APTA Orthopedics Podcasts - Previously Ortho Static

What 120+ ACL Studies Reveal About Re-Injury Risk & Confidence

Join hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody for the next episode of Did You Know?, featuring guest Mark Paterno, PT, PhD, Clinical Scientist and Senior Clinical Director at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. In this episode, Mark shares groundbreaking research on ACL re-injury risk — including the surprising finding that athletes who meet return-to-sport criteria AND have high knee-related confidence are 10 times more likely to sustain a second ACL injury. The conversation digs into the biopsychosocial factors influencing outcomes, the importance of guiding athletes through the full return-to-sport continuum, and exciting pilot data on "booster visits" — intermittent PT check-ins after discharge — that may improve patient-reported outcomes, physical activity levels, and long-term sports participation. If you work with post-ACL patients, this episode will challenge how you think about criteria, confidence, and your role beyond the clinic. Target Audience: Orthopedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, pediatric physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports medicine clinicians, physical therapy researchers, physical therapy educators, student physical therapists

What It’s Really Like Being a DPT Student with Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen

Join hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody for the next episode of Did You Know?, featuring guest Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen — better known to many viewers as “Bergie” from Love Island USA and The Traitors. In this episode, Bergie shares his unexpected journey from reality television to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at the University of Mary. He discusses what inspired him to pursue physical therapy, his experiences during clinical rotations, lessons learned from working with patients, and how his time on reality TV shaped his communication and listening skills in healthcare. Jill and Lori also explore: * What physical therapy school is really like * Clinical education and patient experiences * Lessons from APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) * Balancing public attention with graduate school * Advice for current and future DPT students * Finding your path in physical therapy practice Whether you’re a PT student, clinician, educator, or reality TV fan curious about healthcare careers, this episode offers an honest and entertaining look inside the life of a future physical therapist. ???? Like and subscribe for more conversations on physical therapy research, practice, leadership, and education from APTA Orthopedics. Target Audience: Physical therapy students, Pre-PT students exploring the profession, Early career physical therapists, PT educators and clinical instructors, Fans of Love Island USA interested in Bergie’s career journey, Healthcare students balancing unique career paths, APTA Orthopedics members

Tommy John Surgery Evolution and Athlete Expectations | Dr. Neal ElAttrache

Join ESPN’s Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS, as she sits down at the TPC Team Physician Controversies Meeting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache — orthopedic surgeon at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, Head Team Physician for the Los Angeles Rams, and Medical Director for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In this conversation, Dr. ElAttrache discusses the evolution of Tommy John surgery since its origins with Dr. Frank Jobe, how surgical techniques and rehabilitation have advanced, and the ongoing challenges created by increasing demands in sport. He also explores how elite athlete recoveries influence patient expectations and highlights the importance of collaboration between surgeons and physical therapists. Physical therapists will learn about: - Evolution of Tommy John surgery since 1974 - Demands of throwing athletes on the UCL - Advances in surgical technique and outcomes - Managing expectations shaped by elite athlete recovery - Differences between professional and developing athletes - PT’s role in optimizing recovery and protecting outcomes Target Audience: Orthopedic and sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports medicine clinicians, strength and conditioning coaches, rehab directors, PT students, and sports science professionals.

OCS Exam Prep Elbow Case Scenario

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists! Explore a lateral elbow pain case involving a 42-year-old female with chronic symptoms. Learn how to differentiate local musculoskeletal versus neural contributions, interpret range of motion and strength deficits, select evidence-based interventions, and determine appropriate next steps when conservative care does not resolve symptoms. Perfect for OCS prep and practicing clinical reasoning for upper extremity conditions. Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios Target Audience: physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam

OCS Exam Prep Lumbar Spine Case Scenario

Greetings, aspiring orthopedic clinical specialists! Review a 73-year-old female presenting with new-onset lumbar spine pain following hospitalization and prolonged bed rest. Learn how to identify red flags, interpret systemic factors, apply evidence-based interventions, and distinguish interventions that are not recommended for non-specific low back pain. Part of the 2026 OCS Prep Case Series Check out all the OCS prep case scenarios: https://www.orthopt.org/content/resources/prepping-for-the-ocs-exam/ocs-prep-case-scenarios Target Audience: physical therapists, PT students, orthopedic residents, OCS candidates, educators, clinicians preparing for the OCS exam