APTA Orthopedics Podcasts - Previously Ortho Static

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 cl...

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...

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 ...

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...

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After nearly a decade of persistent advocacy, Aetna has dropped its outdated referral requirement, paving the way for greater direct access to physical therapy for over 36 million people.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...

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 i...

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 ...

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-infor...

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 ...

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 deep...

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 restrict...

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...

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.

Hea...

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 su...

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...

**Watch this presentation on APTA Orthopaedics' YouTube**

In this Occupational Health Presentation, Rick Wickstrom explores the value of Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) in facilitating return-to-work outcomes. Rick shares insights on integrating job-specific testing into the rehabilitation process, emphasizing the importance of on-site evaluations and collaborating with employers. Learn how physical therapists (PTs) and occup...

In this Performing Arts SIG panel, PASIG Vice President of Education Melissa Kolski, PT, leads an expert discussion featuring a lineup of clinicians deeply embedded in the world of circus and performing arts: Heather Heineman, PT, DPT, OCS, WCS; Emily Scherb, PT, DPT (author of Aerial Athletes: Flying, Hanging, Wrapping, Catching); and Dawn Muci, DPT, SCS, ATC. Together, they explore physical therapy care for circus artists through...

In the second episode of Did You Know?, part of the APTA Orthopaedic Podcasts, hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody chat with Evan Nelson and Scott Tauferner, co-authors of a recently published, myth-debunking original journal article in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy titled: "Ordering of Diagnostic Imaging by Physical Therapists: A Multi-Center Analysis of Successful Implementation."

Join us as we explor...

Join us for an eye-opening Imaging SIG webinar with Dr. Aaron Keil as he shares results from a powerful new study debunking common misconceptions about physical therapists and diagnostic imaging. From outdated assumptions to insurance myths, we dive deep into the data and how it can transform advocacy, practice, and patient care.

You’ll also get a sneak peek at exciting upcoming research and legislative wins in states pushing for im...