sit down with physical therapists Samantha King and Andrew Douwes to dive into the world of return to play testing . They’ll break down why this testing is so critical, the different components that go into a comprehensive assessment, and how data is interpre...

Send us Fan Mail Cartilage injuries can be frustrating for patients and complex for clinicians. In this episode, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Wiemi Douoguih joins us to break down the latest in cartilage management—from non-operative approaches to advanced surgical techniques. We discuss how to identify which patients may benefit from surgery, what PTs should know about different procedures, and how reh...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dreese, an orthopedic surgeon who is well versed in treating mensical injuries, to get the full picture on meniscus injuries—from the moment they happen to returning to sport and everyday life. We’ll explore both operative and non-operative treatment options, discussing when surgery is necessary and what factors influence those decisions.  Dr....

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to today’s episode. We’ll be examining current best practices for the rehabilitation of meniscal injuries, both through conservative management and following surgical repair. Joining me is Stefan Rasinski, a physical therapist with extensive experience in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. In this discussion, we’ll review the latest evidence, explore criteria for select...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the show! As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to talk about gratitude, what it really means and why it matters.    Gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you.” It’s a mindset that can improve our mood, strengthen our relationships, and help us handle life’s challenges with a little more perspective.    Today, we’re joined by one of our amazing social worker...

Send us Fan Mail Today we have an incredible guest joining us, Dr. Farrelly, a incredible orthopedic trauma surgeon with extensive experience in treating limb-threatening injuries.  In this episode, we’ll explore the complexities of these serious injuries, from initial assessment and surgical interventions to the vital role physical therapists play in the recovery process. Dr. Farrelly will share...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re tackling early sport specialization—when kids focus on one sport too soon—and the risks that come with it.  Joining me are Dr. Hinton an orthopedic surgeon who treats these injuries every day, and Caitlin Kelley from USA Lacrosse, who’s helping shape safer, smarter youth sports.  Athletes who specialize early are up to twice as likely to suffer overuse injuries, yet l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it takes to keep the Baltimore Ravens cheer team performing at the top of their game. Joining me are three key members of their sports performance team—an athletic trainer, a physical therapist, and a strength coach—who each bring their own expertise to the table. Together, we’ll explore how they support these athletes throug...

Send us Fan Mail Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we’re talking all things mentorship with Emily Bokow and Chris Palmer, two incredible mentors in our network. We’ll explore why mentorship is so valuable, how to be an active adult learner, and how these relationships can shape your growth as a physical therapist. Whether you’re a new grad or a seasoned clinician, this conversation is packed with insights to ta...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re joined by Daniel Hague and Miriam Bovich, two sports physical therapists and proud graduates of the MedStar Health Sports Residency Program, to break it all down. They share what the residency experience is really like, how it helped shape their clinical careers, and what future applicants should know.  We’ll cover:  What to expect from a sports residency  H...

Send us Fan Mail October is both Physical Therapy Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and today’s episode honors both. I’m joined by Samantha King, a physical therapist and breast cancer survivor, who courageously shares her journey to raise awareness about the importance of early detection.  Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, but when it’s found early, the five-year survival rate is about 9...

Send us Fan Mail In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we sit down with Val Mulryne, PT, DPT, CLT, ATC, Dave Federline, OT/L, CLT, and Catherine Brophy, RN, BSN, CBCN to discuss how physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing work together to support patients through every stage of their breast cancer journey. From regaining strength and mobility to navigating emotional and physical c...

Send us Fan Mail In physical therapy, we often focus on helping people heal physically, but true health includes the mind and body. Today, we’re joined by PA Alexandra Walker for an open and important conversation about suicide prevention. We’ll talk about the myths that surround suicide, how to recognize red flags in our patients, and how we can better support not only those we treat, but also ou...

Send us Fan Mail Clinic culture shapes everything — from how teams work together to the care patients receive. In this episode, I talk with physical therapists Kim Agan and Kristin Famiglietti about what makes a strong clinic culture, why it matters, and how to overcome challenges that can get in the way.  From communication and conflict resolution to leadership and team morale, we’ll cover practi...

Send us Fan Mail On today’s episode, we’re flipping the script. My guest started his journey on the other side of the table—as a physical therapy patient. What began as an experience in rehab turned into inspiration for a career, and now he’s thriving as a PT student. We’ll talk about what it’s like to go from being guided through exercises to learning how to guide others, how his patient perspect...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the podcast! In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with two third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students from Marymount University—Sydney Wertz and Jon Dosso. They’re here to give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to be in PT school. From the ups and downs of the application process to the daily grind of classes, clinicals, and balancing life...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s essential for athletes of all ages but often misunderstood—the pre-participation physical exam, or PPE. Whether you’re gearing up for a new sports season or supporting athletes as a parent, coach, or provider, understanding what goes into this process is critical.  We’re joined by Dr. Kelly Ryan, a leading sports medicine physician, and Jenn...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Molly Cupka, the president of Up ENDing Parkinson’s —an inspiring program that’s redefining what’s possible for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Through the power of rock climbing, Up ENDing Parkinson’s is helping people challenge their limits, build strength and confidence, and connect with others in a supportive, uplif...