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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.

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• Thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses across multiple specialties (PT, OT, AT, SLP) that count for state-license CEUs.
• Access anytime, from your office, phone, or home—perfect for busy clinicians.
• One annual subscription, no per-course fee.

Special offers:

• Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout and save over $100.
• Students use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a discounted annual plan.

Studying for the NPTE?
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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

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get:

• Thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses across multiple specialties (PT, OT, AT, SLP) that count for state-license CEUs.
• Access anytime, from your office, phone, or home—perfect for busy clinicians.
• One annual subscription, no per-course fee.

Special offers:

• Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout and save over $100.
• Students use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a discounted annual plan.

Studying for the NPTE?
Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount.

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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

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get:

• Thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses across multiple specialties (PT, OT, AT, SLP) that count for state-license CEUs.
• Access anytime, from your office, phone, or home—perfect for busy clinicians.
• One annual subscription, no per-course fee.

Special offers:

• Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout and save over $100.
• Students use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a discounted annual plan.

Studying for the NPTE?
Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount.

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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

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get:

• Thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses across multiple specialties (PT, OT, AT, SLP) that count for state-license CEUs.
• Access anytime, from your office, phone, or home—perfect for busy clinicians.
• One annual subscription, no per-course fee.

Special offers:

• Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout and save over $100.
• Students use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a discounted annual plan.

Studying for the NPTE?
Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount.

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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

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get:

• Thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses across multiple specialties (PT, OT, AT, SLP) that count for state-license CEUs.
• Access anytime, from your office, phone, or home—perfect for busy clinicians.
• One annual subscription, no per-course fee.

Special offers:

• Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout and save over $100.
• Students use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a discounted annual plan.

Studying for the NPTE?
Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount.

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Welcome to PT Snacks! I hope your 2025 is starting off strong and that you are excited to tackle this next year.

This episode is meant to check in with YOU to see what you would like more of. 

• What type of content do you want to hear? 
• Would you be interested in a newsletter? 
• Youtube videos?

Please fill out this this survey HERE!

Support the show

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get:

• Thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses across multiple specialties (PT, OT, AT, SLP) that count for state-license CEUs.
• Access anytime, from your office, phone, or home—perfect for busy clinicians.
• One annual subscription, no per-course fee.

Special offers:

• Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout and save over $100.
• Students use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a discounted annual plan.

Studying for the NPTE?
Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount.

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Don’t forget about MedBridge’s Cyber Week deal—grab $150 off plus a $20 Amazon gift card with code PTSNACKSPODCAST20. Offer ends December 6th! 🎁 Click [HERE] to lock in your deal!

Shoulder injuries are common, but acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations can be tricky to manage. In this episode, we break down everything PTs need to know:

• A quick anatomy review of the AC joint
• Common mechanisms of injury (like falls or impact sports)
• How to identify an AC joint separation clinically
• The Rockwood classification system for grading injuries
• Treatment strategies based on injury severity (non-op vs. surgical)

By the end of this episode, you'll feel confident spotting and managing AC joint separations effectively in the clinic. 🎧

Support the show

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get:

• Thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses across multiple specialties (PT, OT, AT, SLP) that count for state-license CEUs.
• Access anytime, from your office, phone, or home—perfect for busy clinicians.
• One annual subscription, no per-course fee.

Special offers:

• Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout and save over $100.
• Students use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a discounted annual plan.

Studying for the NPTE?
Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount.

Stay Connected!

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Medbridge Black Friday Special: Lasts until Dec. 1st! Enjoy $150 off + 1 extra month will be added to your subscription for a total of 13 months.

Use promo code PTSNACKSPODCAST13 or click HERE to access!

Is your patient presenting with shoulder instability, but the symptoms don't fit the typical mold? In this episode, we break down multidirectional shoulder instability, including:

• Key symptoms to watch for.
• The best tests to confirm your diagnosis.
• Effective treatment strategies to improve shoulder stability.

Support the show

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get:

• Thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses across multiple specialties (PT, OT, AT, SLP) that count for state-license CEUs.
• Access anytime, from your office, phone, or home—perfect for busy clinicians.
• One annual subscription, no per-course fee.

Special offers:

• Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout and save over $100.
• Students use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a discounted annual plan.

Studying for the NPTE?
Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount.

Stay Connected!

Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to [email protected]

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In this episode, we cover the following:

• Occurence of shoulder dislocations and types
• Characterists of the shoulder that help keep it stable
• Passive and active stabilizers of the shoulder

Medbridge Black Friday Special: Lasts until Dec. 1st! Enjoy $150 off + 1 extra month will be added to your subscription for a total of 13 months.

Use promo code PTSNACKSPODCAST13 or click HERE to access!

Support the show

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get:

• Thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses across multiple specialties (PT, OT, AT, SLP) that count for state-license CEUs.
• Access anytime, from your office, phone, or home—perfect for busy clinicians.
• One annual subscription, no per-course fee.

Special offers:

• Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout and save over $100.
• Students use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a discounted annual plan.

Studying for the NPTE?
Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount.

Stay Connected!

Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to [email protected]

Join the email list HERE

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Wondering how to safely and effectively program plyometrics for your patients? In this episode, we’re breaking down the essential factors to consider when designing plyometric training. We’ll start with a quick refresher on what plyometrics are, then dive into how to make exercises sport-specific, the importance of assessing skill levels, and the factors that increase exercise intensity. We’ll also cover best practices for recovery times and work-to-rest ratios, plus some key considerations for working with both youth and masters athletes. Tune in to get practical tips to make your plyometric programming powerful and patient-centered!

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). NSCA's Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. 4th ed., edited by G. Gregory Haff and N. Travis Triplett, Human Kinetics, 2016.

Support the show

Need CEUs?
Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get:

• Thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses across multiple specialties (PT, OT, AT, SLP) that count for state-license CEUs.
• Access anytime, from your office, phone, or home—perfect for busy clinicians.
• One annual subscription, no per-course fee.

Special offers:

• Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout and save over $100.
• Students use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a discounted annual plan.

Studying for the NPTE?
Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount.

Stay Connected!

Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to [email protected]

Join the email list HERE

Support the Show:
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