APTA Orthopedics Podcasts - Previously Ortho Static

Join us for this session in the Animal PT Webinar Series, hosted by Sasha Foster, PT, MS, President of the Animal PT SIG (https://sashaafoster.com), with special guests Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw and Dr. Ilana Struble, MA, DVM, CVSMT, CCRT, CVAT (www.awelladjustedpet.com), respected leaders in veterinary orthopedics, sports medicine, and animal rehabilitation.This conversation gives physical therapists a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how veterinary clinics truly operate and what it takes to successfully integrate into the veterinary care team. The panel discusses real-world collaboration between PTs and veterinarians, diagnostic challenges in animal medicine, and the skills PTs need to build credibility, confidence, and trust in the veterinary ecosystem.You’ll hear practical insights from experienced clinicians on communication, clinical reasoning, and navigating referrals while keeping the pet’s best interest at the center of care.What You’ll Learn:✓ How veterinary clinics function day to day✓ What veterinarians expect from physical therapists✓ How to communicate effectively with veterinarians and specialists✓ Why diagnoses may change and how PTs should respond✓ Ways to build trust, confidence, and long-term collaboration in animal practiceTarget Audience:Physical therapists, animal physical therapists, veterinary rehabilitation professionals, PT students, animal rehab clinicians, sports medicine PTs, veterinarians, veterinary specialists, animal rehab educators

Join host Kelsy Hill, PT, DPT, OCS, as she sits down with John Morris, PT, DSc, MBA, OCS, FAAOMPT, Cert. MDT, to explore what sets high-performing orthopedic physical therapists apart. Learn practical strategies for improving patient outcomes, building stronger therapeutic relationships, and developing critical soft skills that elevate your clinical practice.In this episode, you’ll discover:- How to use evidence-based guidelines effectively without feeling protocol-bound- The importance of mentorship and the clinical ladder in professional growth- Tips for developing soft skills, communication, and patient-centered care- Strategies to foster humility, reflection, and comfort with clinical uncertainty- Differences in approach for cervical vs lumbar spine treatmentPerfect for PTs, residency programs, and clinical educators looking to enhance their practice and support their teams.

Join ESPN’s Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS, as she sits down at AOSSM 2025 with Dr. Riley J. Williams — Chief of the Sports Medicine Institute at Hospital for Special Surgery, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Head Team Orthopedic Surgeon for the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, and New York Red Bulls.In this conversation, Dr. Williams discusses the evolution of cartilage repair in high-level athletes, innovations in minimally invasive procedures, and strategies to optimize return-to-play while protecting long-term joint health.Physical therapists will learn about:- Surgical options for articular cartilage repair and their long-term outcomes- How recovery timelines and return-to-play expectations have evolved for elite athletes- The role of less invasive interventions like subchondroplasty and blood flow restriction- Early detection and management of wear-and-tear cartilage injuries in high-load sports- How cumulative training loads and year-round play affect joint health in basketball and other sportsTarget Audience:Orthopedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports medicine surgeons, sports performance clinicians, strength and conditioning coaches, rehab directors, PT students, sports science professionals

Join ESPN’s Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS, as she sits down at AOSSM 2025 with Dr. Scott Rodeo — Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Vice Chair of Research at Hospital for Special Surgery, Director of the HSS Center for Regenerative Medicine, and Head Team Physician for the New York Giants.In this conversation, Dr. Rodeo breaks down the rapidly evolving world of orthobiologics, including what current evidence supports, where the biggest gaps in knowledge still exist, and how clinicians can navigate PRP, stem cell therapies, and patient expectations in today’s sports medicine landscape.Physical therapists will learn about:- The strongest indications for PRP in athletic populations- What platelet-poor plasma (PPP) is and why it may benefit muscle injuries- The realities and limitations of “stem cell” therapies in 2025- Key regulatory restrictions in the United States vs. overseas practices- How to counsel athletes exploring medical tourism for regenerative treatments- Emerging cellular technologies and where the science is headingTarget Audience:Orthopedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports medicine surgeons, sports performance clinicians, strength and conditioning coaches, rehab directors, PT students, and sports science professionals.

