Join Dr. Arvie Vitente, Program Director of the Lewis University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, along with inaugural DPT students Mario Leon, Dylan Smith, and Sean Blanchard, for a fun, fast-paced deep dive into the language that builds every movement science: anatomical position and A&P terminology.In this episode, the team explores how precise words translate to better clinical reasoning, patient safety, and professional communication. Through quick-fire examples, case vignettes, and an interactive “Simon Says—Clinician Edition” game, listeners will discover how the foundational terms of anatomy become the GPS for every physical therapist.Whether you’re a student gearing up for lab, a clinician brushing up your documentation, or just curious about how anatomy meets movement, this session will help you see, speak, and think like a PT.Topics include:Understanding anatomical position as the universal reference pointKey directional and movement terms used in PT practicePlanes of motion and why they guide exercise prescriptionReal clinical cases where terminology prevents errorsQuick study hacks for mastering A&P languageSubscribe to the Health Science Podcast for more evidence-based insights, study hacks, and student-led conversations from the Lewis University DPT program.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Lewis University. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Lewis University name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. This podcast was produced in the WLRA Podcast Studios at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu for more information about Lewis University.This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

In this episode of the Health Science Podcast, Dr. Arvie Vitente, Program Director of the Lewis University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, is joined by inaugural DPT students Mario Leon, Dylan Smith, and Sean Blanchard for an engaging and fast-paced review of the skeletal system.Together, they unpack the structure and function of bones, growth and remodeling processes, hormonal regulation, fracture healing, and clinical insights that connect anatomy to real-world physical therapy practice. This 20-minute conversation blends foundational A&P review with PT-ready applications, interactive examples, and practical study tips for students and clinicians alike.Topics include:Functions and classifications of bonesLong bone anatomy and histologyOssification, growth, and remodelingHormonal regulation of calcium homeostasisFracture types, healing stages, and PT implicationsStudy strategies for anatomy and lab integrationThe skeletal system is more than structure—it’s a living, adaptive framework that shapes every movement and recovery story.Subscribe to the Health Science Podcast for more evidence-based insights, study hacks, and student-led conversations from the Lewis University DPT program.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Lewis University. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Lewis University name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. This podcast was produced in the WLRA Podcast Studios at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu for more information about Lewis University.This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) changes lives — and rehabilitation changes what’s possible. In this powerful solo episode of the Lewis University Podcast, Dr. Arvie Vitente, Professor and Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, breaks down the TBI journey in clear, practical terms.Dr. Vitente explains what TBI is and where patients receive care across the rehabilitation continuum — from the ICU and acute care to inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, outpatient therapy, and community re-entry. Listeners will discover why physical therapists are vital from day one, helping patients navigate every stage of recovery.The episode covers evidence-based interventions including early mobility, complication prevention, task-specific gait and balance training, vestibular and oculomotor rehab, spasticity management, endurance training, dual-task work, and discharge planning. Dr. Vitente also shares key strategies for communication, behavioral management, and goal setting that support meaningful outcomes — emphasizing that true success means more than improved test scores. It’s about safety, roles, routines, and returning to life.🎓 Learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Lewis University: https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dpt/🌐 Explore all Lewis University programs: https://www.lewisu.edu/#LewisUniversity #PhysicalTherapy #TBI #TraumaticBrainInjury #NeuroRehabilitation #VestibularRehab #GaitTraining #BrainInjuryRecovery #DPTProgram #RehabilitationScienceThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Lewis University. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Lewis University name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. This podcast was produced in the WLRA Podcast Studios at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu for more information about Lewis University.This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

