PT Snacks Podcast: Physical Therapy with Dr. Kasey Hankins

Kasey Hankins, PT, DPT, OCS
  • 5.0 (62)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

You only have X amount of time in a given day. If you are a Physical Therapist or a Student Physical Therapist, you may also find that the time and energy you have left is precious, but the list of concepts you want to review or learn is endless. Build the habit of listening to small, bite-sized pieces of information to help you study, and save you time to live the rest of your life. Kasey Hankins, PT, DPT, OCS will be covering anatomy, arthokinematics, therapeutic exercise, patient education, and so much more. Tune in to learn on a time budget so you can continue to move your practice forward!

  1. 1d ago

    179. Rotator Cuff Tears 101: Partial vs. Full Thickness & What It Means for Your Patients

    Send us Fan Mail Not all rotator cuff tears are the same, and understanding why can completely change how you set expectations and build a plan with your patients. In this episode, we break down tendon anatomy and physiology, the different ways rotator cuff tears develop (degenerative vs. traumatic), the difference between partial- and full-thickness tears, and the factors that influence healing and prognosis for both conservative and surgical patients. In this episode you'll learn: What a tendon actually is and why its structure (and blood supply) matters for healingThe difference between degenerative and traumatic rotator cuff tearsRisk factors that make someone more likely to develop a tearArticular-side vs. bursal-side partial thickness tears — and why bursal tears tend to hurt moreWhat "massive" and "irreparable" tears mean, and how outcomes differPredictors of good outcomes with conservative care (hint: baseline ROM and strength matter)A quick look at steroid injections vs. PRP for rotator cuff tearsTest yourself: What is a tendon's main job, and what structures help it do that job?What are the main categories of rotator cuff tears?What are the two types of partial thickness tears, and how do they differ?What factors affect healing after a rotator cuff tear — for both conservative and surgical patients?🎉 MedBridge Days Sale is Here! MedBridge's Bridge Days sale runs June 15–30! Use code PTSNACKS15 for: $126 off an Individual Subscription → Get your discount15% off Group Subscriptions → Group pricingMedBridge is also celebrating their 15-year anniversary, with tons of CEU courses for PTs, OTs, and SLPs — plus built-in exam prep for OCS, SCS, and other specialty certifications. Don't wait — this offer is only live for two weeks! Resources: 📋 Free rotator cuff study guide📱 Follow along on TikTok @ptsnackspodcast for visual study tools✉️ Questions or topic requests? Email ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com or join the email list for episode highlightsIf this episode helped you, please take a moment to leave a review — it helps the show grow more than you know! 🙏 Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount. Stay Connected! Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com Join the email list HERE Support the Show: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

    23 min

  2. May 26

    178. Dry Needling for Pain Relief: What We Think Is Happening (4 Key Mechanisms)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this brief episode on dry needling and what current research suggests may explain its pain-relieving effects. The episode clarifies why it’s called “dry” needling (no medication injected) and emphasizes the importance of being able to explain why it may help patients. Dry needling is presented as working locally and systemically through four main mechanisms: local muscle and tissue effects, biomechanical and inflammatory biomarker changes, peripheral and spinal pain modulation, and supraspinal/autonomic pathways. We also discuss who this is appropriate for, and how to combine it with other techniques to help our patients get to their goals successfully. 00:00 Welcome to PTs Snacks 00:48 Why Dry Needling Matters 01:15 What It Is and Isn't 02:39 Four Mechanisms Overview 03:24 Local Tissue Effects 04:19 Inflammation Biomarkers 05:14 Spinal Pain Modulation 06:35 Autonomic Brain Pathways 07:16 Who Should Avoid It 07:58 Patient Education and Training 08:52 Wrap Up and Next Steps Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount. Stay Connected! Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com Join the email list HERE Support the Show: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

    10 min

  3. May 12

    177. Baxter’s Nerve: The Overlooked Cause of Chronic Medial Heel Pain

    Send us Fan Mail In this PT Snacks episode, host Kasey introduces Baxter’s nerve (the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve, also called the inferior/anterior calcaneal nerve) as an under-recognized source of medial plantar heel pain that can mimic plantar fasciitis and may account for up to 20% of chronic heel pain. We review the nerve’s motor and sensory roles, common entrapment zones near the distal tarsal tunnel and medial calcaneal tuberosity, and typical presentation including burning neuropathic pain, possible paresthesia, focal tenderness, and potential abductor digiti minimi weakness or atrophy. This episode outlines key differentials, relevant imaging and testing findings (ultrasound, MRI, EMG/NCS), and a treatment progressions. 00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks 00:14 Baxters Nerve Overview 02:14 Why It Matters 03:03 Anatomy and Entrapment 04:45 Symptoms and Differentials 06:11 Imaging and Testing 07:22 Clinical Exam Clues 09:04 Treatment Options 11:12 Key Takeaways 12:58 Wrap Up and Contact Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount. Stay Connected! Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com Join the email list HERE Support the Show: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

    14 min

  4. Apr 28

    176. PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament): Function, Injury Mechanisms, Assessment, and Rehab Priorities

