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Let's Get Physical (Therapy)

Becca Schumer

The “Let’s Get Physical (Therapy) Podcast,” hosted by MedStar Health Physical Therapy, is a new educational podcast series designed for rehabilitation professionals, students, new graduates, and those in related fields. Join us as we discuss treatment options, innovations, techniques, and more with a wide variety of medical professionals.

Questions or podcast suggestions? Email us at PTpodcast@medstar.net.

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21 episodes
weekly
Avg 42 min
English

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S4 · E36
Tuesday · 37 min
The Bigger Picture of Plantar Fasciitis: A Physician’s Perspective, with Foot & Ankle Specialist, Dr. Nacime Mansur
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we take a deeper look at plantar fasciitis from the medical perspective with Dr. Mansur, a foot and ankle specialist. We discuss the evolution of our understanding of plantar fasciitis, how to accurately diagnose plantar heel pain, when imaging and medical interventions are appropriate, and how physicians and physical therapists can collaborate to improve patient outcomes. This episode provides valuable insights for PTs looking to better understand the medical management of one of the most common foot and ankle conditions. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E35
August 18 · 45 min
Foot & Ankle Insights: Managing Plantar Fasciitis with Physical Therapist, Elise Egolf
Send us Fan Mail Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common, and challenging, conditions physical therapists treat. In this episode, we sit down with Elise Egolf, PT, Program Specialist for MedStar Health's Foot and Ankle Program, to discuss the latest evidence-based approaches to evaluating and managing plantar heel pain. Elise shares practical insights on differential diagnosis, progressive loading, strengthening strategies, return-to-activity decision-making, and common misconceptions that can impact patient outcomes. Whether you're treating runners, active adults, or patients with persistent heel pain, this conversation offers clinical pearls you can immediately apply in practice. In this episode, you'll learn: How to differentiate plantar fasciitis from other causes of heel pain Evidence-based treatment strategies that improve outcomes Best practices for load management and progressive strengthening Return-to-running and return-to-sport considerations Clinical tips for managing chronic or persistent plantar heel pain Whether you're an orthopedic specialist, sports physical therapist, or general outpatient clinician, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you confidently treat patients with plantar fasciitis. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E34
August 11 · 39 min
Dream Big, Say Yes: Physical Therapist Alice Wolfkill on Race Medicine and Taking Chances
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I catch up with former student turned colleague Alice Wolfkill, now a physical therapist, clinic coordinator at MedStar Health Lake Ridge, and an active member of the running pod team. We talk about her transition from PT student to clinician, taking on leadership early in her career, working with runners at events like the Boston Marathon, and the lessons she's learned along the way. It's a fun conversation about growth, mentorship, and chasing opportunities. One more piece of advice Alice wanted to leave new grads with is: “Put your oxygen mask on first! If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re not going to be able to take care of anyone else”. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E33
August 4 · 43 min
Chalk Talk: Navigating the 2026 Baseball Injury Surge with PTA/ATC Chris Brandt
Send us Fan Mail The 2026 baseball season has been defined by a spike in oblique strains, the rise of the "Internal Brace," and a mounting workload crisis in youth arms. We sit down with Chris Brandt, ATC/PTA, to break down the "Chalk Talk" of modern sports medicine. Chris shares his unique dual-perspective on how we are assessing, treating, and—most importantly—preventing the most common injuries hitting the IL this year. From big-league stars to the next generation of flamethrowers, we’re looking at what the data (and the tape) is telling us about the state of the game. Key Topics: Internal Brace vs. UCL Reconstruction: What PTs need to know. The biomechanics behind the 2026 oblique strain epidemic. On-field "red flags" for youth pitching fatigue. Differentiating TOS from standard overhead fatigue. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E32
July 28 · 53 min
Dry Needling Strategies for Baseball Athletes with Physical Therapists, Jonathan Rouse and Steve Luca
Send us Fan Mail How do the pros use dry needling to keep elite pitchers on the mound? In this episode, we sit down with physical therapists Jonathan Rouse and Steve Luca to dive into the clinical application of dry needling for baseball athletes. Both Jon and Steve work extensively with ballplayers across all levels, including Steve’s work with the MedStar Health Orioles Pitching Lab, integrating dry needling as a precision tool for more than just pain relief. We discuss how they utilize needling to reset the kinetic chain, manage in-season muscle guarding, and optimize the neuromuscular windows required for high-velocity throwing. Whether you are a sports PT looking to refine your technique or a coach interested in the latest recovery tech, this deep dive into the "how" and "why" of needling the overhead athlete is a must listen. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E31
July 21 · 39 min
Navigating the Future of Rehab: An Interview with NARA's Executive Leadership, Christie Covington
Send us Fan Mail If you are working on the frontlines of rehab today, you know that treating patients is only half the battle. Every day, we’re dealing with the business realities of healthcare—from prior authorization delays and compliance fatigue to reimbursement cuts and burnout. But behind the scenes, there is a massive effort underway to protect our industry and stabilize our future. Our guest today is at the absolute center of that fight. Joining us is Christie Covington, the Executive Director of the National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies—better known as NARA. Today, Christie is pulling back the curtain on how high-level advocacy impacts the daily lives of treating therapists and clinic owners. We’re diving into what NARA is doing on Capitol Hill to fight Medicare Advantage hurdles, how they're preparing us for the shift to value-based care, and how they support the organizations keeping this industry moving forward. www.NARANET.org Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E30
