NPTE Studycast | Physical Therapy

In this episode, we dive into the highly anticipated 2025 revision of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hip Pain and Mobility Deficits—Hip Osteoarthritis, published by the APTA Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. Join us as we explore the latest evidence on how to best classify, examine, and treat patients living with mild-to-moderate hip OA. We break down the updated recommendations for manual therapy, specific exercise dosing, patient education, and a brand-new "Level A" recommendation for dry needling. Whether you are looking to optimize your conservative management strategies or understand when to use (and when to avoid) modalities like ultrasound and bracing, this episode covers the essential updates every physical therapist needs to know.Key Show Notes & Takeaways:Manual Therapy Matters: Clinicians should utilize soft tissue and joint mobilization, including both high- and low-force long-axis distraction and mobilization with movement. These techniques are strongly recommended to increase range of motion, decrease pain, and improve overall function. Therapists are encouraged to modify their force amplitude based on the patient's specific bony hip morphology and tissue irritability.Exercise Prescription & Dosing: Individualized exercise programs (including aquatic therapy) are vital. The updated guidelines recommend a specific dosage: 1 to 5 times per week, lasting 30 to 120 minutes per session, over a duration of 5 to 16 weeks.New Evidence for Dry Needling: The 2025 CPG introduces a strong recommendation for dry needling. Targeting myofascial trigger points in the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fasciae latae, and gluteus medius/minimus provides short-term (3-week) improvements in pain, muscle extensibility, and force production for patients with Grades II and III hip OA.Patient Education & Weight Management: Education should go beyond just giving advice. Clinicians should integrate internet-based pain coping skills training alongside manual therapy and exercise. Additionally, for overweight or obese patients, physical therapists should actively collaborate with physicians and dietitians to support a targeted weight loss of 5%–7.5%.Modalities and Bracing – What to Avoid:Bracing should not be used as a first-line treatment, though it can be considered if exercise and manual therapy fail to improve activities requiring pivoting.Therapeutic Ultrasound has conflicting evidence regarding its efficacy. It may be used in shared decision-making, but patients must be informed about its questionable benefits and potential costs.References & Resources:Koc, T. A., et al. (2025). Hip Pain and Mobility Deficits—Hip Osteoarthritis: Revision 2025. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 55(11), CPG1-CPG31.

SHOW NOTES — Red Flags for Cancer (Cheat Sheet)What it is: Non-mechanical symptoms raising suspicion for malignancy.Classic signs:Night painUnexplained weight lossConstant, deep acheNo mechanical patternHistory of cancerRule-in test: None — this is a screening cluster.Rule-out clues: Pain that changes with movement or position.NPTE trap: Night pain + weight loss = refer immediately.Best treatment: Medical referral, not PT.

MCL Injury — NPTE Cheat SheetWhat it is:Sprain/tear of the MCL from valgus force or lateral blow.Classic signs:Medial knee painPain with valgus stressLocal tendernessMild swellingLateral blow mechanismRule-in test:Valgus Stress Test at 30°Rule-out clues:Pop + immediate swelling → ACLLocking → MeniscusPosterior sag → PCLNPTE trap:Valgus force + medial pain = MCL. Full stop.Best treatment:ROM, quad/hip strength, bracing, progressive load.Mock question included. Listen in and lock it down.

PCL Injury — NPTE Cheat SheetWhat it is:Injury to the posterior cruciate ligament from excessive posterior translation of the tibia — often from dashboard impact or falling on a flexed knee.Classic signs:Posterior sag signPosterior knee painDifficulty descending stairsInstability (less dramatic than ACL)Dashboard injury mechanismRule-in test:Posterior Drawer Test (NPTE’s favorite)Rule-out clues:Immediate swelling → ACLLocking/catching → MeniscusMedial tenderness → MCLNPTE trap:“Dashboard injury” = PCL. Never ignore it.Best treatment:ROM, quad strength, avoid early hamstring loading.Mock question included: Yes.Lock down PCL injuries in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.

