NPTE Studycast | Physical Therapy

Jimmy McKay, PT, DPT
  • 4.7 (119)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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.

  1. 11/22/2025

    ACL Tear in Under 3 Minutes: NPTE Cheat Sheet

    ACL Tear — NPTE Cheat SheetWhat 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:PopImmediate swelling (1–2 hours)Pivot / cutting mechanismInstabilityDifficulty weight-bearingRule-in test:Lachman test — NPTE’s #1.Rule-out clues:Slow swelling → MeniscusPosterior sag → PCLMedial pain → MCLNPTE 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.

    3 min

  2. 11/22/2025

    BPPV in 3 Minutes: The NPTE Cheat Code

    BPPV — NPTE Cheat SheetWhat it is: Otoconia displaced into a semicircular canal (ear crystals where they shouldn’t be).Classic signs: Brief vertigo (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.

    4 min

  3. 11/22/2025

    MCL Injury in Under 3 Minutes: NPTE Breakdown

    MCL Injury — NPTE Cheat Sheet What it is:Sprain/tear of the MCL from valgus force or lateral blow.Classic signs:Medial knee painPain with valgus stressLocal tendernessMild swellingLateral blow mechanismRule-in test:Valgus Stress Test at 30°Rule-out clues:Pop + immediate swelling → ACLLocking → MeniscusPosterior sag → PCLNPTE 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.

    3 min

  4. 11/22/2025

    Meniscus Tear: NPTE Breakdown in Under 3 Minutes

    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 painLocking or catchingClickingDelayed swelling (24–48 hours)Pain with squatting/twistingRule-in test:McMurray test (NPTE’s go-to)Rule-out clues:Immediate swelling → ACLPosterior sag → PCLMedial tenderness → MCLNPTE 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.

    3 min

  5. 11/22/2025

    PCL Injury in Under 3 Minutes: NPTE Breakdown

    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 signPosterior knee painDifficulty descending stairsInstability (less dramatic than ACL)Dashboard injury mechanismRule-in test:Posterior Drawer Test (NPTE’s favorite)Rule-out clues:Immediate swelling → ACLLocking/catching → MeniscusMedial tenderness → MCLNPTE 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.

    3 min

  6. 11/22/2025

    Red Flags for Cancer

    SHOW NOTES — Red Flags for Cancer (Cheat Sheet)What it is: Non-mechanical symptoms raising suspicion for malignancy.Classic signs:Night painUnexplained weight lossConstant, deep acheNo mechanical patternHistory of cancerRule-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.

    3 min

  7. 02/08/2024

    You Passed the NPTE! Now What?!

    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

    1h 8m

  8. 09/23/2023

    Explaining Parkinson's Disease

    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.

    5 min
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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.

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