July 14 · 36 min
Growing the Next Generation of Pelvic Health Therapists with Physical Therapist Carrie Krug
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Let’s Get Physical (Therapy), we’re joined by Carrie Krug, an experienced pelvic health physical therapist and leader who has dedicated her career to advancing pelvic health care and mentoring the next generation of clinicians. We discuss what pelvic health physical therapy really involves, pathways to specialization and certification, the importance of mentorship, and the many opportunities available for therapists interested in this rewarding and growing specialty. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E29
July 7 · 36 min
ACL Series: Rebuild Stronger: ACL Recovery, RED-S, and the Power of Nutrition with Grace Duffy, RD
Send us Fan Mail ACL rehab isn’t just about what happens in the clinic—it’s also about what happens in the kitchen. In this episode, we’re joined by registered dietitian Grace Duffy from Fit with Food to break down the critical role nutrition plays in ACL recovery. From fueling before injury even happens to optimizing healing after surgery, Grace dives into what athletes and clinicians need to know to truly support recovery. We explore key topics like protein needs, minimizing muscle loss during downtime, and the often-overlooked impact of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Whether you're an athlete, clinician, or coach, this episode will challenge you to think differently about how nutrition can influence outcomes every step of the way. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E28
June 30 · 42 min
ACL Series: What PTs Get Wrong About ACL Rehab with Sports PT Jordan Cargile
Send us Fan Mail ACL rehab is a grueling journey, but the hard truth is that standard physical therapy protocols often fall short. In this episode, we’re breaking down what physical therapists get wrong, from rushing the biological healing process and skipping critical milestones, to ignoring movement mechanics and completely forgetting to train the opposite leg. Joining the show to separate fact from friction is physical therapist and sports residency graduate, Jordan Cargile. Jordan brings her elite, frontline expertise in high-level athletic recovery to reveal why we need to slow down, respect the healing process, and completely reframe how we approach ACL rehabilitation. Whether you're a clinician looking to level up your protocols or an athlete navigating your own recovery, this episode is a masterclass in doing ACL rehab the right way. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E27
June 23 · 51 min
ACL Series: Using Force Plates to Guide Rehab and Return to Play with Dylan Carmody-Ruotolo, PT
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Dylan Carmody, PT, to discuss how force plate testing can be used throughout the rehabilitation process to provide objective data and guide clinical decision-making. We talk about what force plates actually measure, where testing fits into different stages of rehab, and Dylan’s go-to tests that provide the most useful information for clinicians working with athletes. We also dive into which metrics really matter, how force plate data can uncover asymmetries or deficits that may not be obvious during traditional assessments, and how this information can help guide return-to-play decisions. Dylan shares practical insights on how he communicates this data with athletes and offers advice for physical therapists looking to integrate force plate technology into their practice. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E26
June 16 · 47 min
ACL Series: The Missing Link in ACL Rehab: Working with a Strength & Conditioning Coach, with S&C Coach, Reuben Green
Send us Fan Mail The surgery is only the beginning. For an athlete, the real battle happens in the months of grueling work that follow, bridging the gap between "medically cleared" and "game-ready." In this episode, we sit down with a premier Strength and Conditioning Coach to deconstruct the high-stakes journey of ACL recovery. We’re diving deep into: The Hand-off: When should an athlete move from the PT table to the weight room? The "Quad Gap": Practical strategies for rebuilding explosive power and muscle volume. Movement Cheats: Identifying the hidden compensations that lead to re-injury. The Mental Wall: How to rebuild an athlete's trust in their knee when the game is on the line. Whether you’re an athlete in the thick of the grind or a coach refining your protocol, this is your roadmap for the long road back. Listen in as we define what it truly takes to return to play, and stay there. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E25
June 9 · 39 min
ACL Series: Living with a torn ACL: All About Copers with PT Samantha Kind and ATC Kellie Loehr
Send us Fan Mail An ACL tear doesn’t automatically mean surgery, and not every ACL-deficient athlete is the same. In this episode, I’m joined by Kellie Loehr, ATC, who shares her personal journey of tearing her ACL and choosing non-operative management, alongside physical therapist Samantha King, PT, to break down what it really means to be a “coper.” We discuss how clinicians identify potential copers, the role of strength and neuromuscular control, psychological readiness, and how to determine who may successfully return to sport without reconstruction. This episode challenges the all-or-nothing narrative around ACL tears and emphasizes individualized decision-making and high-quality rehab. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E24
June 2 · 43 min
ACL Series: When an ACL Isn’t Alone: Dr. James Dreese on Complex Knee Reconstruction
