Join us for the second session in our Animal PT Webinar Series, hosted by Sasha Foster, PT, MS, President of the Animal PT SIG, with special guests Amie Hesbach, PT, DPT, MS, and Kirk Peck, PT, PhD, CSCS, CCRT. In this conversation, you’ll dive deeper into the world of Animal Physical Therapy, with a focus on collaboration, skill-sharing, and building professional bridges between PTs and veterinarians.What You’ll Learn:✓ How PT skill sets complement veterinary expertise✓ Real-world stories from labs and clinics highlighting collaboration✓ Tips for PTs entering the animal health space and creating partnershipsTarget Audience:physical therapists, PT students, animal rehab specialists, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, PT faculty, interprofessional educators, animal lovers interested in PT, canine rehab practitioners, equine rehab practitioners, allied health professionals

Join host Meghan Homoky, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, as she sits down with Victoria Kochick, PT, DPT, NCS, AVPT, to discuss the Exit Test and essential pearls for return-to-sport (RTS) testing post-concussion. In this episode, they dive into:- What the Exit Test is and why it’s crucial for safe RTS- Bridging the gap between asymptomatic athletes and full game readiness- Cardiovascular and dynamic components of the Exit Test- How to identify exertion intolerance, vestibular sensitivities, and deconditioning- Clinical insights on using the Exit Test for high school, college, and professional athletes- Future directions for widespread validation and utilizationWhether you’re a physical therapist, athletic trainer, or sports medicine professional, this episode will equip you with practical strategies to enhance concussion clearance and ensure athlete safety.Target Audience:Physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, PT students, sports medicine clinicians, concussion specialists, outpatient rehab clinicians, athletic trainers, VA/military rehab professionals

Dr. Norman L. Johnson, PT, DPT, DEd, MSS, MBA, LMT, received the APTA Orthopedics Innovative Practice Award (Q4 2024) for creating the Mobility Assessment and Treatment Device, an innovative falls screening and gait assessment tool that combines the Four Square Step Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and Figure-of-8 Walk Test.This innovation improves fall risk screening, supports therapeutic activities, and advances patient safety while reducing setup time in clinical practice.Learn more about the Innovative Practice Awards: https://www.orthopt.org/content/s/innovative-practice-award-winnersTarget Audience:Physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, PT students, clinicians working in geriatrics, home health PTs, VA/military rehab professionals, outpatient rehab clinicians, rehabilitation educators, healthcare policymakers, aging and fall-prevention advocates

Join Stephania Bell, PT, OCS, CSCS, senior writer and injury analyst for ESPN, as she sits down with Caitlin McGee, MS, PT, DPT, a leader in esports medicine. Together, they dive into the world of competitive gaming and show how PTs can prevent injuries, improve performance, and make a real impact on esports athletes.In this episode, you’ll discover:• Common injuries affecting competitive gamers—and how to treat them• Why esports medicine is an emerging field every PT should know about• Multidisciplinary approaches that enhance performance and reduce injury risk• How to get involved in esports medicine as a PT• Insights from Dr. McGee’s research and textbook contributionsWhether you’re a student, early-career clinician, or seasoned PT, this episode gives you actionable strategies and expert advice to stay ahead in a growing niche of physical therapy.Target Audience:Physical therapists (students, early career, and experienced clinicians), Rehab professionals interested in niche practice areas, Sports medicine clinicians exploring emerging populations, PT educators and program directors

In the fifth episode of Did You Know?, part of the APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody chat with Dan Mills about prescriptive authority in physical therapy—what it means, why it matters, and how it could reshape the profession.From the origins of the APTA task force to international perspectives, military examples, and state-level challenges, this episode explores how prescriptive authority could expand access, improve efficiency, and strengthen PT practice.Target Audience:physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, PT students, academic faculty, PT leaders, APTA members, healthcare policy advocates, rehab professionals

Join Bob Hall and PT leader Marcia Spoto, PT, MS, as they break down value-based care in physical therapy. In this episode, Marcia explains:- What value-based care really means- How it differs from traditional fee-for-service models- Why patient outcomes and satisfaction are key metrics- Opportunities for PTs in both private practice and hospital systems- How data and documentation can boost referrals, revenue, and clinic successWhether you’re curious about improving patient care, navigating new payment models, or positioning yourself as a problem solver in healthcare, this episode gives a clear, practical guide to value-based care and its impact on the PT profession.Target Audience:Physical therapists (PTs) in private practice, hospital, or outpatient settings, PT leaders and clinic managers, PT students interested in healthcare trends, Professionals looking to understand value-based care and payment models in healthcare, Anyone in orthopedics or musculoskeletal rehab interested in improving patient outcomes and clinic efficiency

