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.
Subscribe:.rss.atom.json.md.m3u.pls
Live Last read · last published · next check
Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.
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…
SHOW NOTES — Red Flags for Cancer (Cheat Sheet) What it is: Non-mechanical symptoms raising suspicion for malignancy. Classic signs: Night pain Unexplained weight loss Constant, deep ache No mechanical pattern History of cancer Rule-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…
MCL Injury — NPTE Cheat Sheet What it is: Sprain/tear of the MCL from valgus force or lateral blow. Classic signs: Medial knee pain Pain with valgus stress Local tenderness Mild swelling Lateral 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…
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 sign Posterior knee pain Difficulty descending stairs Instability (less dramatic than ACL) Dashboard injury mechanism Rule-in test: Posterior Drawer Test (NPTE’s favorite)…
Meniscus Tear — NPTE Cheat Sheet What 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 pain Locking or catching Clicking Delayed swelling (24–48 hours) Pain with squatting/twisting Rule-in test: McMurray test (NPTE’s go-to) Rule-out clues: Immediate swelling → ACL Posterior sag → PCL Medial…
ACL Tear — NPTE Cheat Sheet What 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: Pop Immediate swelling (1–2 hours) Pivot / cutting mechanism Instability Difficulty weight-bearing Rule-in test: Lachman test — NPTE’s #1. Rule-out clues: Slow swelling → Meniscus Posterior sag → PCL Medial pain → MCL…
BPPV — NPTE Cheat Sheet What 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…
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 job Networking 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:…