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m joined by orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Dreese to explore the additional injuries that can accompany an ACL tear, including MCL, LCL and posterolateral corner injuries, PCL involvement, meniscus repair versus meniscectomy, and cartilage damage. We discuss how these associated findings influence surgical decisions, rehab precautions, and long-term outcomes. If you’ve ever had two ACL patients who progressed very differently, this conversation explains why it’s rarely “just an ACL.” Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E23
May 26 · 35 min
ACL Series: Who Actually Qualifies for ACL Repair? Orthopedic Surgeon’s Dr. Douoguih’s, Perspective for PTs
Send us Fan Mail ACL repair is showing up more in clinics, but a lot of PTs are still unsure how different it really is from reconstructions, and whether rehab should actually change. Today we’re breaking down what ACL repair really is, who it’s for, and where clinicians can get into trouble by treating it like a ‘lighter’ ACL surgery. I’m joined by Dr. Douoguih, an orthopedic sports surgeon, to talk candidly about patient selection, early loading, failure risk, and how PTs can better collaborate with surgeons when managing ACL repairs. If you’re seeing ACL repairs in your clinic—or expect to soon—this episode will give you a clearer framework for treating these patients with confidence. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E22
May 19 · 56 min
ACL Series: The Evolution of ACL Injuries: From Early Research to Modern Insights with Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Richard Hinton
Send us Fan Mail We talk about ACL injuries today with a lot of confidence, risk factors, injury rates, prevention strategies, but that understanding didn’t just appear overnight. It evolved through years of research, debate, and plenty of early assumptions that didn’t always hold up. In this episode, we’re stepping back to look at how the epidemiology of ACL tears actually began and how our thinking has changed over time. I’m joined by Dr. Richard Hinton to unpack the origins of ACL injury research, the major shifts in how we understand risk, and what clinicians still tend to misinterpret when applying population data to individual patients. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E21
May 12 · 45 min
Mental Health Awareness Month: Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Conversations with Amanda Davis
Send us Fan Mail May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to start important conversations about mental well-being. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition each year, yet stigma and lack of resources can make it hard to seek support. In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Davis and Amanda Bush to discuss why mental health awareness matters, how to recognize signs that someone may be struggling, and practical ways to support yourself and those around you. We explore ways to break stigma, prioritize well-being, and normalize conversations about mental health in both personal and professional life. Listeners will come away with actionable insights and encouragement to make mental health a priority—not just in May, but every day. Resources: https://medstar.connectsyou.org/ : Mental Health Online Screening Tool (MOST) 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24/7 Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E20
May 5 · 37 min
Better Hearing and Speech Month with SLPs Leigh Root and Leah Inger
Send us Fan Mail May is Better Speech and Hearing Month, and on this episode, we’re joined by our amazing SLPs, Leigh Root and Leah Inger. They break down what speech-language pathologists really do, who they work with, and why their role is so important across the lifespan. From helping kids develop communication skills to supporting adults with speech, cognition, and swallowing, Leigh and Leah share what a day in their world looks like—along with the challenges, wins, and impact they see every day. It’s a great listen for anyone curious about the profession or looking to better understand the vital role SLPs play in patient care. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E19
April 28 · 41 min
Boston Marathon 2026: A Medical Debrief with PT Diane Dallap, ATC Cece Sullivan & Dr. Sasser
Send us Fan Mail Step inside the medical tent at the Boston Marathon with PT Diane Dallas, ATC Cece Sullivan, and ER physician Dr. Sasser. In this episode, they share what race day is really like—fast-paced, high-pressure, and built on true teamwork across disciplines. From treating dehydration and cramping to managing more serious medical situations, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at how clinicians come together to keep thousands of runners safe at the finish line. Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E18
April 21 · 35 min
More than Muscles, Psychology of Injury and Recovery with Kate Ringwood, LPC
Send us Fan Mail When an athlete gets injured, the focus is often on the physical, but the mental side of recovery can be just as challenging. In this episode, licensed professional counselor Kate Ringwood joins us to explore the psychology of injury, including fear of reinjury, identity loss, and the emotional hurdles athletes face during rehab. We also discuss how physical therapists can better recognize and support these challenges to help athletes truly feel ready to return to sport. Find Kate on IG at serendepitity.counseling or on her website at www.serendepitiycounseling.com Kate is licensed in NJ, MD, PA, FL, VT, AZ Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: PTPodcast@medstar.net with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!
S4 · E17
April 18 · 56 min
Miles Across MedStar Health: The 170+ mile ultra journey with professional ultramarathoner Michael Wardian, PT Chris Heydrick and PA Chris Wilde
Send us Fan Mail Miles Across MedStar Health Recap Episode!!! What happens when endurance, healthcare, and purpose collide? In this episode, we sit down with professional ultramarathoner Michael Wardian, PT Chris Heydrick, PA Chris Wilde, and Raj Ratwani to unpack their incredible 170 mile run across the MedStar Health system. From the inspiration behind the idea to the physical and mental challenges along the way, this is a story about resilience, teamwork, and the power of movement to connect people and communities. Learn all about Mike Wardian at: https://www.mikewardian.com/ Follow Mike on IG: @mikewardian 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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