Are you an orthopedic clinician considering a terminal degree? In this episode of the APTA Orthopedics Podcast, host Luciano Garcia sits down with Sharon Wang Price, PT, PhD, COMT, FAAOMPT, and Phil Sizer, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT, to explore the differences between the ScD and PhD programs. Learn which degree might be the best fit for your career goals in research, education, or clinical leadership. They also discuss program length, hybrid options, and tips for balancing work, life, and advanced education.Target Audience:Physical therapists, orthopedic clinicians, DPT graduates considering advanced degrees, Clinicians interested in research or academic careers, PTs exploring career growth and leadership opportunities, Current or prospective students looking at SCD or PhD programs in rehabilitation sciences

Get an inside look at your newest APTA Orthopedics member benefit! In this Town Hall recording, we walk you through our collaboration with PhysioU, giving you streamlined access to Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) content and interactive tools designed to enhance learning and improve patient care.You’ll see the platform in action, learn how to apply CPGs at the point of care, and hear directly from leaders about how this resource can help reduce unwanted practice variation while boosting your confidence in clinical decision-making.Target Audience:orthopedic physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, PT students, APTA Orthopedics members, clinicians using CPGs, continuing education learners, evidence-based practice advocates

On this episode of Pain Cast presented by the Pain SIG of APTA Orthopedics, host Eric Kruger explores integrating the ICF model into pain education and clinical reasoning for physical therapists. Learn practical strategies to help DPT students synthesize biological, psychological, and social factors in patient care, improve clinical reasoning, and link assessment to intervention in complex and chronic pain cases.Target Audience:Physical therapists, DPT students, PT educators, clinicians interested in pain management, musculoskeletal specialists, neurorehabilitation therapists

Join us for an eye-opening Imaging SIG webinar with Drs. Dallas Ehrmantraut and Bremen Abuhl, University of Jamestown faculty and driving forces behind North Dakota’s recent victory for full MSK imaging referral privileges.Fresh from their Editor’s Choice publication in Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, these researchers share a landmark meta-analysis showing physical therapists as first-contact providers achieve less imaging, fewer medications, and same or better outcomes compared to other providers.Read Now: https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/105/8/pzaf080/8161542We’ll dive into what the data means for the profession, how it strengthens the case for PTs in primary care, and what’s next for advancing scope and autonomy across the country.Bring your questions, your perspectives, and your curiosity — this is a conversation that could shape the future of physical therapy.Join the Imaging SIG: https://www.orthopt.org/content/special-interest-groups/imagingTarget Audience:physical therapists, PTAs, orthopedic PTs, sports PTs, primary care PTs, outpatient PTs, imaging specialists, rehab clinicians, DPT students, academic faculty, policy advocates

What’s in the proposed 2026 Physician Fee Schedule and why should physical therapists care?In this video, Bob Hall breaks down five key issues in the CMS proposed rule, including:- Physician referrals as plan of care certification- Site-of-service payment differences- Permanent virtual direct supervision (telehealth)- Conversion factor updates- Revisions to practice expense methodologyThese changes could significantly reduce administrative burden, improve access to care, especially in rural areas, and reshape how PT services are paid. Learn how these proposals affect you and how you can advocate for finalizing the policies that support our profession and patients.Target Audience:Physical therapists (especially in private practice or rural settings), PTAs and clinic managers, Healthcare administrators in outpatient and hospital settings, APTA members interested in advocacy and Medicare policy, Students preparing for a career in physical therapy

In the fourth episode of Did You Know?, part of the APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody chat with Susan Appling about the power of professional involvement in physical therapy. Susan reflects on her leadership journey, offers advice for getting started, and shares how participating in advocacy and organizational service can inspire growth—not just for the profession, but for the individual clinician.Whether you’re early in your career or looking to give back, this conversation explores how volunteering and stepping into leadership roles can transform your perspective, expand your impact, and shape the future of physical therapy.Target Audience: Physical therapists at all career stages, PTs interested in leadership, advocacy, and service, DPT students, and early professionals exploring professional engagement

Dr. Norman Johnson, recipient of the 2024 APTA Orthopedics Innovative Practice Award, presents his groundbreaking approach to fall risk screening through the development of a functional and multidirectional reach assessment device. In this presentation, Dr. Johnson walks through the history of reach testing, its clinical limitations, and how his device provides a dynamic, reproducible, and inclusive way to assess and treat patients of all ages—especially older adults and veterans.This presentation is part of our Innovative Practice Award series, highlighting creative and practical ideas that are moving orthopedic physical therapy forward.View All Innovative Award Recipients: https://www.orthopt.org/content/s/innovative-practice-award-winnersTarget Audience:Physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, PT students, clinicians working in geriatrics, home health PTs, VA/military rehab professionals, outpatient rehab clinicians

