Episodes

Dr. Norman L. Johnson, PT, DPT, DEd, MSS, MBA, LMT, received the APTA Orthopedics Innovative Practice Award (Q4 2024) for creating the Mobility Assessment and Treatment Device, an innovative falls screening and gait assessment tool that combines the Four Square Step Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and Figure-of-8 Walk Test. This innovation improves fall risk screening, supports therapeutic activities, and advances patient safety while reducing setup time in clinical practice. Learn more about the ...

Join Stephania Bell, PT, OCS, CSCS, senior writer and injury analyst for ESPN, as she sits down with Caitlin McGee, MS, PT, DPT, a leader in esports medicine. Together, they dive into the world of competitive gaming and show how PTs can prevent injuries, improve performance, and make a real impact on esports athletes. In this episode, you’ll discover: • Common injuries affecting competitive gamers—and how to treat them • Why esports medicine is an emerging field every PT should know about • ...

In the fifth episode of Did You Know?, part of the APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody chat with Dan Mills about prescriptive authority in physical therapy—what it means, why it matters, and how it could reshape the profession. From the origins of the APTA task force to international perspectives, military examples, and state-level challenges, this episode explores how prescriptive authority could expand access, improve efficiency, and strengthen PT pract...

Join Bob Hall and PT leader Marcia Spoto, PT, MS, as they break down value-based care in physical therapy. In this episode, Marcia explains: - What value-based care really means - How it differs from traditional fee-for-service models - Why patient outcomes and satisfaction are key metrics - Opportunities for PTs in both private practice and hospital systems - How data and documentation can boost referrals, revenue, and clinic success Whether you’re curious about improving patient care, na...

Are you an orthopedic clinician considering a terminal degree? In this episode of the APTA Orthopedics Podcast, host Luciano Garcia sits down with Sharon Wang Price, PT, PhD, COMT, FAAOMPT, and Phil Sizer, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT, to explore the differences between the ScD and PhD programs. Learn which degree might be the best fit for your career goals in research, education, or clinical leadership. They also discuss program length, hybrid options, and tips for balancing work, life, and advanced educa...

Get an inside look at your newest APTA Orthopedics member benefit! In this Town Hall recording, we walk you through our collaboration with PhysioU, giving you streamlined access to Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) content and interactive tools designed to enhance learning and improve patient care. You’ll see the platform in action, learn how to apply CPGs at the point of care, and hear directly from leaders about how this resource can help reduce unwanted practice variation while boosting your...

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 chronic pain cases. Target Audience: Physical therapists, DPT students, PT educators, clinicians inte...

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 first-contact providers achieve less imaging, fewer medications, and same or better outcomes compared to...

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 changes could significantly reduce administrative burden, improve access to care, especially...

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 profession, but for the individual clinician. Whether you’re early in your career or looking to give...

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 inclusive way to assess and treat patients of all ages—especially older adults and veterans. This presenta...

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 strategies. Learn how to confidently navigate neck pain presentations and sharpen your OCS prep with t...

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 guidelines. This scenario is ideal for sharpening your lumbar spine reasoning and preparing for the...

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 advocacy pays off. Target Audience: Physical Therapists (PTs & PTAs), DPT students and new grads, Health...

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 musculoskeletal care. Dr. Heick shares insights from his career in orthopedics, neuro, sports, and academ...

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. This interdisciplinary effort fills a critical void in post-concussion management for dancers, musi...

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 more patient-centered, evidence-informed recommendations. From updated grading scales to return-to-...

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, including how to simplify TMD screening and treatment, build interdisciplinary referral networks, and dem...

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 new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, this episode is packed with insight for orthopa...

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 how constipation and fascial restrictions can relate to low back pain and why these areas deserve mo...

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 tools to better support this population. Target Audience: Licensed Physical Therapists (Orthopaedic and...

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 advice for PTs on the front lines. Hear how early intervention, targeted rehab, and a PT-first approa...

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 in hand—and how you can implement sustainable mentorship in your own clinic. Whether you’re a seasone...

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-career professionals. This session underscores the importance of communication, shared learning, an...