Meniscus Tear — NPTE Cheat SheetWhat it is:Injury to the medial or lateral meniscus — the knee’s shock-absorbing cartilage — often caused by twisting or deep flexion.Classic signs:Joint line painLocking or catchingClickingDelayed swelling (24–48 hours)Pain with squatting/twistingRule-in test:McMurray test (NPTE’s go-to)Rule-out clues:Immediate swelling → ACLPosterior sag → PCLMedial tenderness → MCLNPTE trap:Locking/catching = meniscus, even if the question tries to distract you.Best treatment:ROM, swelling reduction, quads/hip strength, progressive loading.Mock question included: Yes.Lock down meniscus tears in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.

ACL Tear — NPTE Cheat SheetWhat it is:ACL failure from excessive anterior tibial translation — basically the tibia tries to run off and the ACL can’t hold the line.Classic signs:PopImmediate swelling (1–2 hours)Pivot / cutting mechanismInstabilityDifficulty weight-bearingRule-in test:Lachman test — NPTE’s #1.Rule-out clues:Slow swelling → MeniscusPosterior sag → PCLMedial pain → MCLNPTE trap:Delayed swelling means NOT ACL.Best treatment:Early ROM, quads, swelling control, gait normalized.Mock question included: Yes — test yourself before you move on.Lock down ACLs in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.

BPPV — NPTE Cheat SheetWhat it is: Otoconia displaced into a semicircular canal (ear crystals where they shouldn’t be).Classic signs: Brief vertigo (<60 sec), triggered by position changes, upbeating torsional nystagmus, no hearing loss.Rule-in test: Dix-Hallpike.Rule-out clues: Long-lasting vertigo, neuro deficits, hearing symptoms → think neuritis/Ménière’s.NPTE trap: Nystagmus >60 seconds = NOT typical BPPV (think cupulolithiasis).Best treatment: Epley every. single. time.Mock question included: Yes — test yourself before you move on.Listen in and pass this question forever in under 3 minutes. More NPTE wins every week — hit follow.

You studied and passed the NPTE!CONGRATS!Um... now what?Our 3 hosts give you advice on what to do NOW that you did the thing you set out to do in the first place!Finding a jobNetworking Self Assessment

Welcome back to NPTE Studycast, your indispensable guide for mastering the NPTE! In this episode, we're diving deep into Parkinson's Disease—a subject crucial not just for the NPTE but also for your real-world clinical practice. Listen in to expand your understanding and enhance your skills in addressing this complex condition.

Rachele Burriesci of All Things Cardio Pulm dives into the essential topic of sublingual nitroglycerin, specifically tailored for physical therapy students gearing up for the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination) exam. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this medication, its clinical applications, and its implications in the context of physical therapy practice.Episode Highlights:Overview of sublingual nitroglycerin: We provide a comprehensive introduction to sublingual nitroglycerin, discussing its pharmacological properties, mechanism of action, and common indications.Understanding angina and cardiovascular conditions: Learn about the pathophysiology of angina, different types of angina, and how sublingual nitroglycerin is utilized as a primary treatment for angina and other cardiovascular conditions.Clinical considerations for physical therapists: Discover the role of physical therapists in managing patients who use sublingual nitroglycerin, including safety precautions, monitoring, and potential contraindications.Interprofessional collaboration: Explore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration when working with patients on sublingual nitroglycerin, highlighting the significance of effective communication and shared decision-making.NPTE exam preparation tips: We provide valuable insights and strategies to help physical therapy students effectively study and master the topic of sublingual nitroglycerin for the NPTE exam.In this episode, Dr. Burriesci breaks down sublingual nitroglycerin. She gives the need-to-know facts, safety considerations and important education tips for your patients.In This EpisodeMOA of Sublingual NitroIndications of NitroSide effects of NitroHow to take Nitro3 Rules of NitroSafety Considerations Find Dr. Burriesci on:IG: @all_things_cardiopulmWebsite: https://www.allthingscardiopulm.comPodcast: Talking All Things CardiopulmTwitter: @allcardiopulm