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists! In this case scenario, Paul-Neil Czujko walks you through a complex cervical spine presentation involving a 50-year-old male with insidious neck pain, radiating symptoms, and new onset red flags following cervical manipulation. You'll explore clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, key examination findings, and evidence-based intervention strategies. Learn how to confidently navigate neck pain presentations and sharpen your OCS prep with this detailed analysis rooted in clinical practice guidelines.Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenariosRead the full cervical spine case scenario: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios/cervical-spine2Target Audience (with commas):physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, orthopedic physical therapy educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam, evidence-based practitioners

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists! In this lumbar spine case scenario, Paul-Neil Czujko walks through the evaluation of a 32-year-old female presenting with insidious low back pain, radicular symptoms, and functional limitations. Follow along as he explores differential diagnosis, identifies clinical patterns, and discusses evidence-based management aligned with clinical practice guidelines. This scenario is ideal for sharpening your lumbar spine reasoning and preparing for the OCS exam.Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenariosRead the full cervical spine case scenario: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios/cervical-spine2Target Audience:physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, orthopedic physical therapy educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam

Big News in Physical Therapy Advocacy!After nearly a decade of persistent advocacy, Aetna has dropped its outdated referral requirement, paving the way for greater direct access to physical therapy for over 36 million people. In this video, Bob Hall breaks down what this major win means for patients, providers, and the future of access to care. This win is a clear sign that persistence in advocacy pays off.Target Audience: Physical Therapists (PTs & PTAs), DPT students and new grads, Healthcare policy advocates, APTA members, Private practice owners and outpatient clinicians, Medicare/insurance navigators in healthcare settings

In this episode of APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, host Dhinu J. Jayaseelan is joined by John Heick to explore the evolving role of physical therapists in the primary care setting. They unpack the differences between direct access and primary care PT, discuss the historical roots of the model in military and emergency care, and examine the clinical and policy shifts that are shaping the future of musculoskeletal care. Dr. Heick shares insights from his career in orthopedics, neuro, sports, and academia, emphasizing mentorship, residency, and technology as key drivers in preparing PTs for expanded roles. Whether you're in a rural clinic, urban outpatient setting, or seeking to broaden your scope, this conversation sheds light on why primary care PT is gaining momentum—and how PTs can lead in filling critical healthcare gaps.Target Audience:Physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, students, educators, clinical specialists, residency directors, policy advocates

Watch the presentation on APTA Orthopedics YouTube!Performing arts students face unique physical and sensory demands that are not adequately addressed in traditional concussion recovery protocols. In one of our innovative practice award winners presentation, Kristen Schuyten, Paola Savvidou, and Allyssa Memmini share their innovative development of the Progressive Return-to-Performance Protocol. This interdisciplinary effort fills a critical void in post-concussion management for dancers, musicians, and theater students at the university level. The presentation explores mechanisms of injury in the performing arts, limitations of current return-to-learn and return-to-sport models, and the Delphi-based development of a stage-based protocol tailored to the performing arts. Learn how this framework supports collaboration between medical and academic teams and explore next steps for implementation in clinical and educational settings.Learn more about this award-winning concussion protocol: https://www.orthopt.org/content/s/innovative-practice-award-winnersTarget Audience:Orthopaedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, academic faculty, student health providers, neuro PTs, clinicians treating concussion, performing arts medicine specialists, university healthcare professionals

In the third episode of Did You Know?, part of the APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody chat with Francois Desmeules and Lori Michener about the brand new 2025 Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for rotator cuff tendinopathy.They explore what’s changed since the 2022 CPG, why a new version was needed so soon, and how international collaboration helped shape more patient-centered, evidence-informed recommendations.From updated grading scales to return-to-sport criteria and patient-reported outcome measures, this episode helps you apply the new CPG to make more confident, effective decisions in shoulder rehab.Perfect for practicing physical therapists looking to stay current and optimize outcomes.Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Diagnosis, Nonsurgical Medical Care, and Rehabilitation: A Clinical Practice Guideline: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2025.13182Target Audience:orthopedic physical therapists, physical therapy students, clinical educators, sports PTs, musculoskeletal clinicians, researchers in PT, PT faculty, international PT professionals

In this episode of APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, host James Spencer is joined by Dr. Janey Prodoehl, PT, PhD, CCTT, recipient of the 2024 Innovative Practice Award, for an insightful conversation on advancing physical therapy care for individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Dr. Prodoehl shares evidence-based strategies from her work developing a national clinical practice guideline, including how to simplify TMD screening and treatment, build interdisciplinary referral networks, and demystify care for both PTs and patients. She also highlights opportunities for outreach to dental and primary care providers and emphasizes empowering physical therapists with practical tools—not fear.Target Audience:Orthopedic Physical Therapists, PTs with an interest in TMD, TMJ, or craniofacial care, Early-career PTs, DPT students, Clinic Owners/Managers, Dentists and Dental Specialists, Primary Care Physicians, Healthcare Administrators, Pain Researchers, Academics.