Advertise on podcast: PT Snacks Podcast: Physical Therapy with Dr. Kasey Hankins

Send us Fan Mail This episode explains how exercise can act as pain relief, addressing common patient concerns about exercise hurting and offering an alternative or complement to medications and passive treatments. We outline four key pain-modulating mechanisms: central modulation at the brain and spinal cord, immune and inflammatory changes, peripheral tissue and nerve effects, and psychological/behavioral pathways.  00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks 00:57 Does Exercise Hurt? 03:08 Four Pain Relief Pathways 03:44 Brain and Spinal Cord 05:28 Immune Inflammation Shift 06:10 Peripheral Tissue Effects 06:50 Psychology and Behavior 07:24 Choosing the Right Dose 09:44 Educate Without Jargon 10:48 Wrap Up and Connect Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we defines hip dysplasia, review risk factors (female sex, breech birth, family history, etc), infant screening, adult presentation and functional testing, and outlines PT goals (pain-free motion, strengthening, activity modification) versus surgical consideration such as periacetabular osteotomy and its recovery expectations. 00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks 00:24 Podcast Schedule Update 01:50 Support the Show 02:12 Hip Dysplasia Explained 04:22 Who’s at Risk 06:25 Infant Screening Basics 08:15 Imaging and Measurements 09:47 Adult Signs and Testing 11:33 Physical Therapy Approach 13:31 When Surgery Is Needed 15:57 Wrap Up and Contact Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail Kasey welcomes listeners to the PT Snacks podcast for physical therapists and students and introduces a brief episode on Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Kasey highlights common patient issues such as joint pain, dislocations, tendinitis, and muscle cramps, and discusses how physical therapy can improve quality of life through resistance training, proprioception, balance, aerobic and functional conditioning, pain neuroscience, and graded exposure to reduce kinesiophobia.  00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer 00:18 Episode Focus on EDS 01:21 EDS Types Overview 02:20 Hypermobility EDS Basics 02:33 Why Collagen Matters 03:16 PT Goals Pain and Fear 04:02 Training Approaches for hEDS 04:31 Load Management and Recovery 05:48 Lifestyle Factors Sleep Stress 06:52 Wrap Up and Contact Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail Host 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 Snacks 00:18 Episode Overview 01:14 What the Rupture Is 01:44 Mechanism and Symptoms 02:29 Anatomy Refresher 03:37 Risk Factors and Who Gets It 05:13 Patient Story and Red Flags 06:13 Differential Diagnosis 07:02 Exam Tests and Imaging 08:05 Treatment Options 08:48 Surgery and Rehab Timeline 09:35 Key Takeaways and Outro Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail In 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 Snacks 00:13 Why Incontinence Matters 01:40 Defining Urinary Incontinence 02:19 Key Anatomy Overview 04:00 Five Types Explained 04:14 Stress Incontinence Signs 05:34 Urge Incontinence Basics 06:49 Mixed Overflow Functional 08:30 What To Do Next 09:18 Assessment Bladder Diary 10:32 History And Risk Factors 11:20 Treatment Overview 11:59 Stress Vs Urgency Strategies 13:16 Key Takeaways And Support Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail In 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 Snacks 00:15 Why Non MSK Matters 01:52 MSK vs Non MSK Clues 03:56 Pulmonary Referral Patterns 04:54 Cardiac Red Flags 05:51 GI and Hepatic Sources 06:34 Cancer and Systemic Causes 07:27 Triage Questions and Screen 09:12 When to Refer Urgently 10:32 Wrap Up and Resources Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail In 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 Snacks 01:10 FAI Defined and Diagnosed 02:27 Cam Pincer and Mixed Types 05:03 Clinical Assessment Tests 07:26 Imaging and Key Angles 08:31 PT Treatment Priorities 11:14 Injections and Surgery Options 12:20 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up 13:16 Resources Newsletter and Promo 14:10 Final Sign Off Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail In 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 Podcast 00:15 Understanding Vertebra Basilar Insufficiency 01:33 Anatomy Review: Blood Supply to the Brain 05:17 Risk Factors for Vertebra Basilar Insufficiency 06:16 Identifying VBI in the Clinic 09:16 Diagnostic Tests and Safe Practices 11:33 Referral Guidelines and Patient Communication 13:52 Conclusion and Additional Resources Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail In 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 Podcast 00:13 Understanding Medial Epicondylalgia 02:39 Causes and Risk Factors 06:54 Symptoms and Diagnosis 08:22 Treatment Approaches 14:29 Conclusion and Additional Resources Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail Welcome 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 Podcast 00:18 Today's Topic: Becoming a Clinical Instructor 01:25 Setting Up for Success Before Day One 02:51 First Day: Meeting and Assessing Your Student 05:28 Guiding Through Evaluations and Treatments 11:05 Providing Feedback and Managing Expectations 14:34 Final Thoughts and Additional Resources Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail In 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 Podcast 00:14 Introduction to MPFL and Patellar Dislocation 01:18 Understanding the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) 03:02 Risk Factors for Patellar Dislocation 05:37 Assessment of Patellar Dislocation 07:31 Treatment Approaches for Patellar Dislocation 09:01 Rehabilitation and Return to Sport 12:15 Summary and Additional Resources 13:12 Closing Remarks and Announcements Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail Join 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 Podcast 00:48 Understanding Lumbar Spinal Stenosis 02:47 Symptoms and Causes of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis 07:57 Diagnosis and Imaging of Spinal Stenosis 10:45 Conservative Treatments for Spinal Stenosis 12:08 Surgical Options and Post-Op Care 12:49 Conclusion and Additional Resources Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail In 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 Podcast 00:17 Understanding Rib Stress Fractures 01:32 Prevalence and Affected Populations 03:26 Symptoms and Diagnosis 08:42 Differential Diagnoses 10:45 Management and Treatment 14:05 Imaging and Final Thoughts 15:14 Conclusion and Additional Resources Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the PT Snacks podcast with your host, Kasey! While this episode is geared toward new graduates, the insights are valuable for all physical therapists and students. You'll learn about continuous learning beyond PT school, the importance of rest, the value of mentorship, and the need for emotional intelligence in clinical practice. Tune in next week for a deep dive into rib stress fractures! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:19 New Year, New Insights 00:42 Eight Things I Wish I Knew as a New Grad PT 03:10 The Importance of Continuous Learning 04:46 Valuing Rest and Avoiding Burnout 05:58 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Seeking Help 07:56 The Value of Mentorship 09:00 Recognizing Physical Therapy Limitations 09:56 Embracing the Challenges of the Job 12:23 The Role of Emotional Intelligence 14:14 Conclusion and Looking Ahead Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

Send us Fan Mail In this special end-of-year episode of PT Snacks Podcast, host Kasey talks about the importance of setting meaningful and achievable goals for physical therapists and students. Kasey introduces a 90-day challenge designed to help you focus on what aligns with your values and strengths. Learn how to prioritize your actions realistically and make small yet impactful changes. Tune in, reflect, and set the stage for a successful new year in your professional and personal life. Join the challenge [HERE]! By the way, make sure to check your spam folder if you are subscribing to the newsletter to you can confirm your subscription! This is how I avoid email bots. :) 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:26 End of Year Announcement 00:40 The Importance of Goal Setting 01:12 Personal Experiences and Insights 02:46 Aligning Goals with Personal Values 03:05 90-Day Challenge Overview 03:46 Realistic Goal Planning 04:01 Challenge Instructions 04:42 Reflection and Meaningful Progress 05:10 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Need 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 PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show 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: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!