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The surgery is only the beginning. For an athlete, the real battle happens in the months of grueling work that follow, bridging the gap between "medically cleared" and "game-ready." 

In this episode, we sit down with a premier Strength and Conditioning Coach to deconstruct the high-stakes journey of ACL recovery. We’re diving deep into: 

• The Hand-off: When should an athlete move from the PT table to the weight room? 
• The "Quad Gap": Practical strategies for rebuilding explosive power and muscle volume. 
• Movement Cheats: Identifying the hidden compensations that lead to re-injury. 
• The Mental Wall: How to rebuild an athlete's trust in their knee when the game is on the line. 

Whether you’re an athlete in the thick of the grind or a coach refining your protocol, this is your roadmap for the long road back. 

Listen in as we define what it truly takes to return to play, and stay there.

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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An ACL tear doesn’t automatically mean surgery, and not every ACL-deficient athlete is the same. In this episode, I’m joined by Kellie Loehr, ATC, who shares her personal journey of tearing her ACL and choosing non-operative management, alongside physical therapist Samantha King, PT, to break down what it really means to be a “coper.” 

We discuss how clinicians identify potential copers, the role of strength and neuromuscular control, psychological readiness, and how to determine who may successfully return to sport without reconstruction. This episode challenges the all-or-nothing narrative around ACL tears and emphasizes individualized decision-making and high-quality rehab.

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, I’m joined by orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Dreese to explore the additional injuries that can accompany an ACL tear, including MCL, LCL and posterolateral corner injuries, PCL involvement, meniscus repair versus meniscectomy, and cartilage damage. 

We discuss how these associated findings influence surgical decisions, rehab precautions, and long-term outcomes. If you’ve ever had two ACL patients who progressed very differently, this conversation explains why it’s rarely “just an ACL.”

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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ACL repair is showing up more in clinics, but a lot of PTs are still unsure how different it really is from reconstructions, and whether rehab should actually change. 

Today we’re breaking down what ACL repair really is, who it’s for, and where clinicians can get into trouble by treating it like a ‘lighter’ ACL surgery. 

I’m joined by Dr. Douoguih, an orthopedic sports surgeon, to talk candidly about patient selection, early loading, failure risk, and how PTs can better collaborate with surgeons when managing ACL repairs. 

If you’re seeing ACL repairs in your clinic—or expect to soon—this episode will give you a clearer framework for treating these patients with confidence. 

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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We talk about ACL injuries today with a lot of confidence, risk factors, injury rates, prevention strategies, but that understanding didn’t just appear overnight. It evolved through years of research, debate, and plenty of early assumptions that didn’t always hold up. 

In this episode, we’re stepping back to look at how the epidemiology of ACL tears actually began and how our thinking has changed over time. 

I’m joined by Dr. Richard Hinton to unpack the origins of ACL injury research, the major shifts in how we understand risk, and what clinicians still tend to misinterpret when applying population data to individual patients. 

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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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to start important conversations about mental well-being. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition each year, yet stigma and lack of resources can make it hard to seek support. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Davis and Amanda Bush to discuss why mental health awareness matters, how to recognize signs that someone may be struggling, and practical ways to support yourself and those around you. We explore ways to break stigma, prioritize well-being, and normalize conversations about mental health in both personal and professional life. 

Listeners will come away with actionable insights and encouragement to make mental health a priority—not just in May, but every day.

Resources:

https://medstar.connectsyou.org/  : Mental Health Online Screening Tool (MOST)

988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 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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May is Better Speech and Hearing Month, and on this episode, we’re joined by our amazing SLPs, Leigh Root and Leah Inger. They break down what speech-language pathologists really do, who they work with, and why their role is so important across the lifespan. 

From helping kids develop communication skills to supporting adults with speech, cognition, and swallowing, Leigh and Leah share what a day in their world looks like—along with the challenges, wins, and impact they see every day. It’s a great listen for anyone curious about the profession or looking to better understand the vital role SLPs play in patient care.

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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Step inside the medical tent at the Boston Marathon with PT Diane Dallas, ATC Cece Sullivan, and ER physician Dr. Sasser. In this episode, they share what race day is really like—fast-paced, high-pressure, and built on true teamwork across disciplines. From treating dehydration and cramping to managing more serious medical situations, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at how clinicians come together to keep thousands of runners safe at the finish line. 

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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When an athlete gets injured, the focus is often on the physical, but the mental side of recovery can be just as challenging. In this episode, licensed professional counselor Kate Ringwood joins us to explore the psychology of injury, including fear of reinjury, identity loss, and the emotional hurdles athletes face during rehab. We also discuss how physical therapists can better recognize and support these challenges to help athletes truly feel ready to return to sport. 

Find Kate on IG at serendepitity.counseling or on her website at www.serendepitiycounseling.com 

Kate is licensed in NJ, MD, PA, FL, VT, AZ 

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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Miles Across MedStar Health Recap Episode!!!

What happens when endurance, healthcare, and purpose collide? In this episode, we sit down with professional ultramarathoner Michael Wardian, PT Chris Heydrick, PA Chris Wilde, and Raj Ratwani to unpack their incredible 170 mile run across the MedStar Health system. From the inspiration behind the idea to the physical and mental challenges along the way, this is a story about resilience, teamwork, and the power of movement to connect people and communities. 

Learn all about Mike Wardian at: https://www.mikewardian.com/ 

Follow Mike on IG: @mikewardian 

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