PT Snacks Podcast: Physical Therapy with Dr. Kasey Hankins

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We learn about the development of the spinal cord, but sometimes forget how that applies to different nerve presentations, especially when it comes to the cauda equina. We discuss how this region can present (not just cauda equina syndrome) and how it can help us pinpoint where a source of a problem can be when patients seem to have nerve symptoms all over the place.

00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup
01:18 Where the Spinal Cord Ends
02:13 Conus Medullaris and Cauda Equina
04:04 Central vs Foraminal Compression
05:24 Symptom Spectrum and Red Flags
06:23 Case Example Weird Leg Symptoms
07:12 Subjective Exam Key Questions
08:16 Objective Exam and Neuro Screen
09:36 Wrap Up and Resources
10:06 Sponsor and Closing Thanks

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT

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Do You Have Student Loans?

According to Student Loan Planner, 90% of the clients they work with are sitting on a five to six figure mistake in how they're handling their debt, whether that's the wrong repayment plan, a bad refinance decision, or a missed forgiveness path. If you want expert advice, PT Snacks listeners get $100 off a consult by booking HERE or mentioning "Kasey Hankins" on the booking form.

Need CEUs? Get access to thousands of online courses, live webinars, certification-prep programs, and more with MedBridge. Use PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout for $100+ off or PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a student discount.

Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam with code PTSnacks at checkout....

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In this episode, we give a focused overview of deep tendon reflexes as a quick, high-value tool in the physical therapy objective exam, especially when patient reports are unclear. Reflex changes give us crucial insight on neurologic function and why identifying hyporeflexia/areflexia versus hyperreflexia matters. The episode breaks down the stretch reflex arc and how descending upper motor neuron inhibition differentiates lower motor neuron findings from upper motor neuron signs We also discuss practical tips on how to improve testing accuracy and common uses.

00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup
00:45 Why Reflexes Matter
01:42 DTRs as Neuro Clues
03:39 Reflex Arc Explained
05:36 UMN vs LMN Findings
08:07 How to Elicit Reflexes
10:22 Clinical Case and Teamwork
12:42 Wrap Up and Contact

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT

Support the show

Do You Have Student Loans?

According to Student Loan Planner, 90% of the clients they work with are sitting on a five to six figure mistake in how they're handling their debt, whether that's the wrong repayment plan, a bad refinance decision, or a missed forgiveness path. If you want expert advice, PT Snacks listeners get $100 off a consult by booking HERE or mentioning "Kasey Hankins" on the booking form.

Need CEUs? Get access to thousands of online courses, live webinars, certification-prep programs, and more with MedBridge. Use PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout for $100+ off or PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a student discount.

Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam with code PTSnacks at checkout....

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In this episode, we discuss how to differentiate Achilles mid-portion tendinopathy from insertional tendinopathy and why the distinction changes rehab. Depending on the patient, some tendon-loading exercises can actually have a negative impact on insertional tendinopathy cases, so being able to differentiate these can help to improve your success with your patients.

00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks

00:19 Episode Focus and Disclaimer

01:08 Achilles Basics and Tendinopathy Terms

03:09 Blood Supply and Watershed Zone

05:30 Insertional vs Midportion Pathology

07:27 Why Each Type Happens

09:47 Treatment Principles and Load Management

11:02 Insertional Rehab and Evidence

14:22 Wrap Up and Resources

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT

Support the show

Do You Have Student Loans?

According to Student Loan Planner, 90% of the clients they work with are sitting on a five to six figure mistake in how they're handling their debt, whether that's the wrong repayment plan, a bad refinance decision, or a missed forgiveness path. If you want expert advice, PT Snacks listeners get $100 off a consult by booking HERE or mentioning "Kasey Hankins" on the booking form.

Need CEUs? Get access to thousands of online courses, live webinars, certification-prep programs, and more with MedBridge. Use PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout for $100+ off or PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a student discount.

Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam with code PTSnacks at checkout....

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In today's episode, we discuss what VO2 max is, why it matters for physical therapists, and how it predicts cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality. Join us as we discuss different protocols utilized in research, considerations for different  populations, and how we can help our clients successfully hit their target goals.

00:00 VO2 Max Explained

01:28 Why It Matters

02:50 Physiology Behind Gains

03:58 Training Intensity Basics

05:08 Protocols That Work

07:09 Choosing The Right Plan

07:31 Population Specific Tips

08:46 Key Variables And Caveats

10:40 Measuring Without A Lab

11:35 Main Takeaways

12:10 Wrap Up And Contact

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT

Support the show

Do You Have Student Loans?

According to Student Loan Planner, 90% of the clients they work with are sitting on a five to six figure mistake in how they're handling their debt, whether that's the wrong repayment plan, a bad refinance decision, or a missed forgiveness path. If you want expert advice, PT Snacks listeners get $100 off a consult by booking HERE or mentioning "Kasey Hankins" on the booking form.

