In this episode of the PT Snacks Podcast, host Kasey delves into Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training, explaining its historical background, mechanisms, and benefits. The podcast covers how BFR can facilitate muscle hypertrophy, strength gains, and rehabilitation with lower mechanical loads. Key discussions include contraindications, exercise protocols, and practical setup guidelines. 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:30 Special Offer from Tindec

01:11 Introduction to Blood Flow Restriction Training

02:02 Mechanisms and Benefits of BFR

06:08 Who Should Avoid BFR?

07:19 Setting Up BFR Training

08:52 Exercise Guidelines and Recommendations

12:06 Recap and Final Thoughts

13:47 Contact and Additional Resources

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Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.

Stay Connected!

• Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
• Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
• Join the email list HERE
• On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!

Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered:

• Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge
• Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
  (These are affiliate links, but I only recommend Medbridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)

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In this episode, we dive into the treatment and rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy, specifically patellar tendinosis. This condition is notoriously difficult to treat, often requiring six months to a year for full recovery, but with the right approach, athletes and active individuals can return to full function.

Using a structured, stage-based progression, we discuss how to:

• Implement isometric exercises to manage pain and begin strengthening
• Progress to isotonic loading to rebuild muscle strength
• Introduce energy storage and plyometric training to restore full function
• Prevent recurrence by optimizing load management and recovery strategies

This episode is based on the research by van Ark et al. (2018):
"Patellar Tendinopathy: Clinical Diagnosis, Load Management, and Advice for Challenging Case Presentations" in JOSPT (Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy).

Support the show

Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.

Stay Connected!

• Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
• Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
• Join the email list HERE
• On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!

Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered:

• Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge
• Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
  (These are affiliate links, but I only recommend Medbridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)

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In this episode, we dive into patellar tendinopathy—how to recognize it, differentiate it from other knee conditions, and key clinical findings to look for. Using a realistic patient case, we go step by step through subjective history, clinical testing, and differential diagnosis to improve your assessment skills.

What You'll Learn:

• How to identify patellar tendinopathy based on patient history
• Key risk factors and common populations affected
• The difference between tendinitis and tendinosis
• How to rule in and rule out conditions like PFPS, Hoffa’s fat pad irritation, and quadriceps tendinopathy
• The hallmark signs that should immediately put patellar tendinopathy on your radar

Next week, we will cover the latest evidence on treatment and management strategies.

Support the show

Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.

Stay Connected!

• Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
• Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
• Join the email list HERE
• On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!

Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered:

• Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge
• Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
  (These are affiliate links, but I only recommend Medbridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)

Optimize Your Patient Care with Tindeq

Looking for a reliable dynamometer to enhance your clinical measurements? Tindeq ...

In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, we break down running biomechanics—what makes running different from walking, common running faults, and how to address them for more efficient, pain-free movement. Whether you're a physical therapist, student, or a runner looking to optimize performance, we cover key gait cycle phases, overstriding, hip drop, cadence adjustments, and strength training strategies.

Plus, get practical tips on modifying load, preventing injuries, and enhancing running efficiency with small, actionable changes. If you're working with runners or are one yourself, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Support the show

Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.

Stay Connected!

• Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
• Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
• Join the email list HERE
• On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!

Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered:

• Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge
• Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
  (These are affiliate links, but I only recommend Medbridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)

Optimize Your Patient Care with Tindeq

Looking for a reliable dynamometer to enhance your clinical measurements? Tindeq ...

Gait analysis is an essential skill for physical therapists—especially when evaluating patients with radiculopathies, post-surgical deficits, or neurological impairments. In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, we break down the phases of gait, from stance to swing, and explore how myotomal weakness can lead to key gait deviations.

Learn how knee buckling, Trendelenburg gait, foot drop, and other compensations can signal underlying neurological deficits. We’ll also discuss how gait deviations can present in post-op patients recovering from disc herniation surgery, and why understanding these patterns is critical for both orthopedic and neuro PTs.

If you’re looking to refine your observational skills and improve patient outcomes, this episode is packed with clinical insights to help you master gait analysis.

Support the show

Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.

Stay Connected!

• Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
• Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
• Join the email list HERE
• On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!

Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered:

• Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge
• Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
  (These are affiliate links, but I only recommend Medbridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)

Optimize Your Patient Care with Tindeq

Looking for a reliable dynamometer to enhance your clinical measurements? Tindeq ...