Angina - It’s Not just chest painDive into understanding Angina with Dr. Rachele Burriesci, as she breaks down the pathophysiologic cause of angina, describes the 3 most common types and what you as a physical therapist should be aware of in its description in order to differentiate from other types of chest pain.In this episode:AtherosclerosisDefine AnginaDescribe Angina3 Types of AnginaHow to differentiate AnginaFind Dr. Burriesci on:IG: @all_things_cardiopulmWebsite: https://www.allthingscardiopulm.com

In today's episode, we're going to talk about the key factors that every physical therapist should consider when looking for a new job.Keri Ammons, Director of Talent Acquisition at ATI explains that finding a place where you can grow with the company is essential. Look for a company that offers various paths within the organization to satisfy different interests. Whether it's IT, project management, research, or HR, there should be enough room for career growth.She also notes that the highest offer isn't always the best offer. While money is a significant factor, don't overlook other important things like a 401k, medical benefits, and time away. It's important to consider the entire package before accepting an offer.Mentorship is also critical in a new job. Keri encourages candidates to ask companies to define their mentorship program and if there's a structured approach. Knowing what mentorship means to you and what you're looking for is important in finding a company that aligns with your values.Finally, Keri talks about work-life balance. Patients need us to be flexible, and clinicians need to find a schedule that works for them. Whether it's getting out at 5 every day to make it to your rec softball league on Tuesday or working on Saturdays because that's when you have childcare, finding a work schedule that aligns with your needs is crucial.Keri ends the episode by highlighting that ATI PT is one of the leaders in clinical research within the PT profession. With all 900+ ATI clinics placing in the 100th percentile in CMS's Merit-Based Incentive Program for the second consecutive year, it's clear that ATI PT is a great place to work.If you're looking to jumpstart your career and join a team that values career growth, mentorship, work-life balance, and clinical research, head to ATIpt.com to learn more about job opportunities at ATI.

Dr. Burriesci gives you the quick and dirty techniques to calculate rate on ECG and tips on how to determine a 6 second strip. She describes 4 different methods to determine rate and helps determine which technique to choose and why. Dive into this episode to get better at calculating rate and/or refresh your skills. Happy Practicing!In this episode:ECG paper importanceHow to determine a 6-sec stripDiscuss 4 methods to determine rate on ECGLearn the mantraBest methods for calculating regular vs irregular ratesFind Dr. Burriesci on:IG: @all_things_cardiopulmWebsite: https://www.allthingscardiopulm.com

In this comprehensive episode, we dive deep into the world of hip pathologies, providing you with an essential guide to prepare for the NPTE Exam. We'll cover the most common hip conditions, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options, as well as key clinical concepts and examination techniques that you need to know. Professor Matthew Condo provides insight and practical tips that will help you gain a solid understanding of hip pathologies and boost your confidence as you approach the NPTE Exam. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and improve your test-taking skills. Subscribe to our channel for more valuable content on physical therapy and exam preparation!In 2002, Dr. Matthew Condo earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University. He then pursued further studies and obtained a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2015, followed by a Doctorate of Education from the same institution in 2019. For his doctoral dissertation, Dr. Condo delved into the qualitative aspects of clinical reasoning in physical therapy. He has contributed to the field of medical science education by publishing his research in Medical Science Educator and presenting multiple peer-reviewed posters and presentations at the state, regional, and national levels. Dr. Condo's research interests revolve around identifying best practices in healthcare education delivery.

