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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!

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Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common, and challenging, conditions physical therapists treat. In this episode, we sit down with Elise Egolf, PT, Program Specialist for MedStar Health's Foot and Ankle Program, to discuss the latest evidence-based approaches to evaluating and managing plantar heel pain. 

Elise shares practical insights on differential diagnosis, progressive loading, strengthening strategies, return-to-activity decision-making, and common misconceptions that can impact patient outcomes. Whether you're treating runners, active adults, or patients with persistent heel pain, this conversation offers clinical pearls you can immediately apply in practice. 

In this episode, you'll learn: 

• How to differentiate plantar fasciitis from other causes of heel pain 
• Evidence-based treatment strategies that improve outcomes 
• Best practices for load management and progressive strengthening 
• Return-to-running and return-to-sport considerations 
• Clinical tips for managing chronic or persistent plantar heel pain 

Whether you're an orthopedic specialist, sports physical therapist, or general outpatient clinician, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you confidently treat patients with plantar fasciitis. 

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 take a deeper look at plantar fasciitis from the medical perspective with Dr. Mansur, a foot and ankle specialist. 

We discuss the evolution of our understanding of plantar fasciitis, how to accurately diagnose plantar heel pain, when imaging and medical interventions are appropriate, and how physicians and physical therapists can collaborate to improve patient outcomes. 

This episode provides valuable insights for PTs looking to better understand the medical management of one of the most common foot and ankle conditions. 

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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Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common, and challenging, conditions physical therapists treat. In this episode, we sit down with Elise Egolf, PT, Program Specialist for MedStar Health's Foot and Ankle Program, to discuss the latest evidence-based approaches to evaluating and managing plantar heel pain. 

Elise shares practical insights on differential diagnosis, progressive loading, strengthening strategies, return-to-activity decision-making, and common misconceptions that can impact patient outcomes. Whether you're treating runners, active adults, or patients with persistent heel pain, this conversation offers clinical pearls you can immediately apply in practice. 

In this episode, you'll learn: 

• How to differentiate plantar fasciitis from other causes of heel pain 
• Evidence-based treatment strategies that improve outcomes 
• Best practices for load management and progressive strengthening 
• Return-to-running and return-to-sport considerations 
• Clinical tips for managing chronic or persistent plantar heel pain 

Whether you're an orthopedic specialist, sports physical therapist, or general outpatient clinician, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you confidently treat patients with plantar fasciitis. 

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 catch up with former student turned colleague Alice Wolfkill, now a physical therapist, clinic coordinator at MedStar Health Lake Ridge, and an active member of the running pod team. We talk about her transition from PT student to clinician, taking on leadership early in her career, working with runners at events like the Boston Marathon, and the lessons she's learned along the way. It's a fun conversation about growth, mentorship, and chasing opportunities. 

One more piece of advice Alice wanted to leave new grads with is: “Put your oxygen mask on first! If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re not going to be able to take care of anyone else”.

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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The 2026 baseball season has been defined by a spike in oblique strains, the rise of the "Internal Brace," and a mounting workload crisis in youth arms. We sit down with Chris Brandt, ATC/PTA, to break down the "Chalk Talk" of modern sports medicine. Chris shares his unique dual-perspective on how we are assessing, treating, and—most importantly—preventing the most common injuries hitting the IL this year. From big-league stars to the next generation of flamethrowers, we’re looking at what the data (and the tape) is telling us about the state of the game. 

Key Topics: 

• Internal Brace vs. UCL Reconstruction: What PTs need to know. 
• The biomechanics behind the 2026 oblique strain epidemic. 
• On-field "red flags" for youth pitching fatigue. 
• Differentiating TOS from standard overhead fatigue. 

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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How do the pros use dry needling to keep elite pitchers on the mound? In this episode, we sit down with physical therapists Jonathan Rouse and Steve Luca to dive into the clinical application of dry needling for baseball athletes. 

Both Jon and Steve work extensively with ballplayers across all levels, including Steve’s work with the MedStar Health Orioles Pitching Lab, integrating dry needling as a precision tool for more than just pain relief. We discuss how they utilize needling to reset the kinetic chain, manage in-season muscle guarding, and optimize the neuromuscular windows required for high-velocity throwing. 

Whether you are a sports PT looking to refine your technique or a coach interested in the latest recovery tech, this deep dive into the "how" and "why" of needling the overhead athlete is a must listen. 

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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If you are working on the frontlines of rehab today, you know that treating patients is only half the battle. Every day, we’re dealing with the business realities of healthcare—from prior authorization delays and compliance fatigue to reimbursement cuts and burnout. 

But behind the scenes, there is a massive effort underway to protect our industry and stabilize our future. 

Our guest today is at the absolute center of that fight. Joining us is Christie Covington, the Executive Director of the National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies—better known as NARA. 

Today, Christie is pulling back the curtain on how high-level advocacy impacts the daily lives of treating therapists and clinic owners. We’re diving into what NARA is doing on Capitol Hill to fight Medicare Advantage hurdles, how they're preparing us for the shift to value-based care, and how they support the organizations keeping this industry moving forward. 

www.NARANET.org 

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 of Let’s Get Physical (Therapy), we’re joined by Carrie Krug, an experienced pelvic health physical therapist and leader who has dedicated her career to advancing pelvic health care and mentoring the next generation of clinicians. We discuss what pelvic health physical therapy really involves, pathways to specialization and certification, the importance of mentorship, and the many opportunities available for therapists interested in this rewarding and growing specialty.

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