Need CEUs? Get access to thousands of online courses, live webinars, certification-prep programs, and more with MedBridge. Use PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout for $100+ off or PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a student discount.

Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam with code PTSnacks at checkout....

Send us Fan Mail

OA is described as the most prevalent chronic joint disease worldwide, involving progressive degeneration of articular cartilage and sometimes subchondral bone, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional limitations. Rather than simple “wear and tear,” OA is a multifactorial whole-joint condition influenced by inflammatory, mechanical, and metabolic factors, with risk increased by age, obesity, mechanical stress, and joint trauma. The episode reviews how this happens, what physical therapists can do to help patients with this, and how to individualize our plan of care to our patients' tolerance and goals.

00:00 Osteoarthritis Overview
00:56 Defining OA Basics
01:48 Beyond Wear and Tear
03:32 Inflammation and Pain
04:51 Exercise First Line
06:21 Load Management
08:40 Treatment Takeaways
09:39 Wrap Up and Resources

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT

Support the show

Do You Have Student Loans?

According to Student Loan Planner, 90% of the clients they work with are sitting on a five to six figure mistake in how they're handling their debt, whether that's the wrong repayment plan, a bad refinance decision, or a missed forgiveness path. If you want expert advice, PT Snacks listeners get $100 off a consult by booking HERE or mentioning "Kasey Hankins" on the booking form.

Need CEUs? Get access to thousands of online courses, live webinars, certification-prep programs, and more with MedBridge. Use PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout for $100+ off or PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a student discount.

Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam with code PTSnacks at checkout....

Send us Fan Mail

Today, we are answering a listener question about the difference between paratenonitis and tenosynovitis. We'll cover the roles of each of these in the body, how they get agggravated, and what we do to treat them.

00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks
00:42 Fan Mail Questions
02:03 Episode Roadmap
02:36 Paratenon Basics
03:32 Synovial Sheath Function
04:46 Evaluation Differences
05:19 Paratenon Causes
06:47 Paratenon Treatment
07:55 Tenosynovitis Causes
08:19 Tenosynovitis Treatment
09:04 Key Takeaways
10:00 Resources and Wrap Up

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT

Support the show

Do You Have Student Loans?

According to Student Loan Planner, 90% of the clients they work with are sitting on a five to six figure mistake in how they're handling their debt, whether that's the wrong repayment plan, a bad refinance decision, or a missed forgiveness path. If you want expert advice, PT Snacks listeners get $100 off a consult by booking HERE or mentioning "Kasey Hankins" on the booking form.

Need CEUs? Get access to thousands of online courses, live webinars, certification-prep programs, and more with MedBridge. Use PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout for $100+ off or PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a student discount.

Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam with code PTSnacks at checkout....

Send us Fan Mail

🎉 MedBridge Days Sale is Here! MedBridge's Bridge Days sale runs June 15–30! Use code PTSNACKS15 for:

• $126 off an Individual Subscription → Get your discount
• 15% off Group Subscriptions → Group pricing

MedBridge is also celebrating their 15-year anniversary, with tons of CEU courses for PTs, OTs, and SLPs — plus built-in exam prep for OCS, SCS, and other specialty certifications. Don't wait — this offer is only live for two weeks!

In this episode, Kasey breaks down the high-level reasons why certain tendons are more predisposed to injury than others. Rather than memorizing isolated facts, this episode is designed to help you build a framework for understanding tendon behavior under load.

00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks
01:27 Why Tendons Get Injured
02:15 Load Mismatch Basics
03:27 Mechanical Risk Factors
04:45 Tissue Quality and Healing
05:26 Junctions and Tendon Size
07:21 Composition and Demographics
08:52 Intrasynovial vs Extrasynovial
10:07 Framework and Wrap Up
11:01 Resources and Farewell

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT

Support the show

Do You Have Student Loans?

According to Student Loan Planner, 90% of the clients they work with are sitting on a five to six figure mistake in how they're handling their debt, whether that's the wrong repayment plan, a bad refinance decision, or a missed forgiveness path. If you want expert advice, PT Snacks listeners get $100 off a consult by booking HERE or mentioning "Kasey Hankins" on the booking form.

Need CEUs? Get access to thousands of online courses, live webinars, certification-prep programs, and more with MedBridge. Use PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout for $100+ off or PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a student discount.

Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam with code PTSnacks at checkout....

Send us Fan Mail

Not all rotator cuff tears are the same, and understanding why can completely change how you set expectations and build a plan with your patients. In this episode, we break down tendon anatomy and physiology, the different ways rotator cuff tears develop (degenerative vs. traumatic), the difference between partial- and full-thickness tears, and the factors that influence healing and prognosis for both conservative and surgical patients.