    Send us Fan Mail In this PT Snacks episode, Kasey breaks down the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) for PTs and students, covering what it is, how it’s injured, and how we assess and manage it clinically. We review the PCL’s role, common mechanisms of injuries, plus what combined injuries may indicate. We also hit key exam findings and tests, imaging options, grading, and broad rehab principles focused on protecting against posterior shear, progressing quad strength, and using protocols thoughtfully while testing readiness stage to stage. 00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks 00:31 Support the Podcast 01:13 What the PCL Does 01:35 Anatomy and Bundles 02:49 Injury Mechanisms 04:08 Symptoms and History 05:09 Clinical Tests and Imaging 06:04 Grading and Treatment Paths 07:18 Rehab Principles and Progression 09:14 Protocol Reasoning and Homework 11:34 Wrap Up and Contact Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount. Stay Connected! Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com Join the email list HERE Support the Show: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

    12 min

  5. Apr 14

    175. How Exercise Relieves Pain: 4 Pathways Every PT Should Know

    Send us Fan Mail This episode explains how exercise can act as pain relief, addressing common patient concerns about exercise hurting and offering an alternative or complement to medications and passive treatments. We outline four key pain-modulating mechanisms: central modulation at the brain and spinal cord, immune and inflammatory changes, peripheral tissue and nerve effects, and psychological/behavioral pathways.  00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks 00:57 Does Exercise Hurt? 03:08 Four Pain Relief Pathways 03:44 Brain and Spinal Cord 05:28 Immune Inflammation Shift 06:10 Peripheral Tissue Effects 06:50 Psychology and Behavior 07:24 Choosing the Right Dose 09:44 Educate Without Jargon 10:48 Wrap Up and Connect Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount. Stay Connected! Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com Join the email list HERE Support the Show: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

    12 min

  6. Mar 31

    174. Hip Dysplasia

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we defines hip dysplasia, review risk factors (female sex, breech birth, family history, etc), infant screening, adult presentation and functional testing, and outlines PT goals (pain-free motion, strengthening, activity modification) versus surgical consideration such as periacetabular osteotomy and its recovery expectations. 00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks 00:24 Podcast Schedule Update 01:50 Support the Show 02:12 Hip Dysplasia Explained 04:22 Who’s at Risk 06:25 Infant Screening Basics 08:15 Imaging and Measurements 09:47 Adult Signs and Testing 11:33 Physical Therapy Approach 13:31 When Surgery Is Needed 15:57 Wrap Up and Contact Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount. Stay Connected! Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com Join the email list HERE Support the Show: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

    17 min

  7. Mar 24

    173. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Basics for PTs: hEDS, Pain, and Smarter Exercise Dosing

    Send us Fan Mail Kasey welcomes listeners to the PT Snacks podcast for physical therapists and students and introduces a brief episode on Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Kasey highlights common patient issues such as joint pain, dislocations, tendinitis, and muscle cramps, and discusses how physical therapy can improve quality of life through resistance training, proprioception, balance, aerobic and functional conditioning, pain neuroscience, and graded exposure to reduce kinesiophobia.  00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer 00:18 Episode Focus on EDS 01:21 EDS Types Overview 02:20 Hypermobility EDS Basics 02:33 Why Collagen Matters 03:16 PT Goals Pain and Fear 04:02 Training Approaches for hEDS 04:31 Load Management and Recovery 05:48 Lifestyle Factors Sleep Stress 06:52 Wrap Up and Contact Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount. Stay Connected! Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com Join the email list HERE Support the Show: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

    8 min

  8. Mar 17

    172. Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture: Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment for PTs

    Send us Fan Mail Host Kasey introduces PT Snacks, a bite-size podcast for physical therapists and students, and covers distal biceps tendon ruptures. The episode reviews relevant anatomy, typical injury mechanism, classic symptoms, and common risk factors and patient profile. Kasey outlines key differentials, exam findings and tests, imaging options, and treatment pathways, emphasizing that timely recognition improves surgical outcomes. 00:00 Welcome to PT Snacks 00:18 Episode Overview 01:14 What the Rupture Is 01:44 Mechanism and Symptoms 02:29 Anatomy Refresher 03:37 Risk Factors and Who Gets It 05:13 Patient Story and Red Flags 06:13 Differential Diagnosis 07:02 Exam Tests and Imaging 08:05 Treatment Options 08:48 Surgery and Rehab Timeline 09:35 Key Takeaways and Outro Need CEUs? Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT Support the show Studying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount. Stay Connected! Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to ptsnackspodcast@gmail.com Join the email list HERE Support the Show: Share the episode with someone who'd benefit. Contributing directly to the "support" link. Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!

    11 min
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5
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About

You only have X amount of time in a given day. If you are a Physical Therapist or a Student Physical Therapist, you may also find that the time and energy you have left is precious, but the list of concepts you want to review or learn is endless. Build the habit of listening to small, bite-sized pieces of information to help you study, and save you time to live the rest of your life. Kasey Hankins, PT, DPT, OCS will be covering anatomy, arthokinematics, therapeutic exercise, patient education, and so much more. Tune in to learn on a time budget so you can continue to move your practice forward!

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