Are you struggling to understand electrical conduction for the NPTE exam? Look no further! In this video, we'll guide you through the ins and outs of electrical conduction, from the basics to the more complex concepts. We'll show you how to identify different types of conductors and insulators, and explain how conductivity is affected by factors such as temperature and material properties. We'll also cover Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws, and demonstrate how to apply them to solve problems. With our clear explanations and practical examples, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence you need to excel on the NPTE exam. So, whether you're a visual learner or prefer a more hands-on approach, join us for this comprehensive guide to mastering electrical conduction for NPTE study prep!Powered by All Things Cardio PulmBringing Excellence to Heart & Lung Health & Wellness and Cardiopulm Education & Mentoring

Matthew Condo, PT, DPT, EdD covers hand deformities that frequently show up on the NPTEFind out more about Matt here

Learn the Mechanics of Breathing from Rachele Burriesci, PT, DPT, CCS, GCSwww.allthingscardiopulm.com/

Heart ❤️ and Lungs

Heart ❤️ and Lungs

Axilla, Brachial Plexus and Arm NPTE Trivia Review

Axilla, Brachial Plexus and Arm NPTE Trivia Review

Anatomy Trivia to help you prepare for the NPTE with Matthew Condo of Methodist University

Anatomy Trivia to help you prepare for the NPTE with Matthew Condo of Methodist University

Pediatric Milestones with Sarah Falbo from GRADitude

Pediatric Milestones with Sarah Falbo from GRADitude

Sarah Falbo of GRADitude podcast sharing insight on BURNS for the NPTE

Sarah Falbo of GRADitude podcast sharing insight on BURNS for the NPTE

The final round of the clash of the craniums anatomy trivia night!

The final round of the clash of the craniums anatomy trivia night!

Round 3 of 4 of the Clash of the Craniums Anatomy Trivia

Round 3 of 4 of the Clash of the Craniums Anatomy Trivia

The second of four rounds of anatomy trivia as part of our Clash of the Craniums Broadcast.

The second of four rounds of anatomy trivia as part of our Clash of the Craniums Broadcast.

Thanks to Matt Condo, professor from Methodist University for helping us put on this inaugural trivia night of CLASH OF THE CRANIUMS!

Thanks to Matt Condo, professor from Methodist University for helping us put on this inaugural trivia night of CLASH OF THE CRANIUMS!

What Makes A Great PT School Applicant? Skye Donovan, Lori Bordenave and Chris Petrosino are physical therapists and have extensive experience in the PT admissions process as program chairs of three different PT programs across the country - Marymount University, A.T. Still University and Sacred Heart University.  The panel agrees a great PT applicant is someone who is strong academically, has grit, can persevere, is passionate, caring, compassionate and ready to change gears.  Applicants are highly encouraged to do their research when selecting a school. Each school has their own pre-requisites, separate applications aside from PTCAS, and interviews for admissions.  When it comes to the interview process whether it is an individual, group or video interview, the guests discuss that they look for strong communication skills and professionalism in the potential PT student. Listen to the stories these three share about their worst PT interview experiences (start 25:20).  The behavior guide of PTs and PTAs are the APTA Core Values. To understand how to behave and treat in this profession, these core values can guide how to come off on an application or personal statement.  QUOTES 15:11 One of the ways that you know you have everything on that application that is pertinent is to find somebody who knows you, loves you, and wants you to go to PT school.” - LORI  PARTING SHOT 1:04:32 “Everybody has a story. Know your story. Tell your story. I think that will make you genuine and really get you further by telling that story.” - LORI 1:05:02 “Optimize your talents. You have a lot of talents to bring to the table.” - CHRIS  1:05:51 “Don’t let fear paralyze you. Don’t be afraid of showing your true self. Try not to let fear overcome your ability to shine.” - SKYE  hool Applicant?

