PT Snacks Podcast: Physical Therapy with Dr. Kasey Hankins

Send us Fan Mail 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 o...

Send us Fan Mail 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 displace...

Send us Fan Mail 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 educ...

Send us Fan Mail 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 osteoar...

Send us Fan Mail 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 provide...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 fo...

Send us Fan Mail 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 the...

Send us Fan Mail 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 guidel...

Send us Fan Mail 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail 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 bas...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 the...

Send us Fan Mail 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 trea...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 fo...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ! Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 , incl...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail Wondering how to safely and effectively program plyometrics for your patients ? In this episode, we’re breaking down the essential factors to consider when designing plyometric training. We’ll start with a quick refresher on what plyometrics are, then dive into how to make exercises sport-specific, the importance of assessing skill levels, and the factors that increase exercise in...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we cover the following: What phases are necessary for an exercise to be considered a plyometric What phases of a plyometric PTs and Trainers target to improve performance Ideal intensity for proper muscle fiber recruitment How our muscle spindles and golgi tendon organs impact performance of plyometric skills How to apply this information in the clinic Need CEUs?...

Send us Fan Mail In this epsidoe, we cover the following: General anatomy of the adductor complex Risk factors for groin injuries What to evaluate in your patients Differentials Brief overview of treatment Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge . You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST a...