Let's Get Physical (Therapy)

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Joining me today is Tom Sutton, an experienced physical therapist who works closely with football athletes throughout the rehabilitation process. We'll discuss how to evaluate these athletes, build an effective rehab program, progress them safely back to contact, and minimize the risk of recurrent instability. We'll also cover common pitfalls in rehabilitation, objective testing, and practical clinical pearls that you can apply in your own practice. Whether you're treating high school, collegiate, or professional athletes, this episode is packed with insights to help you optimize outcomes. 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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What is it really like to complete a neurologic PT residency? 

In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Wilcox, PT, DPT, NCS, Director of the MedStar NRH/GW Neurologic PT Residency Program. Rachel gives us an inside look at the residency experience, including clinical training, mentorship, teaching, research, the application process, and career opportunities after graduation. 

Whether you’re a PT student, new graduate, or practicing clinician considering a residency, this episode will help you decide if neurologic PT residency training is right for you. 

Check out our residency: https://www.medstarhealth.org/education/other-educational-programs/neurologic-physical-therapy-residency-program

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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Football athletes are at high risk for cervical and lumbar spine injuries, making early recognition and appropriate management essential for safe return to play. 

In this episode, orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Naseer joins us to discuss the most common football-related spine injuries, when surgery is indicated, key red flags every physical therapist should recognize, and the role of rehabilitation before and after surgery. 

Whether you work with youth, collegiate, or professional athletes, you'll gain practical clinical insights to improve your evaluation, treatment, and collaboration with spine specialists. 

Topics include: 

• Common football spine injuries 
• Red flags for PTs 
• Conservative care vs. surgery 
• Post-operative rehabilitation 
• Return-to-play decision making 
• Surgeon–PT collaboration 

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your colleagues in sports medicine and physical therapy. 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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Football players rely on their hands and upper extremities for every play, making hand and wrist injuries a common challenge in sports medicine. 

In this episode, we sit down with two certified hand therapists, Linda Hogg and Brittany Douglas, to discuss the evaluation and rehabilitation of football-related hand injuries, including fractures, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, and common finger conditions. We explore treatment strategies, return-to-play considerations, splinting, and how hand therapists collaborate with surgeons, athletic trainers, and physical therapists to help athletes recover and perform at their best. 

Whether you work with youth, collegiate, or professional athletes, this episode provides practical clinical insights for managing hand and wrist injuries in football players. 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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What is a sports PT residency really like... and is it worth it? 

In this episode, we’re joined by sports PT and residency graduate Miriam Bovich, Director of our Sports Residency Program, along with current residency candidates Amora Valencia and Eric Salomons. 

We discuss why they chose residency, what goes into the experience, the challenges and sacrifices, clinical growth, mentorship, and who should—and shouldn’t—consider pursuing a sports PT residency. 

If you’re considering residency or a career in sports PT, this episode gives you an inside look at what it’s really like. 

Reach out to Miriam with questions: [email protected]

Our PT Sports Residency: https://www.medstarhealth.org/education/other-educational-programs/medstar-health-physical-therapy-sports-residency-program

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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Behind the Whistle: The Role of PT in Football Concussion Recovery 

A concussion is more than just a hit to the head—it can impact balance, vision, movement, cognition, and an athlete’s ability to safely return to competition. 

In this episode, we break down modern concussion management with a physical therapist specializing in sports rehabilitation. We discuss evaluation, treatment strategies, common mistakes, and how PTs play a key role in helping football players recover and return to the field. 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tucker,, a physician who works with NFL athletes, to discuss the evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of concussions in football players. We explore how concussion care has evolved, the role of physical therapists in recovery, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to safely returning athletes to sport. 

Topics include vestibular and cervical rehabilitation, exertional progression, return-to-play decision-making, common misconceptions about concussions, and practical clinical insights for healthcare professionals working with football athletes at all levels.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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I'm excited to be joined by former NFL wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Jeremy was one of the most dynamic playmakers of his era, starring at the University of Missouri before being selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Over a 10-year NFL career with the Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens, he totaled more than 6,800 receiving yards, 49 touchdowns, and earned two Pro Bowl selections. 

Throughout his career, Jeremy experienced the highs of competing at the highest level, but he also faced the physical and mental challenges that come with injuries and the demanding process of returning to play. Today, we're going to dive into what that journey was really like from an athlete's perspective—what helped him through rehab, what he valued most in the physical therapists and medical staff he worked with, and what healthcare professionals can learn from working with elite athletes. 

Whether you're a physical therapist, athletic trainer, healthcare provider, student, athlete, or just a football fan, I think you're going to take away some valuable insights from this conversation. 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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Suicide Awareness Month: Starting the Conversation

This Suicide Awareness Month, we’re having an important conversation about mental health, suicide prevention, and the power of simply being willing to talk.

In this episode, we sit down with PA Ali Walker from MedStar Health to discuss recognizing the warning signs of suicide, how to approach someone who may be struggling, and why creating safe, judgment-free conversations about mental health can make a difference. We’ll also talk about ways to support yourself or someone you care about and the importance of knowing when and where to reach out for help.

Whether you’re struggling yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to better understand suicide prevention, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, and asking for help is a sign of strength.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. 

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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In this episode, we discuss the role of footwear, shoe selection, and orthotics in managing plantar fasciitis and foot pain with Bill Frazier, Charm City Run Manager from the Annapolis location. 

Bill shares his expertise on how specialty running stores help individuals find the right shoes, what factors influence footwear recommendations, when inserts may be helpful, and how PTs can collaborate with running specialists to better support patients. 

This conversation provides practical insight into the role of shoes and orthotics as part of a comprehensive approach to helping people stay active and manage foot pain.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!