131. 5 Red Flags You Don't Want to Miss in Low Back Pain

In this episode of PTs Snacks podcast, host Kasey Hankins covers proximal hamstring tendinopathy, a common issue for runners and athletes. She describes the causes and symptoms, highlights the importance of proper diagnosis, and outlines a progressive loading system for treatment.00:00 Introduction to Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy00:44 Understanding Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy02:29 Diagnosing Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy03:58 Key Tests and Assessments05:28 Treatment Approaches and Phases07:24 Advanced Rehabilitation Techniques08:21 Returning to Sport and Monitoring Progress09:47 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesSupport the showWhy 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, host Kasey Hankins addresses the challenge of identifying and treating bone stress injuries (BSIs) before they progress into stress fractures. Kasey delves into the biology of bone stress, detailing how osteoblasts and osteoclasts respond to stress, and discusses common risk factors for BSIs among athletes and military personnel. The episode offers practical advice on clinical assessment, including the limitations of x-rays and the benefits of MRIs, and provides strategies for effective treatment and prevention through offloading, load restoration, and performance enhancement phases. Listeners are encouraged to watch out for early symptoms and are directed to additional resources for continuing education.00:00 Introduction to Bone Stress Injuries01:15 Understanding Bone Stress Injuries (BSIs)04:18 Risk Factors and Clinical Presentation07:20 Diagnosis and Imaging Techniques09:15 Treatment and Rehabilitation Phases13:03 Summary and Additional ResourcesSupport the showWhy 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 ...

Hey everyone! In today’s PT Snacks Podcast episode, we're diving into the essentials of incorporating plyometrics in rehab. We'll cover what plyometrics are, how and when to use them in rehabilitation, and the importance of smart progression. We’ll break down different phases of plyometrics, from initial stages focusing on basic landing mechanics to advanced stages tailored for sport-specific demands. Plus, I’ll share some red and green flags to watch for during training and highlight some valuable free resources from the NSCA and MedBridge. Don't forget to check the show notes for a special discount on MedBridge subscriptions!00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:34 Today's Topic: Programming Plyometrics in Rehab01:34 Understanding Plyometrics03:24 Phases of Plyometric Training06:15 Examples and Dosage of Plyometric Drills08:39 Monitoring Progress and Adjustments10:02 Resources and Final ThoughtsSupport the showWhy 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, we delve into the important topic of red flags associated with headaches that physical therapists should be aware of. The episode provides an overview of five critical headache red flags that may indicate serious underlying conditions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, temporal arteritis, stroke or brain tumor, meningitis, and increased intracranial pressure. 00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks Podcast00:40 Introduction to Headache Red Flags01:49 Thunderclap Headache: A Medical Emergency02:40 Headaches in Patients Over 50: Temporal Arteritis03:23 Neurological Deficits and Headaches04:09 Fever, Neck Stiffness, and Headaches: Meningitis04:53 Positional Headaches and Intracranial Pressure05:48 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesSupport the showWhy 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 ...

Welcome to PTs Snacks podcast! I'm your host, Kasey, and in today's episode, we dive into the underrated but crucial topics of sleep and stress management, and their impact on injury risk and recovery. Learn how quality sleep and effective stress management affect every aspect of our health and why they're essential for patients' success. We'll discuss research findings on the relationship between sleep, stress, and athletic performance, the physiological benefits, and practical strategies for physical therapists to help their patients improve sleep hygiene and manage stress effectively. Tune in for actionable insights and resources that will enhance your practice and patient outcomes.00:00 Introduction to PTs Snacks Podcast00:33 The Importance of Sleep and Injury Risk01:46 Research Findings on Sleep and Athletic Performance02:38 Physiological Impact of Sleep on Recovery04:09 Practical Tips for Physical Therapists07:18 Recommended Resources for Further Learning08:54 Conclusion and Additional OffersSupport the showWhy 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 ...

Welcome to PTs Snacks podcast! I'm Kasey, your host, and today we're diving into chronic workload ratios—an essential tool to manage injury risk in athletes. We'll break down the formula, discuss ideal ratio zones, and use examples like running, strength training, and RPE to showcase its application. This episode is perfect for physical therapists and students looking to apply this concept in various settings, from clinics to personal workouts. Tune in to learn how to quantify safe progressions and keep your athletes at their best!00:00 Introduction to PTs Snacks Podcast00:35 Understanding Chronic Workload Ratio02:56 Calculating the Chronic Workload Ratio04:09 Ideal Zones and Examples07:56 Practical Applications for PTs09:13 Additional Resources and ConclusionSupport the showWhy 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 the PT Snacks podcast, we discuss five critical red flags that physical therapists and students must identify in patients presenting with low back pain. These include cauda equina syndrome, metastatic cancer to the spine, spinal infections, vertebral compression fractures, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. We emphasize the importance of recognizing these symptoms early to refer patients to appropriate specialists promptly, potentially saving lives. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:42 Five Red Flags in Low Back Pain01:18 Cauda Equina Syndrome02:46 Cancer and Metastatic Disease04:13 Spinal Infections05:11 Vertebral Compression Fractures06:38 Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm07:37 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesSupport the showWhy 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 dive into effective treatments for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The discussion builds on Episode 129, which focused on differentiating the sources of TMJ pain. The episode emphasizes personalized treatment plans based on the patient’s history and response to interventions. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:42 Recap of TMJ Dysfunction02:33 Manual Therapy Techniques for TMJ05:05 Therapeutic Exercises for TMJ07:08 Additional Tips and Patient Advice08:21 Resources and ConclusionSupport the showWhy 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 PTs Snacks podcast, we delve into the anatomy and common disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), tailored for physical therapists and students. The episode covers the joint's unique dual-compartment structure, primary supporting muscles, ligaments, innervation, and blood supply. We highlight three common TMJ disorders: myofascial pain, disc displacement, and joint degeneration, explaining their causes, symptoms, and assessment strategies. The episode concludes with tips on conducting objective tests and differential diagnoses to help clinicians accurately identify TMJ issues.00:00 Introduction to PTs Snacks Podcast00:53 Overview of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Anatomy02:58 Common TMJ Disorders05:44 Assessing TMJ Disorders07:36 Objective Tests for TMJ13:32 Differential Diagnoses and Referrals14:44 Conclusion and Next StepsSupport the showWhy 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 discuss the significance of understanding osteoporosis medications for physical therapists and PT students. The episode covers the basics of osteoporosis, various medications used in its treatment, and the clinical implications for physical therapy practice. Emphasis is placed on the importance of exercise, fall prevention, and patient education in managing osteoporosis. Additionally, the episode provides guidance on screening for side effects and tailoring exercise programs to individual patient needs.00:00 Introduction to PT Snacks Podcast00:19 Understanding Osteoporosis02:28 Common Osteoporosis Medications05:50 Clinical Implications for Physical Therapists08:08 Patient Education and Medication Adherence09:14 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesSupport the showWhy 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 ...