Ortho Eval Pal: Optimizing Orthopedic Evaluations and Management Skills

Send a text Let’s have some fun today:) In Podcast Episode 26 called: LISTEN! Let’s test your LISTENING and EVALUATION skills, I will see how sharp your listening skills are. Start by asking questions that rule out complications. Don’t ask too many open ended questions. Be diligent at “teasing” out certain diagnoses.   Today’s patient presentation: 14 y/o… WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to c...

Send a text Don’t miss this episode 25! I chat with the very well respected Lenny Macrina MSPT, SCS, CSCS about shoulder injuries, the “ins and outs” of a cash based practice and much more! Lenny is the co-founder and director of Physical Therapy at Champion Physical Therapy and Performance. Take advantage of the insightful knowledge that Lenny shares… WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check...

Send a text This is a must listen to episode!  If you are a PT, OT, PA, NP, Family Physician and/or Athletic Trainer! I chat with Orthopedic and Sports Specialist Dr. Stephen Thompson about Shoulder instability. We talk about special tests, “Red Flags”, when to refer to ortho and when and how to manage conservatively. Also get a… WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check it out Join our email...

Send a text In Episode 023-Cervical Spine Clearing “Tips and Tricks” I talk about the importance of performing c-spine clearing when evaluating patients. I’ll show you what process I like to use and why. I discuss pertinent questions to ask, how to perform deep tendon reflexes, sensation testing, manual muscle testing and special tests I like to use. Check out all of the videos I have with real pa...

Send a text In this “Episode 022-Most Popular Special Tests for the Shoulder! Evidence and Experience” I get to the meat and potatoes  about what special tests for the shoulder I like and what the majority of shoulder surgeons also like. I review some of the special tests and talk about diagnostic accuracy.  I also throw in my “two… Here is my Shoulder Special Tests Playlist WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!...

Send a text Today I talk about Biceps Ruptures and Biceps Tendinitis. I have some great videos that are linked in these show notes. Be sure to know the importance of identifying distal versus proximal biceps ruptures. Episode 021- Biceps Ruptures and Biceps Tendinitis   Let’s start with some functional anatomy: The biceps are both an elbow flexor... Here is a video of a patient with a FRESH biceps...

Send a text In this podcast I talk about the most common nerve related injuries in the shoulder complex. I’ll discuss how I like to identify them, what the common findings are, which muscle groups they innervate and how to manage them. Check out our YouTube shoulder playlist to see some actual patients with nerve related injuries and… VIDEOS with patients with real nerve injuries: Click HERE WE HA...

Send a text In todaly’s episode I will talk to you about a SIMPLE program that I developed that has been  tremendously helpful to patients soon after shoulder surgery. Episode 019-The 3 Day Post-op Shoulder Program will take you through the importance of seeing your patient soon after surgery. This will build patient confidence, decrease pain and increase… WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to c...

Send a text In today’s Podcast: Episode 018-Shoulder Arthritis – Common Signs and Symptoms I talk about how the A-C and Gleno-humeral joints break down and who is at highest risk. I will also discuss how to distinguish between GH arthritis and adhesive capsulitis. If you want to see a video of a patient with severe gleno-humeral arthritis,… See this patient video of shoulder arthritis: WE HAVE A N...

Send a text In Episode 017 the 6 most common causes of shoulder external rotation weakness I will help you look at external rotation weakness a little differently. I’m going to ask you to look outside the box with this one and by doing so, you may pick up on unusual diagnoses that get missed on occasion. Here is a video for you WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check it out Join our email li...

Send a text   In this episode of Rotator Cuff Impingement vs Rotator Cuff Tears you will acquire some insight from experience on how to differentiate between cuff tears and impingement. I’ll talk about common signs and symptoms for each although there is some carry-over between the two. WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check it out Join our email list: Hit SUBSCRIBE on our Website One on on...

Send a text   In today’s episode, Episode 015 – “Rotator Cuff Basics” Anatomy, Innervation and Function! I talk about the most important aspects of the rotator cuff musculature, it’s innervation and function. I always tell people who see Orthopedic patients that the key to proper treatment is a thorough a good evaluation and the key to a… Want a more comprehensive WEBINAR on Adhesive Capsulitis? H...

