NPTE Studycast | Physical Therapy

Latest Episodes:

Unpacking the 2025 CPG: Evidence-Based Management of Hip Osteoarthritis Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

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.

BPPV in 3 Minutes: The NPTE Cheat Code Nov 22, 2025

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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 = NOT typical BPPV (think cupulolithiasis).
Best treatment: Epley every. single. time.
Mock question included: Yes — test yourself before you move on.

Listen in and pass this question forever in under 3 minutes.

More NPTE wins every week — hit follow.

ACL Tear in Under 3 Minutes: NPTE Cheat Sheet Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

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
NPTE trap:
Delayed swelling means NOT ACL.
Best treatment:
Early ROM, quads, swelling control, gait normalized.
Mock question included: Yes — test yourself before you move on.

Lock down ACLs in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.

Meniscus Tear: NPTE Breakdown in Under 3 Minutes Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

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 tenderness → MCL
NPTE trap:
Locking/catching = meniscus, even if the question tries to distract you.
Best treatment:
ROM, swelling reduction, quads/hip strength, progressive loading.
Mock question included: Yes.

Lock down meniscus tears in under 3 minutes. Hit follow for more NPTE wins.

PCL Injury in Under 3 Minutes: NPTE Breakdown Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

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)
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.

MCL Injury in Under 3 Minutes: NPTE Breakdown Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

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 treatment:
ROM, quad/hip strength, bracing, progressive load.

Mock question included. Listen in and lock it down.

Red Flags for Cancer Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

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 treatment:
Medical referral, not PT.

You Passed the NPTE! Now What?! Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

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

Explaining Parkinson's Disease Sep 23, 2023

Show notes

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.

Understanding SubLingual Nitroglycerin Jun 09, 2023

Show notes

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:

Overview of sublingual nitroglycerin: We provide a comprehensive introduction to sublingual nitroglycerin, discussing its pharmacological properties, mechanism of action, and common indications.
Understanding angina and cardiovascular conditions: Learn about the pathophysiology of angina, different types of angina, and how sublingual nitroglycerin is utilized as a primary treatment for angina and other cardiovascular conditions.
Clinical considerations for physical therapists: Discover the role of physical therapists in managing patients who use sublingual nitroglycerin, including safety precautions, monitoring, and potential contraindications.
Interprofessional collaboration: Explore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration when working with patients on sublingual nitroglycerin, highlighting the significance of effective communication and shared decision-making.
NPTE exam preparation tips: We provide valuable insights and strategies to help physical therapy students effectively study and master the topic of sublingual nitroglycerin for the NPTE exam.

In this episode, Dr. Burriesci breaks down sublingual nitroglycerin. She gives the need-to-know facts, safety considerations and important education tips for your patients.

In This Episode