Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists!

Explore a lateral elbow pain case involving a 42-year-old female with chronic symptoms. Learn how to differentiate local musculoskeletal versus neural contributions, interpret range of motion and strength deficits, select evidence-based interventions, and determine appropriate next steps when conservative care does not resolve symptoms. Perfect for OCS prep and practicing clinical reasoning for upper extremity conditions.

Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series

Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios

Target Audience:

physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists!

Review a 73-year-old female presenting with new-onset lumbar spine pain following hospitalization and prolonged bed rest. Learn how to identify red flags, interpret systemic factors, apply evidence-based interventions, and distinguish interventions that are not recommended for non-specific low back pain.

Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series

Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios

Target Audience:

physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam

Aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists, review a 42-year-old female with insidious lateral hip pain. Learn how to assess greater trochanteric pain syndrome, apply special tests, plan evidence-based interventions, and interpret prognosis and adjunctive therapies.

Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series

Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios

Target Audience:

physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam

Aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists, review a 32-year-old male soccer player presenting with an acute posterior thigh injury. Learn how to assess hamstring strains, differentiate biceps femoris involvement, apply clinical practice guidelines, and implement evidence-based interventions for pain management and future injury prevention.

Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series

Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios

Target Audience:

physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists!

Explore an acute ankle sprain case involving a 23-year-old male with a recent inversion injury. Learn how to apply assessment techniques, interpret exam findings, utilize clinical prediction rules, and plan evidence-based interventions. This case emphasizes ankle joint mechanics, nerve involvement, and strategies for optimizing recovery while reducing re-injury risk.

Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series

Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios

Target Audience:

physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists!

Explore a concussion case involving a 16-year-old male with post-traumatic symptoms. Learn how to assess musculoskeletal, cervical, and vestibular-ocular motor impairments, interpret exam findings, and implement safe interventions and activity pacing strategies. Perfect for OCS prep and practicing clinical reasoning for post-concussion management.

Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series

Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios

Target Audience:

physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists!

Explore a shoulder case involving a 45-year-old female with insidious onset shoulder pain. Learn how to interpret exam findings, monitor progression, and adjust interventions appropriately for patients with subacromial and capsular issues. Perfect for OCS prep and practicing clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.

Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series

Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios

Target Audience:

physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists!

Explore a cervical spine case involving a 62-year-old male presenting after a traumatic fall. Learn how to identify key red flags, interpret exam findings, and determine appropriate interventions and safety strategies to support patients with recent trauma. Perfect for OCS prep and practicing your clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.

Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series

Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios

Target Audience:

physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists!

Explore a cervical spine case involving a 55-year-old male with neck and upper extremity symptoms. Learn how to interpret exam findings, apply clinical reasoning, and determine appropriate manual therapy and home exercise strategies for a patient with radicular presentations. Perfect for OCS prep and practicing your clinical decision-making.

Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series

Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios

Target Audience

physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists!

Explore a cervical spine case involving a 25-year-old female with chronic neck pain and headaches. Learn how to identify cervicogenic headache, interpret key exam findings, and apply evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes. Perfect for OCS prep and clinical reasoning practice.

Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series



Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios

Target Audience:

physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam