170. Shoulder Pain Isn’t Always Musculoskeletal: Red Flags, Referral Clues, and Quick Screening Questions

Send a textHost Kasey introduces PT Snacks, a bite-size podcast for physical therapists and students, and covers distal biceps tendon ruptures. The episode reviews relevant anatomy, typical injury mechanism, classic symptoms, and common risk factors and patient profile. Kasey outlines key differentials, exam findings and tests, imaging options, and treatment pathways, emphasizing that timely recognition improves surgical outcomes.00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks00:18 Episode Overview01:14 What the Rupture Is01:44 Mechanism and Symptoms02:29 Anatomy Refresher03:37 Risk Factors and Who Gets It05:13 Patient Story and Red Flags06:13 Differential Diagnosis07:02 Exam Tests and Imaging08:05 Treatment Options08:48 Surgery and Rehab Timeline09:35 Key Takeaways and OutroNeed 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENTSupport the showNeed 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 ...

Send a textIn this PT Snacks episode, host Kasey introduces urinary incontinence for physical therapists and students, emphasizing its prevalence, quality-of-life impact, and the importance of reducing taboo. The episode defines urinary incontinence as involuntary urine leakage, reviews key anatomy and neural control, and explains five types: stress, urge, mixed, overflow, and functional incontinence. Kasey highlights distinguishing features, common associations, and prevalence examples. The discussion outlines basic next steps and general management concepts like stress tolerance training and bladder training.00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks00:13 Why Incontinence Matters01:40 Defining Urinary Incontinence02:19 Key Anatomy Overview04:00 Five Types Explained04:14 Stress Incontinence Signs05:34 Urge Incontinence Basics06:49 Mixed Overflow Functional08:30 What To Do Next09:18 Assessment Bladder Diary10:32 History And Risk Factors11:20 Treatment Overview11:59 Stress Vs Urgency Strategies13:16 Key Takeaways And SupportNeed 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENTSupport the showNeed 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 ...

Send a textIn this PT Snacks episode, we walk through how to tell when “shoulder pain” might not actually be coming from the shoulder—and why that matters for safe, intentional screening in the clinic. We compare classic musculoskeletal patterns (pain tied to motion/loading and reproducible on exam) versus non-mechanical presentations like constant, poorly localized, deep/pressure-like pain that doesn’t change with movement and may come with systemic or autonomic symptoms. Also covered are common non-musculoskeletal sources that can refer to the shoulder—pulmonary/thoracic, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal/hepatic, and malignancy/systemic disease—plus practical questions and quick vitals-based triage you can blend into a normal eval. 00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks00:15 Why Non MSK Matters01:52 MSK vs Non MSK Clues03:56 Pulmonary Referral Patterns04:54 Cardiac Red Flags05:51 GI and Hepatic Sources06:34 Cancer and Systemic Causes07:27 Triage Questions and Screen09:12 When to Refer Urgently10:32 Wrap Up and ResourcesSupport the showNeed 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 ...

Send a textIn this episode, we break down femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) for PTs and students—what it is, how it shows up clinically, and how it’s typically diagnosed. We walk through cam, pincer, and mixed morphologies, quick assessment ideas (including FADIR/FABER and when imaging matters), and what PT treatment commonly focuses on. We also touch on when injections or surgery may come into play and key considerations for helping patients succeed with rehab.00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks01:10 FAI Defined and Diagnosed02:27 Cam Pincer and Mixed Types05:03 Clinical Assessment Tests07:26 Imaging and Key Angles08:31 PT Treatment Priorities11:14 Injections and Surgery Options12:20 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up13:16 Resources Newsletter and Promo14:10 Final Sign OffSupport the showNeed 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 ...

Send a textIn this episode of the PT Snacks Podcast, host Kasey delves into vertebra basilar insufficiency (VBI), a condition affecting the posterior cerebral circulation. Aimed at physical therapists and PT students, the episode explains the anatomy behind VBI, its symptoms, risk factors, and how to screen for it effectively. Kasey highlights the importance of understanding VBI’s implications, potential triggers, and the role of physical therapists in identifying and managing this condition. The episode also touches on appropriate referral procedures and the limitations of traditional VBI tests. Listen in to enhance your knowledge and clinical skills regarding this critical topic.00:00 Introduction to PT Snacks Podcast00:15 Understanding Vertebra Basilar Insufficiency01:33 Anatomy Review: Blood Supply to the Brain05:17 Risk Factors for Vertebra Basilar Insufficiency06:16 Identifying VBI in the Clinic09:16 Diagnostic Tests and Safe Practices11:33 Referral Guidelines and Patient Communication13:52 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesNeed 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENTSupport the showNeed 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 ...

