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Today we’re talking about how PTs can better support patients after a cardiac event or cardiac surgery. We’re joined by an exercise physiologist, Eric Cecil, to discuss key physiological considerations, red flags, and how to safely progress exercise for this population.

No matter your setting, if you work with patients who have a cardiac history, this episode will give you practical insights to guide them forward.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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This Heart Health Month episode brings together sports cardiologists Dr. Grant and Dr. Chukwurah for a deep dive into how cardiac health impacts athletic performance. We explore training adaptations, risk factors, return-to-play considerations after cardiac events, and what PTs should watch for during rehab. Whether you treat athletes or are one yourself, this episode delivers practical insights to keep the athletic heart safe and strong.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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In Part 2, we shift from theory to application. Chris Palmer dives deeper into how physical therapists can truly help patients living with pain—breaking down practical metaphors to explain pain, strategies to validate a patient’s lived experience without reinforcing fear, and treatment ideas that align with modern pain science. This episode is all about turning understanding into action and giving clinicians tangible tools to build trust, confidence, and progress in the clinic.

Please tune into last week’s episode to hear more about the foundation of this conversation!

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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In Part 1 of this conversation, we sit down with physical therapist Chris Palmer to unpack how we arrived at the bio-psycho-social model of pain and why this shift matters so much in modern physical therapy. We explore the evolution of pain science—from tissue-focused explanations to a more comprehensive understanding of how biological, psychological, and social factors interact. Chris breaks down the different pain mechanisms or “buckets,” why identifying them is critical for clinical reasoning, and how therapists can begin translating complex pain science concepts into language patients actually understand. This episode lays the foundation for better assessment, communication, and care—setting the stage for a deeper clinical dive in Part 2.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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Trail and ultra runners push the limits—but subtle red flags often get missed. In this episode, we discuss the unique risks in this population, what PTs and physicians should watch for, and why early recognition is key to keeping runners healthy and performing at their best.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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Physical therapy is rewarding—but it’s also challenging. In this episode, Bryan Caplan dives into why so many PTs are rethinking their careers, from productivity pressures and insurance battles to career pivots and cash-based models. We explore practical solutions, ways to sustain a long career, and how PTs can thrive while providing great patient care.

Check out our first podcast of Season Four where Kathryn Knill takes time to define what "Burnout" really means and it's often misunderstood and misused.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and think about how we want to show up — both personally and professionally. Joining me today is Kathryn Knill, Regional Clinical Well-Being Specialist with MedStar Health. Kathryn works closely with clinicians to support their well-being, balance, and growth, and she’s here to share insights we can all use to set meaningful goals and start the year off strong.

Together, we’ll talk about what it really means to set intentions that last, how to stay grounded when life gets busy, and why self-compassion might just be the most important resolution of all.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!

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As the year winds down, many healthcare providers find themselves running on empty—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The holidays can disrupt routines, magnify stress, and make it harder to prioritize our own health.

In this end-of-year episode, physical therapists Brigitte Henry, Rebecca Orloski, and host Rebecca Schumer come together as members of the MedStar Health Wellness Committee to share practical, PT-informed strategies for staying healthy through the winter months. From maintaining movement and motivation during busy seasons to recognizing the early signs of the winter blues in ourselves and our colleagues, this conversation stays grounded, realistic, and relatable.

This episode isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what’s sustainable, supportive, and kind as we close out the year and look ahead.

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!