Let's Get Physical (Therapy)

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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!

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What happens when a Physical Therapist gets a blank check and a dream location? In this special episode, we’re stepping away from the clinical protocols to rank the Top 10 things we’d pack to build the world’s most elite "Desert Island" PT clinic. 

We’re diving into our ultimate gear list, including: 

• The High-Tech Splurges: From anti-gravity treadmills to advanced motion-capture systems. 
• The Unsung Heroes: Why the simplest tools often provide the biggest wins. 
• The Gold Standard: The essential recovery tech we’d choose for high-performance results. 

Whether you’re a clinician building a dream gym or a patient curious about the best tech in the game, join us for this unfiltered look at the tools of our trade. 

What’s the one piece of gear you can’t live without? Let us know on social media! 

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 recognition of Occupational Therapy Month, this episode highlights the vital role occupational therapists play in helping patients regain independence and return to the activities that matter most in their daily lives. I’m joined by occupational therapists Mike Duffy and Carly Bland to discuss the scope of occupational therapy, the types of conditions OTs commonly treat, and how they collaborate with other members of the rehab team to support patient recovery. Carly also shares insight into her role as a Certified Hand Therapist and what it takes to specialize in treating complex hand and upper extremity injuries. This conversation offers a closer look at the impact occupational therapy has throughout the rehabilitation journey and why the profession is such an essential part of 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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In honor of National Athletic Training Month, we’re highlighting the voices shaping the future of the profession. On this episode, I’m joined by Mary Nadelen, Clinical Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Clinical Education Coordinator for Athletic Training at Towson University in Maryland. 

Mary gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to educate and mentor the next generation of athletic trainers. We discuss the evolution of athletic training education, the importance of clinical experiences, the challenges students face entering the profession, and the incredible impact athletic trainers have across healthcare and sport. 

Whether you’re a clinician, educator, or student, this conversation shines a light on the people preparing tomorrow’s athletic trainers.

To learn more about Towson University's ATC program, check out: https://www.towson.edu/chp/departments/kinesiology/athletic-training/

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 special Athletic Training Month episode, I’m joined by Emily Michaelis, ATC, and Allison Gardiner, ATC to spotlight the vital role athletic trainers play in injury prevention, on-field care, and return-to-play. We break down common misconceptions, discuss collaboration within the sports medicine team, and share what makes this profession so impactful. A must-listen conversation celebrating the heart and skill behind athletic training. 

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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Think you know PT? Think again! In this episode, physical therapist Chris Parker takes on some of the biggest myths in physical therapy—from “bone-on-bone knees shouldn’t squat” to “pain always equals damage” to “I need an MRI before starting PT.” We dive into why these misconceptions persist, how they affect patient movement and confidence, and most importantly, how PTs can educate and empower patients with clear, science-backed guidance. Get ready for a fun, eye-opening conversation that will challenge what you thought you knew about PT! 

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