Think of this episode as city planning for the brain. In a fast-paced, easy-to-follow conversation, Dr. Arvie Vitente and DPT student Sean Blanchard guide listeners through the central nervous system’s infrastructure — a vital network that keeps the brain alive, protected, and functioning.You’ll explore how oxygenated blood reaches the brain via the carotid and vertebral arteries, why the Circle of Willis is a critical backup system, and how venous dural sinuses remove deoxygenated blood. The discussion continues with the roles of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in cushioning, cleaning, and protecting the brain.The episode also maps the ventricular system (lateral → third → aqueduct → fourth → subarachnoid space), explains why lumbar punctures are done low in the spine, and shares how to identify and respond to stroke using the FAST method. Arvie and Sean wrap up with PT-focused insights on headaches, post-LP care, and early stroke rehabilitation, connecting neuroanatomy to real-world clinical practice.🎓 Learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Lewis University: https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dpt/🌐 Explore all Lewis University programs: https://www.lewisu.edu/#LewisUniversity #PhysicalTherapy #Neuroanatomy #CNS #Stroke #CircleOfWillis #CSF #LumbarPuncture #BrainHealth #DPTProgram #StrokeRehabilitationThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Lewis University. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Lewis University name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. This podcast was produced in the WLRA Podcast Studios at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu for more information about Lewis University.This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

How does a tiny electrical signal transform into a powerful muscle contraction? In this episode of the Lewis University Podcast, Dr. Arvie Vitente and DPT student Sean Blanchard break down complex neuromuscular physiology into a clear, easy-to-follow journey — perfect for A&P students, DPT learners, and clinicians alike.You’ll trace the pathway from the neuromuscular junction through T-tubules and calcium release, then dive deep into the sliding filament theory — including the roles of myosin, actin, ATP, the power stroke, and muscle relaxation. Along the way, Arvie and Sean connect textbook science to clinical practice, explaining why slow reps can feel harder, what muscle cramps reveal about calcium handling, and how fatigue impacts relaxation.Whether you’re studying for exams or refreshing your understanding, this episode turns the story of spark → squeeze → reset into a practical tool for improving patient care.🎓 Learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Lewis University: https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dpt/🌐 Explore all Lewis University programs: https://www.lewisu.edu/#LewisUniversity #PhysicalTherapy #MuscleContraction #SlidingFilamentTheory #NeuromuscularJunction #DPTProgram #ExerciseScience #HumanPhysiology #AandP #RehabilitationScienceThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Lewis University. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Lewis University name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. This podcast was produced in the WLRA Podcast Studios at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu for more information about Lewis University.This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

In this episode of the Lewis University Podcast, Dr. Arvie Vitente, Professor and Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, explores the complex challenges of hemianopsia and unilateral neglect following stroke.Dr. Vitente explains how these conditions—particularly neglect—affect a patient’s awareness of one side of the body and environment, often after right hemisphere brain damage. He details how these impairments can greatly impact safety, independence, and quality of life, and outlines evidence-based interventions such as visual scanning, mirror therapy, motor imagery, and limb activation.Listeners will also learn about patient and family education strategies, the prevention of hemiplegic shoulder pain, and how functional training helps patients use their affected side in daily activities. This episode provides valuable insight into how physical therapists help stroke survivors reengage with their surroundings and restore independence through targeted rehabilitation and compassionate care.🎓 Learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Lewis University: https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dpt/🌐 Explore all Lewis University programs: https://www.lewisu.edu/#LewisUniversity #PhysicalTherapy #StrokeRehabilitation #UnilateralNeglect #Hemianopsia #DPTProgram #HealthSciences #Neurorehabilitation #PatientCenteredCare #StrokeRecoveryThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Lewis University. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Lewis University name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. This podcast was produced in the WLRA Podcast Studios at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu for more information about Lewis University.This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

In this episode of the Lewis University Podcast, Dr. Arvie Vitente, Professor and Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, explores two evidence-based rehabilitation techniques that enhance upper extremity recovery after stroke — Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Mirror Therapy (MT).Dr. Vitente explains how CIMT helps overcome learned non-use by restraining the stronger arm and encouraging intensive use of the affected limb, while MT leverages visual feedback and the mirror neuron system to stimulate the brain’s natural recovery mechanisms — even in patients with severe motor impairment.Listeners will learn about the research evidence, clinical applications, and key differences between the two methods, as Dr. Vitente highlights how both harness neuroplasticity to promote improved function, independence, and quality of life for stroke survivors.🎓 Learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Lewis University: https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dpt/🌐 Explore all Lewis University programs: https://www.lewisu.edu/#LewisUniversity #PhysicalTherapy #StrokeRehabilitation #Neuroplasticity #CIMT #MirrorTherapy #DPTProgram #HealthSciences #StrokeRecovery #RehabilitationScienceThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Lewis University. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Lewis University name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. This podcast was produced in the WLRA Podcast Studios at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu for more information about Lewis University.This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