In this episode of the APTA Orthopedics Podcast, host Luciano Garcia, PT, ScD, OCS, COMT, interviews Dr. Jenny Hobson, PT, DPT, MTC, CFC, CMTPT, a European-trained physical therapist and airway specialist. Dr. Hobson is one of only two PTs in the U.S. authorized to teach Dr. Mariano Rocabado’s internationally recognized method, integrating airway, posture, and oral-motor dynamics into physical therapy practice.Topics Covered:Airway–Posture Connection: How craniofacial development, spinal alignment, and breathing/swallowing patterns impact airway function and related dysfunctions.Breath & Oral Posture Strategies: Nasal breathing retraining, tongue-to-soft-palate stabilization, and regulation of breath volume.Full-Body PT Integration: Ribcage mobility, spinal alignment, and postural restoration to support airway stability and overall health.Target Audience:Orthopedic physical therapists, PT students, manual therapy clinicians, postural restoration specialists, airway rehabilitation therapists, sports PTs, pediatric PTs, adult rehab specialists

Join ESPN’s Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS, as she sits down at AOSSM 2025 with Dr. Matt Provencher — retired U.S. Navy Captain, Professor of Surgery and Orthopedics at The Steadman Clinic, and CEO of The Predictors.In this conversation, Dr. Provencher discusses the evolution of shoulder instability management, how predictive analytics informs NFL and military medical decisions, and why interdisciplinary communication is essential for optimizing outcomes.Physical therapists will learn about:- Choosing the right stabilization procedure based on athlete profile, sport, and imaging- How surgical outcomes in shoulder instability have improved over the last 20–25 years- The critical role of integrated care teams and communication (PTs, ATs, S&C, nutrition, surgeons)- How “The Predictors” uses data to support decisions for teams, agents, and players- Why AI and analytics are shaping the future of orthopedic care and rehab planningTarget Audience:Orthopedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports medicine surgeons, sports performance clinicians, strength and conditioning coaches, rehab directors, PT students, sports science professionals

Join Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS—senior writer and injury analyst for ESPN—as she sits down at AOSSM 2025 with Dr. Mike Banffy, Chief of Sports Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Orthopedics, Head Team Orthopedic Physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Team Physician for the Los Angeles Rams.Dr. Banffy breaks down what it takes to care for multiple elite teams simultaneously—from managing diverse injury patterns across baseball and football to navigating the demanding in-season schedules of two high-performance organizations.Physical therapists will gain insight into:- Balancing athlete care across two professional teams- Managing workload, communication, and performance demands in baseball vs. football- How team structure impacts rehab timelines and return-to-play decisions- The complexities of in-season care for elite, high-value athletes- Key considerations when coordinating care with large medical and performance staffsTarget Audience:Orthopedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, sports medicine clinicians, athletic trainers, orthopedic surgeons, performance coaches

Discover how APTA Orthopedics is addressing administrative burdens and utilization management challenges affecting orthopedic physical therapists.In this Advocacy Update, host Bob Hall sits down with Anthony DiFilippo, PT, past APTA Board Member and chair of the Utilization Management Subcommittee, to discuss:- How utilization management can shift from denial-driven to outcomes-driven- The impact of prior authorization on patient care and clinician workload- Strategies to reduce administrative burden through evidence-based approaches- Linking clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to auto-authorization for common MSK conditions- Collaboration with SPARC, APTA Regulatory Affairs, and Private Practice to push national reform- Transparency in digital risk scores and tiered authorization systems- Policy priorities to support adaptive, patient-centered care- How PTs can leverage new APTA resources to improve practice efficiencyThis conversation is essential for PTs navigating payer policies, helping them stay informed and advocate for better patient care.Target Audience:Orthopedic physical therapists, Clinic managers and owners, PTs navigating prior authorization and utilization management, APTA Orthopedics members, PT students interested in advocacy, Clinicians seeking policy updates and best practices