In this episode you'll learn:

• What a tendon actually is and why its structure (and blood supply) matters for healing
• The difference between degenerative and traumatic rotator cuff tears
• Risk factors that make someone more likely to develop a tear
• Articular-side vs. bursal-side partial thickness tears — and why bursal tears tend to hurt more
• What "massive" and "irreparable" tears mean, and how outcomes differ
• Predictors of good outcomes with conservative care (hint: baseline ROM and strength matter)
• A quick look at steroid injections vs. PRP for rotator cuff tears

Test yourself:

1. What is a tendon's main job, and what structures help it do that job?
2. What are the main categories of rotator cuff tears?
3. What are the two types of partial thickness tears, and how do they differ?
4. What factors affect healing after a rotator cuff tear — for both conservative and surgical patients?

🎉 MedBridge Days Sale is Here! MedBridge's Bridge Days sale runs June 15–30! Use code PTSNACKS15 for:

• $126 off an Individual Subscription → Get your discount
• 15% off Group Subscriptions → Group pricing

MedBridge is also celebrating their 15-year anniversary, with tons of CEU courses for PTs, OTs, and SLPs — plus built-in exam prep for OCS, SCS, and other specialty certifications. Don't wait — this offer is only live for two weeks!

Resources:

• 📋 Free rotator cuff study guide
• 📱 Follow along on TikTok @ptsnackspodcast for visual study tools
• ✉️ Questions or topic requests? Email [email protected] or join the email list for episode highlights

If this episode helped you, please take a moment to leave a review — it helps the show grow more than you know! 🙏

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT

Support the show

Do You Have Student Loans?

According to Student Loan Planner, 90% of the clients they work with are sitting on a five to six figure mistake in how they're handling their debt, whether that's the wrong repayment plan, a bad refinance decision, or a missed forgiveness path. If you want expert advice, PT Snacks listeners get $100 off a consult by booking HERE or mentioning "Kasey Hankins" on the booking form.

Need CEUs? Get access to thousands of online courses, live webinars, certification-prep programs, and more with MedBridge. Use PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout for $100+ off or PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a student discount.

Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam with code PTSnacks at checkout....

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to this brief episode on dry needling and what current research suggests may explain its pain-relieving effects. The episode clarifies why it’s called “dry” needling (no medication injected) and emphasizes the importance of being able to explain why it may help patients. Dry needling is presented as working locally and systemically through four main mechanisms: local muscle and tissue effects, biomechanical and inflammatory biomarker changes, peripheral and spinal pain modulation, and supraspinal/autonomic pathways. We also discuss who this is appropriate for, and how to combine it with other techniques to help our patients get to their goals successfully.

00:00 Welcome to PTs Snacks
00:48 Why Dry Needling Matters
01:15 What It Is and Isn't
02:39 Four Mechanisms Overview
03:24 Local Tissue Effects
04:19 Inflammation Biomarkers
05:14 Spinal Pain Modulation
06:35 Autonomic Brain Pathways
07:16 Who Should Avoid It
07:58 Patient Education and Training
08:52 Wrap Up and Next Steps

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT

Support the show

Do You Have Student Loans?

According to Student Loan Planner, 90% of the clients they work with are sitting on a five to six figure mistake in how they're handling their debt, whether that's the wrong repayment plan, a bad refinance decision, or a missed forgiveness path. If you want expert advice, PT Snacks listeners get $100 off a consult by booking HERE or mentioning "Kasey Hankins" on the booking form.

Need CEUs? Get access to thousands of online courses, live webinars, certification-prep programs, and more with MedBridge. Use PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout for $100+ off or PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a student discount.

Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam with code PTSnacks at checkout....

Send us Fan Mail

In this PT Snacks episode, host Kasey introduces Baxter’s nerve (the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve, also called the inferior/anterior calcaneal nerve) as an under-recognized source of medial plantar heel pain that can mimic plantar fasciitis and may account for up to 20% of chronic heel pain. We review the nerve’s motor and sensory roles, common entrapment zones near the distal tarsal tunnel and medial calcaneal tuberosity, and typical presentation including burning neuropathic pain, possible paresthesia, focal tenderness, and potential abductor digiti minimi weakness or atrophy. This episode outlines key differentials, relevant imaging and testing findings (ultrasound, MRI, EMG/NCS), and a treatment progressions.

00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks
00:14 Baxters Nerve Overview
02:14 Why It Matters
03:03 Anatomy and Entrapment
04:45 Symptoms and Differentials
06:11 Imaging and Testing
07:22 Clinical Exam Clues
09:04 Treatment Options
11:12 Key Takeaways
12:58 Wrap Up and Contact

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT

Support the show

Do You Have Student Loans?

According to Student Loan Planner, 90% of the clients they work with are sitting on a five to six figure mistake in how they're handling their debt, whether that's the wrong repayment plan, a bad refinance decision, or a missed forgiveness path. If you want expert advice, PT Snacks listeners get $100 off a consult by booking HERE or mentioning "Kasey Hankins" on the booking form.

Need CEUs? Get access to thousands of online courses, live webinars, certification-prep programs, and more with MedBridge. Use PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout for $100+ off or PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a student discount.

Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam with code PTSnacks at checkout....