Send a textIn this episode of the PTs Snacks Podcast, host Kasey dives into medial epicondylalgia, commonly known as golfer's elbow. This condition involves chronic tendinosis of the wrist flexors and pronators that attach to the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Kasey explains how to assess and treat this condition, noting the importance of proper diagnosis and patient education. Key topics include risk factors, symptoms, clinical examination techniques, imaging options, and treatment strategies such as pain management, tendon loading, and patient education. This episode is a must-listen for physical therapists and students looking to enhance their understanding of medial elbow pain.00:00 Introduction to PTs Snacks Podcast00:13 Understanding Medial Epicondylalgia02:39 Causes and Risk Factors06:54 Symptoms and Diagnosis08:22 Treatment Approaches14:29 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesNeed 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENTSupport the showNeed 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 ...

Send a textWelcome to the PT Snacks podcast with your host, Kasey! In this episode, we delve into the role of a clinical instructor (CI) for physical therapists and physical therapy students, addressing common challenges and providing strategies to ensure a successful rotation. From pre-arrival communication to day-one interactions, and ongoing feedback, Kasey covers how to make students feel comfortable, set clear expectations, and effectively guide them through their clinical training. Tune in for practical tips and insights to help both instructors and students thrive in a clinical setting.00:00 Introduction to PT Snacks Podcast00:18 Today's Topic: Becoming a Clinical Instructor01:25 Setting Up for Success Before Day One02:51 First Day: Meeting and Assessing Your Student05:28 Guiding Through Evaluations and Treatments11:05 Providing Feedback and Managing Expectations14:34 Final Thoughts and Additional ResourcesNeed 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENTSupport the showNeed 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 ...

Send a textIn this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, host Kasey dives deep into patellar dislocation and the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Learn about the anatomy, common causes, and risk factors of patellar dislocations, alongside assessment techniques and treatment options. Whether you're a physical therapist or PT student, this episode offers valuable insights into managing both non-operative and post-operative care for patients. Kasey also discusses patient readiness for returning to sports, highlighting the importance of both physiological and psychological factors. Tune in and expand your knowledge on handling one of the most common knee injuries.00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks Podcast00:14 Introduction to MPFL and Patellar Dislocation01:18 Understanding the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL)03:02 Risk Factors for Patellar Dislocation05:37 Assessment of Patellar Dislocation07:31 Treatment Approaches for Patellar Dislocation09:01 Rehabilitation and Return to Sport12:15 Summary and Additional Resources13:12 Closing Remarks and AnnouncementsNeed 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENTSupport the showNeed 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 ...

Send a textJoin Kasey on the PT Snacks podcast as we delve into lumbar spinal stenosis, perfect for physical therapists and students eager to enhance their fundamentals. Understand the basics of stenosis, its impact on patients, and effective treatment approaches. Learn how to differentiate between types of stenosis, evaluate symptoms, and integrate conservative treatments with manual therapy and exercise for optimal patient outcomes. Stay informed on imaging techniques and when surgery might be necessary. Tune in for this bite-size segment and boost your practice skills!00:00 Introduction to PT Snacks Podcast00:48 Understanding Lumbar Spinal Stenosis02:47 Symptoms and Causes of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis07:57 Diagnosis and Imaging of Spinal Stenosis10:45 Conservative Treatments for Spinal Stenosis12:08 Surgical Options and Post-Op Care12:49 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesNeed 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENTSupport the showNeed 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 ...

Send a textIn this episode of the PT Snacks podcast, your host Kasey dives into the often-overlooked topic of rib stress fractures. Aimed at physical therapists and PT students, this segment focuses on identifying, understanding, and managing these injuries, particularly in rowers and overhead athletes. Learn about the prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment strategies for rib stress fractures, along with expert tips for differential diagnosis and patient management. Whether you’re prepping for your SCS or looking to improve patient outcomes, this episode offers valuable insights delivered in an engaging, bite-sized format.00:00 Introduction to PT Snacks Podcast00:17 Understanding Rib Stress Fractures01:32 Prevalence and Affected Populations03:26 Symptoms and Diagnosis08:42 Differential Diagnoses10:45 Management and Treatment14:05 Imaging and Final Thoughts15:14 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesNeed 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENTSupport the showNeed 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 ...