Not all disc herniations are the same. In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, we break down the four main types of disc herniations (bulging, protrusion, extrusion, and sequestration) and how that factors in to their response to physical therapy. We’ll also dive into key risk factors to better understand who may be more susceptible to disc issues.

Who responds well to physical therapy, and who may require surgery? Learn how to identify patients that are great candidates for rehab versus those who may need surgical intervention. We’ll also cover red flags like progressive weakness and bowel or bladder dysfunction that require immediate attention.

If you’re a physical therapist or PT student, this episode is packed with actionable insights to improve your clinical reasoning and patient care.

Support the show

Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.

Stay Connected!

• Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
• Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
• Join the email list HERE
• On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!

Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered:

• Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge
• Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
  (These are affiliate links, but I only recommend Medbridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)

Optimize Your Patient Care with Tindeq

Looking for a reliable dynamometer to enhance your clinical measurements? Tindeq ...

In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, we break down intervertebral disc herniations—from anatomy and function to healing timelines and progressive loading strategies. We’ll discuss why the disc allows both movement and stability, how its slow healing rate impacts rehabilitation, and why not all herniations lead to leg pain. Plus, we’ll go over clinical considerations for treating patients based on symptom response. Whether you're a physical therapist or a PT student, this episode will give you practical takeaways to improve patient outcomes.

🚀 Don’t forget to check out Feedspot’s Top 45 Physical Therapy Podcasts, where PT Snacks was ranked #19! 🎉 Check it out HERE.

👉 Tune in to learn when to load, when to hold back, and how to get your patients moving with confidence!

Support the show

Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.

Stay Connected!

• Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
• Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
• Join the email list HERE
• On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!

Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered:

• Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge
• Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
  (These are affiliate links, but I only recommend Medbridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)

Optimize Your Patient Care with Tindeq

Looking for a reliable dynamometer to enhance your clinical measurements? Tindeq ...

Curious about anterior hip labral tears and how to manage them in a physical therapy setting? In this PT Snacks Podcast episode, let's break down the hip labrum’s anatomy and function, common mechanisms of injury, and practical strategies for conservative management and post-surgical rehab. Learn why glute strengthening, careful exercise progression, and collaboration with orthopedic surgeons can help you achieve better outcomes for your patients—all in about 10 minutes.

Tune in for a bite-sized, evidence-based approach to anterior hip labral tears that will empower you to provide better care for your patients.

Support the show

Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.

Stay Connected!

• Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
• Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
• Join the email list HERE
• On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!

Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered:

• Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge
• Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
  (These are affiliate links, but I only recommend Medbridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)

Optimize Your Patient Care with Tindeq

Looking for a reliable dynamometer to enhance your clinical measurements? Tindeq ...

In Part 2, we focus on evidence-based treatments for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFP). Learn effective exercise strategies, movement retraining, and what the research says about manual therapy and taping to address muscle weakness, movement dysfunctions, and mobility impairments. This episode gives you the tools to help your patients recover and get back to activity faster. If you missed Part 1, be sure to catch up on how to assess PFP!

Resources mentioned:
Best practice guide for patellofemoral pain based on synthesis of a systematic review, the patient voice and expert clinical reasoning.
Patellofemoral Pain Clinical Practice Guideline

Support the show

Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.

Stay Connected!

• Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
• Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
• Join the email list HERE
• On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!

Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered:

• Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge
• Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
  (These are affiliate links, but I only recommend Medbridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)

Optimize Your Patient Care with Tindeq

Looking for a reliable dynamometer to enhance your clinical measurements? Tindeq ...

In Part 1 of our PFP series, we break down how to assess and diagnose Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome effectively. Learn about the key symptoms, the impairment-based classification, and how to use this framework to guide your treatment. We’ll cover the best assessment tools, from subjective history to functional tests, to help you identify the root causes of PFP and set the stage for targeted interventions.

Articles mentioned:
Patellofemoral Pain (Clinical Practice Guideline)
Best practice guide for patellofemoral pain based on synthesis of a systematic review, the patient voice and expert clinical reasoning

Support the show

Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.

Stay Connected!

• Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
• Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
• Join the email list HERE
• On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!

Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? Medbridge has you covered:

• Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: Medbridge
• Students: Save $75 off a student subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
  (These are affiliate links, but I only recommend Medbridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)

Optimize Your Patient Care with Tindeq

Looking for a reliable dynamometer to enhance your clinical measurements? Tindeq ...