In this episode of the Lewis University Podcast, Dr. Arvie Vitente, Professor and Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, dives into the science of motor control and its vital role in stroke rehabilitation.Dr. Vitente explains the concept of fractionation of movement—the ability to move joints independently—and how impairments caused by abnormal tone and spasticity can lead to stereotyped movement patterns known as obligatory synergies. He also outlines the six stages of motor recovery identified by Brunnstrom and Twitchell, illustrating how stroke survivors progress from flaccidity to synergy-dominated movement, and eventually, to near-normal motor control.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how synergy patterns affect daily function and why recognizing these patterns is essential for developing effective therapy plans, setting realistic goals, and restoring independence in patients recovering from stroke.🎓 Learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Lewis University: https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dpt/🌐 Explore all Lewis University programs: https://www.lewisu.edu/#LewisUniversity #PhysicalTherapy #StrokeRehabilitation #MotorControl #DPTProgram #HealthSciences #BrunnstromStages #Neurorehabilitation #PatientCenteredCare #StrokeRecoveryThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Lewis University. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Lewis University name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. This podcast was produced in the WLRA Podcast Studios at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu for more information about Lewis University.This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

In this episode of the Lewis University Podcast, Dr. Arvie Vitente, Professor and Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, breaks down the three core components of a comprehensive physical therapy examination: patient/client history, systems review, and tests and measures.Dr. Vitente explains how these steps shape a patient-centered plan of care, from evaluating rehabilitation potential to setting goals, monitoring progress, and planning for discharge. Listeners will also learn about the value of shared decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the use of standardized outcome measures such as the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA).Through this discussion, Dr. Vitente highlights how a well-structured physical therapy examination supports accurate diagnosis, targeted interventions, and meaningful outcomes for individuals recovering from stroke.🎓 Learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Lewis University: https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dpt/🌐 Explore all Lewis University programs: https://www.lewisu.edu/#LewisUniversity #PhysicalTherapy #StrokeRecovery #Rehabilitation #DPTProgram #HealthSciences #PatientCenteredCare #OutcomeMeasures #InterdisciplinaryCare #StrokeAwarenessThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Lewis University. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Lewis University name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. This podcast was produced in the WLRA Podcast Studios at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu for more information about Lewis University.This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

In this episode of the Lewis University Podcast, Dr. Arvie Vitente, Professor and Program Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, explores the essential role of rehabilitation in stroke recovery.Dr. Vitente discusses how physical therapy promotes movement, reduces impairments, and prevents complications — all while keeping patients and families at the heart of care. Listeners will gain insights into interdisciplinary teamwork, the Clinical Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS) certification, and the different phases of stroke recovery, including hyperacute, subacute, and chronic care.This episode also highlights evidence-based rehabilitation strategies used across healthcare settings — from hospitals to long-term care — emphasizing safe mobilization, effective communication, and community reintegration.Discover how the DPT program at Lewis University prepares future physical therapists to help patients regain independence, participation, and quality of life after stroke.🎓 Learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Lewis University: https://www.lewisu.edu/academics/dpt/🌐 Explore all Lewis University programs: https://www.lewisu.edu/#LewisUniversity #PhysicalTherapy #StrokeRecovery #Rehabilitation #DPTProgram #HealthSciences #StrokeAwareness #PatientCenteredCare #EvidenceBasedPractice #InterdisciplinaryTeamworkThe views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Lewis University. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The Lewis University name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. This podcast was produced in the WLRA Podcast Studios at Lewis University. Visit www.lewisu.edu for more information about Lewis University.This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.