Join us for the third session in our Animal PT Webinar Series, hosted by Sasha Foster, PT, CCRT, President of the Animal PT SIG (https://sashaafoster.com), with special guests Karen Atlas, PT, CCRT (Atlas Rehabilitation for Canines) and Kirk Peck, PT, PhD, CSCS, CCRT (https://www.creighton.edu/campus-directory/peck-kirk-m).This session breaks down the often confusing licensing landscape for Animal Physical Therapy and provides clarity on how PTs can navigate state practice acts, pursue appropriate pathways, and advocate for growth in the profession.You will hear real examples from clinicians and leaders actively shaping state regulations and supporting PTs who are entering or expanding their work in animal practice.What You’ll Learn:✓ Key steps and common challenges in the animal PT licensing process✓ How state practice acts influence what PTs are allowed to do in animal care✓ How advocacy efforts and the Animal SIG support clinicians pursuing this specialtyJoin the APTSIG: https://www.orthopt.org/content/special-interest-groups/animal-physical-therapyJoin the APTSIG Community: https://aopt.connectedcommunity.org/homeAPTA Legislative Podcast Script: www.orthopt.org/uploads/content_files/files/4.APTA_Legislative_Podcast_Script_UPDATED_11_14_25.docx Animal Physical Therapy - State Practice Acts Matrix 2025: www.orthopt.org//uploads/content_files/files/3.Animal_Physical_Therapy_State_Practice_Acts_Matrix_2025.pdfAnimal Physical Therapy - Issue Brief Inclusion of Animal Physical Therapy within the State Physical Therapy Practice Act: www.orthopt.org/uploads/content_files/files/2Animal_Physical_Therapy_Issue_Brief_Inclusion_of_Animal_Physical_Therapy_Within_the_State_Physical_Therapy_Practice_Act.pdfWhy Advocacy Matters: www.orthopt.org/uploads/content_files/files/6.WhyAdvocacyMattersFINAL.pdfPathway for Legislative Change:www.orthopt.org/uploads/content_files/files/5.PathwayforLegislativeChangeFINAL.pdfAnimal Physical Therapy - Insurance and Checklist:www.orthopt.org/uploads/content_files/files/1.Animal_Physical_Therapy_Insurance_and_Risk_Checklist.pdfTarget Audience:Physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, PT students, animal rehab professionals, educators, clinic owners, and those interested in entering or expanding their work in Animal Physical Therapy.

Discover how the Alaska Chapter of APTA is transforming access to care through the first pro bono physical therapy clinic sponsored, managed, and staffed entirely by APTA members.In this presentation, Leah Einhorn, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, recipient of the 2024 APTA Orthopedics Q3 Innovative Practice Award, shares the development, growth, and impact of the Alaska Physical Therapy Community Clinic—a nonprofit model expanding from Anchorage to Wasilla, Fairbanks, and Homer.Target Audience:Physical therapists and PTAs across the U.S., APTA members and state chapter leaders, PT students and academic programs exploring pro bono models, Clinicians interested in volunteer opportunities, Health care administrators focused on access disparities, Individuals involved in nonprofit health service development, Community health organizations and rural health advocates

Join Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS—senior writer and injury analyst for ESPN— as she sits down at AOSSM 2025 with Dr. Kevin Farmer, Professor and Chief of Sports Medicine at the University of Florida and Team Physician for the Florida Gators.In this conversation, Dr. Farmer breaks down how the transfer portal, NIL, and agent involvement are reshaping athlete management in elite college football. He discusses the challenges of caring for high-value athletes, the complexities of post-operative continuity when players transfer, and the increasing risk landscape clinicians face in the current system.Physical therapists will gain insight into:- How transfer portal movement disrupts continuity of care and surgical follow-up- Why surgeons and PTs must adhere strictly to outside protocols for liability protection- How NIL deals and financial incentives influence injury reporting, redshirting, and RTP decisions- The growing role of agents in case management—and how it changes communication workflows- Practical considerations for managing elite collegiate athletes amid legal, financial, and ethical pressuresTarget Audience:orthopedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports medicine clinicians, team PTs, outpatient PTs, rehabilitation professionals, PT students, ortho residents, sports performance staff, strength and conditioning coaches