Sample QnA episode with Will Crane from PTFinalExam.com Get your NPTE Strategy Cheat Sheet here: https://ptfinalexam.com/studycast/ Plus 10% off for NPTE Studycast Listeners Download free study guides from Aureus Medical Staffing: https://www.aureusmedical.com/nptestudycast.aspx

Will Humphreys is a physical therapist, entrepreneur, author, and speaker. Will coaches business owners and physical therapists across the country to his knowledge and belief of profitability. If you thought that was all, Will created a medical billing and consulting company called In the Black this past April. Will tells us about the events he endured to ultimately choose his path in physical therapy and becoming a physical therapist. Will goes further in how his past has shaped who he is today and describes the entrepreneur’s mindset: learn, endure, and lead. He discusses the difficulty starting his company Rise Rehab back in 2003 but mentions that even though that was the most difficult situation he had to endure, it is possible with work. In 2018, Rise merged with now Empower Physical Therapy. He gives us a clear understanding on what “profitability unlocks possibility” means and how this benefits the entrepreneur and current physical therapists. One topic Will coaches about is the 5 Pillars of Profitability: 1.       Reliability and transparency 2.       Consistency 3.       Efficiency 4.       Stability 5.       Predictability Will has created a YouTube channel to assist business owners, PTs, new graduates, and students on success in our industry. Take a listen here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd9MwDrfXzXbDjnEqRCW8wA Will describes to us the Core Four (heart, mind, body, spirit) and how he believes working on yourself everyday leads to success.

Download free study guides from Aureus Medical Staffing: https://www.aureusmedical.com/nptestudycast.aspx

Sample QnA episode with Will Crane from PTFinalExam.com Get your NPTE Strategy Cheat Sheet here: https://ptfinalexam.com/studycast/ Plus 10% off for NPTE Studycast Listeners Download free study guides from Aureus Medical Staffing: https://www.aureusmedical.com/nptestudycast.aspx

Joe Reinke of www.FITBUx.com talks loans, making/saving money and having a plan that works for you.

Download free study guides from Aureus Medical Staffing: https://www.aureusmedical.com/nptestudycast.aspx

Sample QnA episode with Will Crane from PTFinalExam.com Get your NPTE Strategy Cheat Sheet here: https://ptfinalexam.com/studycast/ Plus 10% off for NPTE Studycast Listeners Download free study guides from Aureus Medical Staffing: https://www.aureusmedical.com/nptestudycast.aspx

Sample QnA episode with Will Crane from PTFinalExam.com Get your NPTE Strategy Cheat Sheet here: https://ptfinalexam.com/studycast/ Plus 10% off for NPTE Studycast Listeners Download free study guides from Aureus Medical Staffing: https://www.aureusmedical.com/nptestudycast.aspx

Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) is a postural abnormality affecting 4-16% of infants.  Shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) on one side of the neck causes the infant to tilt their head toward and rotate their head away from the tight side. Download free study guides from Aureus Medical Staffing here: https://www.aureusmedical.com/nptestudycast.aspx

Osgood Schlatter's Disease is an overuse type injury of the knee that is most common in adolescents and is usually characterized by a gradual onset of anterior knee pain.  This disease is caused by repetitive strain on the tibial tuberosity via the patellar tendon.  It is most common in adolescent athletes with higher demand on the quadriceps with sports that involve running and jumping. Download free study guides from Aureus Medical Staffing here: https://www.aureusmedical.com/nptestudycast.aspx

Looking at Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis which is a serious infection of the bone that is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection in the blood stream or exposure of the bone to contaminants (open fracture, surgical procedures).   In 25% of cases, this condition is predisposed by trauma. In children, this condition is most common in long bones due to the increased blood supply to the metaphysis to assist the growth plates.  In adults, this condition is most common in the spine due to increased vascular supply to the spine with aging or to other bone areas via an open wound and is also common in patients with diabetes mellitus due to increase risk of diabetic ulcers and delayed healing time. Download free study guides from Aureus Medical Staffing here: https://www.aureusmedical.com/nptestudycast.aspx

NPTE Upper Extremity Special Tests with a look at Sensitivity, Specificity and Likelihood Ratios. Download free study guides from Aureus Medical Staffing here: https://www.aureusmedical.com/nptestudycast.aspx