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 OCS exam.

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

Read the full cervical spine case scenario: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios/cervical-spine2

Target Audience:

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

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After nearly a decade of persistent advocacy, Aetna has dropped its outdated referral requirement, paving the way for greater direct access to physical therapy for over 36 million people.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, Healthcare policy advocates, APTA members, Private practice owners and outpatient clinicians, Medicare/insurance navigators in healthcare settings

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 academia, emphasizing mentorship, residency, and technology as key drivers in preparing PTs for expanded roles. Whether you're in a rural clinic, urban outpatient setting, or seeking to broaden your scope, this conversation sheds light on why primary care PT is gaining momentum—and how PTs can lead in filling critical healthcare gaps.

Target Audience:

Physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, students, educators, clinical specialists, residency directors, policy advocates

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, musicians, and theater students at the university level. The presentation explores mechanisms of injury in the performing arts, limitations of current return-to-learn and return-to-sport models, and the Delphi-based development of a stage-based protocol tailored to the performing arts. Learn how this framework supports collaboration between medical and academic teams and explore next steps for implementation in clinical and educational settings.

Learn more about this award-winning concussion protocol: https://www.orthopt.org/content/s/innovative-practice-award-winners

Target Audience:

Orthopaedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, academic faculty, student health providers, neuro PTs, clinicians treating concussion, performing arts medicine specialists, university healthcare professionals

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-sport criteria and patient-reported outcome measures, this episode helps you apply the new CPG to make more confident, effective decisions in shoulder rehab.

Perfect for practicing physical therapists looking to stay current and optimize outcomes.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Diagnosis, Nonsurgical Medical Care, and Rehabilitation: A Clinical Practice Guideline: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2025.13182



Target Audience:

orthopedic physical therapists, physical therapy students, clinical educators, sports PTs, musculoskeletal clinicians, researchers in PT, PT faculty, international PT professionals

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 demystify care for both PTs and patients. She also highlights opportunities for outreach to dental and primary care providers and emphasizes empowering physical therapists with practical tools—not fear.

Target Audience:

Orthopedic Physical Therapists, PTs with an interest in TMD, TMJ, or craniofacial care, Early-career PTs, DPT students, Clinic Owners/Managers, Dentists and Dental Specialists, Primary Care Physicians, Healthcare Administrators, Pain Researchers, Academics.

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 orthopaedic PTs.

Target Audience:

physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, orthopaedic PTs, clinicians, mindfulness in healthcare, chronic pain management, therapeutic alliance, patient care strategies, PT burnout, empathy in PT, mindful practice

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 more attention in entry-level education.

For clinicians who want to learn more, she recommends several go-to resources:

- Alhooie Education

- APTA Pelvic Health Section

- Herman & Wallace

- MyPFM

- Global Pelvic Health Alliance

She emphasizes staying clinically grounded and offers mentorship opportunities for those ready to go deeper.

Target Audience:

Orthopaedic physical therapists, pelvic health-curious clinicians, DPT students, residency/fellowship-trained PTs, early-career PTs, educators in physical therapy, and clinicians looking to expand into holistic or whole-body assessment approaches.

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 more attention in entry-level education.

For clinicians who want to learn more, she recommends several go-to resources:

- Alhooie Education

- APTA Pelvic Health Section

- Herman & Wallace

- MyPFM

- Global Pelvic Health Alliance

She emphasizes staying clinically grounded and offers mentorship opportunities for those ready to go deeper.

Target Audience:

Orthopaedic physical therapists, pelvic health-curious clinicians, DPT students, residency/fellowship-trained PTs, early-career PTs, educators in physical therapy, and clinicians looking to expand into holistic or whole-body assessment approaches.

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 General), Physical Therapist Assistants, DPT Students, Physical Therapy Educators & Researchers, PT clinic owners and practice managers, Members of APTA and related academies/SIGs