Join Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS—senior writer and injury analyst for ESPN— as she sits down at AOSSM 2025 with Dr. Kathy Coyner, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UConn Health, Director of the UConn Women’s Center for Motion and Performance, and Team Physician for UConn Athletics.In this conversation, Dr. Coyner discusses ACL injury trends in female athletes, communication across multidisciplinary teams, the impact of NIL and external training providers, and evolving surgical considerations—including lateral extra-articular tenodesis—for reducing failure rates.Physical therapists will gain insight into:- Navigating return-to-play vs. return-to-performance in high school vs. collegiate athletes- How psychological readiness shapes RTP timelines and re-injury risk- Prevention strategies and implementation barriers in youth female athletes- Surgical factors influencing outcomes in females (hyperlaxity, graft choice, LET)- How team communication and consistent messaging support better rehab outcomesTarget Audience:physical therapists, orthopedic physical therapists, sports PTs, PT students, athletic trainers, strength & conditioning coaches, rehab specialists, sports medicine providers, clinic directors, PT educators, biomechanists, basketball medicine staff, youth sports cliniciansReferenced study:Getgood AMJ, Bryant DM, Litchfield R, et al. Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Reduces Failure of Hamstring Tendon Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: 2-Year Outcomes From the STABILITY Study Randomized Clinical Trial. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2020;48(2):285-297. doi:10.1177/0363546519896333

Join Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS—senior writer and injury analyst for ESPN—as she sits down at AOSSM 2025 with Dr. Jeffrey Dugas, Managing Partner at Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center and Team Physician for Troy University.In this in-depth conversation, Dr. Dugas breaks down the latest evidence, clinical criteria, and outcomes behind UCL repair with internal brace augmentation, the evolution of Tommy John surgery, and the emerging landscape of hybrid reconstruction techniques.Physical therapists will gain insight into:- Differences between UCL repair, reconstruction, and hybrid procedures- Selection criteria and tissue quality considerations- Return-to-play data and reoperation trends- How surgical decision-making affects rehab timelines and expectations- What current evidence suggests about long-term outcomes in overhead athletesTarget Audience:physical therapists, orthopedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, PT students, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, rehab specialists, baseball rehab clinicians, sports medicine providers, clinic directors, PT educators, biomechanists, performance staff working with overhead athletesClinical Outcomes of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Internal Brace Versus Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Competitive Athletes: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39891035/

Join Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS, senior writer and injury analyst for ESPN, as she sits down with Dr. James Bradley, Clinical Professor of Orthopedics at UPMC, Head Team Physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Past President of AOSSM, at the 2025 AOSSM Annual Meeting in Nashville.In this episode, Dr. Bradley discusses posterior shoulder instability, the evolution of surgical management, and rehabilitation protocols for elite athletes. He also shares insights on managing athletes during the season and fostering a team-based sports medicine culture.Physical therapists and orthopedic specialists will gain actionable takeaways on rehab progression, sport-specific adaptations, and collaboration with surgical teams.Target Audience: physical therapists, orthopedic physical therapists, sports medicine clinicians, athletic trainers, rehabilitation specialists, PT students, orthopedic residents, team physicians, sports coachesThe Treatment of Posterior Subluxation in Athleteshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8504591/

Join Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS, senior writer and injury analyst for ESPN, as she sits down with Heather Milligan, PT, OCS, SCS, founder of Elite OrthoSport Physical Therapy & Performance, to explore the nuances of guiding athletes safely back to sport—from NFL quarterbacks to weekend warriors.In this episode, Heather shares clinical reasoning, affordable assessment tools, and communication strategies that drive successful outcomes for all patient populations.You’ll learn:- Clinical reasoning & progression strategies- Affordable, objective assessment tools- Return-to-sport benchmarks- PT-surgeon communication excellence- Managing elite vs. everyday athletes- Case study insightsWhether you treat elite athletes or general orthopedic patients, you’ll gain actionable insights to elevate your practice.Target Audience:Physical therapists specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine, PTs treating Achilles injuries (surgical and conservative), Physical therapy students, residents, and new graduates, Athletic trainers and strength & conditioning coaches, Clinicians seeking improved surgeon communication and collaboration, Rehab professionals working with limited budgets and equipment, PTs bridging the gap between general and elite athlete care, Anyone interested in functional progression and return-to-sport decision-making

