NPTE Studycast | Physical Therapy

In this episode, we dive into the highly anticipated 2025 revision of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hip Pain and Mobility Deficits—Hip Osteoarthritis, published by the APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. Join us as we explore the latest evidence on how to best classify, examine, and treat patients living with mild-to-moderate hip OA. We break down the updated recommendations for m...

BPPV — NPTE Cheat Sheet What it is: Otoconia displaced into a semicircular canal (ear crystals where they shouldn’t be). Classic signs: Brief vertigo (<60 sec), triggered by position changes, upbeating torsional nystagmus, no hearing loss. Rule-in test: Dix-Hallpike. Rule-out clues: Long-lasting vertigo, neuro deficits, hearing symptoms → think neuritis/Ménière’s. NPTE trap: Nystagmus >60 se...

ACL Tear — NPTE Cheat Sheet What it is: ACL failure from excessive anterior tibial translation — basically the tibia tries to run off and the ACL can’t hold the line. Classic signs: Pop Immediate swelling (1–2 hours) Pivot / cutting mechanism Instability Difficulty weight-bearing Rule-in test: Lachman test — NPTE’s #1. Rule-out clues: Slow swelling → Meniscus Posterior sag → PCL Medial pain → MCL...

Meniscus Tear — NPTE Cheat Sheet What it is: Injury to the medial or lateral meniscus — the knee’s shock-absorbing cartilage — often caused by twisting or deep flexion. Classic signs: Joint line pain Locking or catching Clicking Delayed swelling (24–48 hours) Pain with squatting/twisting Rule-in test: McMurray test (NPTE’s go-to) Rule-out clues: Immediate swelling → ACL Posterior sag → PCL Medial...

PCL Injury — NPTE Cheat Sheet What it is: Injury to the posterior cruciate ligament from excessive posterior translation of the tibia — often from dashboard impact or falling on a flexed knee. Classic signs: Posterior sag sign Posterior knee pain Difficulty descending stairs Instability (less dramatic than ACL) Dashboard injury mechanism Rule-in test: Posterior Drawer Test (NPTE’s favorite) Rule-o...

MCL Injury — NPTE Cheat Sheet What it is: Sprain/tear of the MCL from valgus force or lateral blow. Classic signs: Medial knee pain Pain with valgus stress Local tenderness Mild swelling Lateral blow mechanism Rule-in test: Valgus Stress Test at 30° Rule-out clues: Pop + immediate swelling → ACL Locking → Meniscus Posterior sag → PCL NPTE trap: Valgus force + medial pain = MCL. Full stop. Best tre...

SHOW NOTES — Red Flags for Cancer (Cheat Sheet) What it is: Non-mechanical symptoms raising suspicion for malignancy. Classic signs: Night pain Unexplained weight loss Constant, deep ache No mechanical pattern History of cancer Rule-in test: None — this is a screening cluster. Rule-out clues: Pain that changes with movement or position. NPTE trap: Night pain + weight loss = refer immediately. Best...

You studied and passed the NPTE! CONGRATS! Um... now what? Our 3 hosts give you advice on what to do NOW that you did the thing you set out to do in the first place! Finding a job Networking Self Assessment

Welcome back to NPTE Studycast, your indispensable guide for mastering the NPTE! In this episode, we're diving deep into Parkinson's Disease—a subject crucial not just for the NPTE but also for your real-world clinical practice. Listen in to expand your understanding and enhance your skills in addressing this complex condition.

Rachele Burriesci of All Things Cardio Pulm dives into the essential topic of sublingual nitroglycerin, specifically tailored for physical therapy students gearing up for the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination) exam. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this medication, its clinical applications, and its implications in the context of physical therapy practice. Episode Highlights: Ov...

Angina - It’s Not just chest pain Dive into understanding Angina with Dr. Rachele Burriesci, as she breaks down the pathophysiologic cause of angina, describes the 3 most common types and what you as a physical therapist should be aware of in its description in order to differentiate from other types of chest pain. In this episode: Atherosclerosis Define Angina Describe Angina 3 Types of Angina Ho...

In today's episode, we're going to talk about the key factors that every physical therapist should consider when looking for a new job. Keri Ammons, Director of Talent Acquisition at ATI explains that finding a place where you can grow with the company is essential. Look for a company that offers various paths within the organization to satisfy different interests. Whether it's IT, project managem...

Dr. Burriesci gives you the quick and dirty techniques to calculate rate on ECG and tips on how to determine a 6 second strip. She describes 4 different methods to determine rate and helps determine which technique to choose and why. Dive into this episode to get better at calculating rate and/or refresh your skills. Happy Practicing! In this episode: ECG paper importance How to determine a 6-sec...

In this comprehensive episode, we dive deep into the world of hip pathologies, providing you with an essential guide to prepare for the NPTE Exam. We'll cover the most common hip conditions, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options, as well as key clinical concepts and examination techniques that you need to know. Professor Matthew Condo provides insight and practical tips that will help you...

Are you struggling to understand electrical conduction for the NPTE exam? Look no further! In this video, we'll guide you through the ins and outs of electrical conduction, from the basics to the more complex concepts. We'll show you how to identify different types of conductors and insulators, and explain how conductivity is affected by factors such as temperature and material properties. We'll a...

Matthew Condo, PT, DPT, EdD covers hand deformities that frequently show up on the NPTE Find out more about Matt here

Learn the Mechanics of Breathing from Rachele Burriesci, PT, DPT, CCS, GCS www.allthingscardiopulm.com/

Heart ❤️ and Lungs

Heart ❤️ and Lungs

Axilla, Brachial Plexus and Arm NPTE Trivia Review

Axilla, Brachial Plexus and Arm NPTE Trivia Review

Anatomy Trivia to help you prepare for the NPTE with Matthew Condo of Methodist University

Anatomy Trivia to help you prepare for the NPTE with Matthew Condo of Methodist University