Send a text     In this episode of Frozen Shoulder (Part 2) – “Stages and How to Treat it!” I talk about time frames and common presentations during these time frames. I discuss from experience what has worked and hasn’t worked regarding the treatment of frozen shoulders. I mention everything from non-surgical to surgical interventions and when… Want a more comprehensive WEBINAR on Adhesive Capsul...

Send a text In this podcast episode Frozen Shoulder-Who’s at Risk and How to Identify it! I talk about several risk factors that predispose patients to getting a “Frozen Shoulder” and I discuss the most common physical findings that help you confirm the diagnosis of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder. Trust me when I say that you will… Want a more comprehensive WEBINAR on Adhesive Capsulitis? Her...

Send a text Hello and welcome to Episode 012 – Shoulder Anatomy-Can it be done on a Podcast? In this episode I will focus on key components of the shoulder, discuss “troublesome” anatomy and just give a basic review. There will be more podcasts coming that will focus on individual diagnoses. I hope you enjoy the podcast and… WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check it out Join our email list:...

Send a text In today’s episode I talk about Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease. I’ll let you know who is susceptible to getting it, what causes it and how to manage it. In my opinion, it is very easy to diagnose and doesn’t require diagnostic imaging unless the patient fails conservative treatment. Feel free to rate us and leave a review… WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check it out Join our email...

Send a text In this episode I will talk about how to get a specialist’s attention and how to connect with a specialist for the betterment of the patient. Listen till the end when I give you my secret to how I filled my cell phone contact list with specialist’s numbers. WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check it out Join our email list: Hit SUBSCRIBE on our Website One on one Coaching? We hav...

Send a text In this episode, I will chat about Knee Arthritis. I will review common signs and symptoms and talk about how to manage them. Not all knee arthritis patients need to have a knee replacement. I’ll talk about my take on knee arthritis. Please feel free to add what works for you. These patients can be… WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check it out One on one Coaching? We have it! A...

Send a text Listen carefully to this episode of Meniscus Tears-“Let’s Make Identifying Them Easier!” to get some key points when trying to evaluate a patient with a suspected meniscus tear. I’ll talk a bit about the different types of cartilage in the knee, it’s function and how to manage these patients. Be sure to listen to the… WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check it out One on one Coac...

Send a text Today I will talk about ACL tears and how important it is to ask patients the right questions and make certain observations that help you come to the diagnosis of an “ACL tear”. I will tell you what questions to ask and discuss what I have found to be most helpful in diagnosing patients with ACL tears. Here is a video of a patient evaluation with an ACL tear: WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Cl...

Send a text In this episode I discuss the difference between Patellar Tendonitis vs. Tendonopathy. I will give you some common finding that each diagnosis has and how to manage them differently. I will also mention what to avoid when treating patellar tendonitis and patellar tendinopathy. WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check it out One on one Coaching? We have it! Ask me your ortho evalua...

Send a text In this episode I will be talking about intra vs extra articular swelling. Understanding the difference between these two can help you hone in your knee diagnosis skills. I will discuss which structures swell inside the joint capsule and which swell outside the capsule. Be sure to listen to the whole episode to receive the… WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check it out One on on...

Send a text In this episode, I will be discussing the 3 causes of quad shutdown. The quadriceps is a very important muscle group that allows for a lot of functional activity. Recognizing quad shut down is important in helping to minimize further injury. Make sure to listen till the end and pick up the link for the… Identifying Quad Shut Down WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check it out One...

Send a text Todays episode will focus on identifying patella-femoral dysfunction. I’ll talk about some of the most common findings and discuss how I like to manage these. Patello-femoral dysfunction can be very frustrating and difficulty to treat but like a car being out of alignment, straightening out a few things can be helpful. I will talk about… Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome video Osgood Schlat...

Send a text All medical providers should listen to this episode 002-Why Patients don’t get Better. This does not only pertain to orthopedics but to almost any medical field. You’ve been there! You are working diligently with your patient and they just aren’t responding to your treatment. You ask yourself “Did I miss something?” “Is the patient being… WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! Click HERE   to check i...