NPTE Studycast | Physical Therapy

About NPTE Studycast | Physical Therapy

An NPTE podcast for Physical Therapy students looking to get some extra time with test prep on the go. From the brewers of the PT Pintcast.

Publisher

Jimmy McKay, PT, DPT

Category

health & fitness · health & fitness · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Aug 2018

Latest episode

4 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

92 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Mar 2026

   Unpacking the 2025 CPG: Evidence-Based Management of Hip Osteoarthritis

   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.

2. 

   22 Nov 2025

   PCL Injury in Under 3 Minutes: NPTE Breakdown

   PCL Injury — NPTE Cheat Sheet* What 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 mechanism* Rule-in test:* Posterior Drawer Test (NPTE’s favorite)* Rule-out clues:* Immediate swelling → ACL* Locking/catching → Meniscus* Medial tenderness → MCL* NPTE 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.

3. 

   22 Nov 2025

   MCL Injury in Under 3 Minutes: NPTE Breakdown

   MCL Injury — NPTE Cheat Sheet* What it is:* Sprain/tear of the MCL from valgus force or lateral blow.* Classic signs:Medial knee painPain with valgus stressLocal tendernessMild swellingLateral blow mechanism* Rule-in test:* Valgus Stress Test at 30°* Rule-out clues:* Pop + immediate swelling → ACL* Locking → Meniscus* Posterior sag → PCL* NPTE 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.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

4.7 / 5

119 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

30 ratings

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