Let's Get Physical (Therapy)

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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!

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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!