In this sixth episode of Did You Know?, part of the APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody sit down with Chad E. Cook, PT, PhD, FAPTA — one of the most accomplished and influential researchers in physical therapy.Dr. Cook is a Tenured Professor at Duke University with appointments in Orthopaedics, Population Health Sciences, and the Duke Clinical Research Institute. He has authored 420+ publications, written 4 textbooks, delivered keynote lectures in 40 countries, and contributed to more than $17 million in external funding. A multi-award-winning educator and researcher, he’s recognized as one of the most productive and respected PT scholars in the field.In this episode, we explore why so many orthopedic treatments produce similar outcomes — and what truly drives patient recovery.Key takeaways for physical therapists:- How to understand recovery trajectories and individualized treatment effects- Why patient-reported outcomes (PROMIS) matter in clinical decision-making- The impact of contextual factors and the therapeutic alliance- How to make evidence-based decisions without over-relying on single studies- Practical advice for new grads navigating clinical uncertaintyWhether you’re a student, new grad, or experienced clinician, this conversation offers evidence-based, practical insights to sharpen your clinical reasoning and improve how you interpret patient outcomes.Target Audience:Physical Therapists, PT Students and New Graduates, Clinicians interested in orthopedics, musculoskeletal care, and evidence-based practice, Researchers and educators in physical therapy

In this episode of APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, host Luciano Garcia, PT, ScD, OCS, COMT, sits down with Jon Beougher, PT, DPT, OCS, a residency-trained physical therapist and National Coordinator of Dry Needling Services at Select Medical, to discuss the clinical application, certification, and future of dry needling in orthopedic physical therapy.Jon shares insights on:- What dry needling is and how it goes beyond trigger points- Current clinical models and evidence supporting dry needling- State regulations, certification requirements, and safety considerations- Optimal timing of dry needling within treatment sessions- How dry needling can enhance patient outcomes and clinical reasoningTarget Audience:Orthopedic physical therapists, PTs interested in advanced interventions like dry needling. Clinicians seeking evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes, PT students considering specialization or advanced training

In this episode of APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, host APTA Georgia President Ben Braxley, PT, DPT and guest APTA Virginia President Emily J. Hawkins, PT, DPT, PhD, explore how orthopedic physical therapists can find community, leadership pathways, and professional identity through APTA chapters, sections, and academies.They discuss:- How chapter + academy involvement strengthens ortho identity & community- How to build sustainable volunteer and leadership pipelines- How evolving member needs — especially across generations — shape engagementWhether you’re a student, early-career clinician, or seasoned orthopedic PT, this conversation highlights how getting involved locally and nationally can expand your network, sharpen your skill set, and elevate your impact.Target Audience:Orthopedic physical therapists, orthopedic PT residents, early-career PTs, PT students, military-affiliated PTs, section and academy PT members, PT volunteers, PT leaders, APTA chapter members, OCS-focused clinicians, outpatient orthopedic clinicians

Join APTA Orthopedics for this informative town hall on the Orthopedic PT Toolkit for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs), designed to help physical therapists expand their practice and collaborate effectively with dental professionals.In this session, Dr. Janey Prodoehl, PT, PhD, CCTT, 2024 Q3 Innovative Practice Award Winner, shares her toolkit to support evidence-based, conservative care for patients with TMD, including:Strategies for patient education and engagementTools for building PT-dentist collaborationEvidence-based conservative care approachesPractical tips for assessing and treating jaw pain, muscle dysfunction, and cervical contributionsWhether you’re an orthopedic PT, student, or educator, this town hall offers actionable insights to improve patient outcomes and grow your practice.Target Audience:Orthopedic physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, PT students, APTA Orthopedics members, Clinicians interested in TMD management, Dental professionals exploring PT collaboration

In this Performing Arts SIG (PASIG) panel, PASIG Vice President of Education Melissa Strzelinski, PT, PhD, moderates a discussion with leading clinicians in performing arts physical therapy:Michael Costello, PT, DSc, OCS, MTC; Monique DeLuca Watson, DPT, OCS, CMTPT/DN; and Andrew Kunin, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT.Together, they explore neuropathic pain in dancers and musicians, examining how clinicians can identify, assess, and manage nerve-related conditions within the unique physical demands of performing artists. Topics include:* Recognizing neuropathic pain presentations in performers* Clinical reasoning and treatment planning for nerve-related injuries* Practical education strategies for patient self-management* Common technical faults and training errors linked to neuropathic issues* Case discussions from both dance and music populationsThis session offers a deep dive into how orthopedic and performing arts clinicians can bridge the gap between neuroscience, performance, and rehabilitation.Target AudienceOrthopedic physical therapists, performing arts PTs, PT students, dance medicine clinicians, musicians’ health specialists, and anyone treating performers with complex movement and neuropathic pain conditions.