Pickleball participation has grown rapidly across age groups and skill levels, bringing new opportunities—and new considerations—for physical therapists.

In Part 1 of this two-part APTA Orthopedics podcast series, host Dhinu Jayaseelan, PT, DPT, DHSc, OCS, FAAOMPT is joined by Dr. Eric Hegedus to break down who is playing pickleball, why the sport has exploded in popularity, and what PTs should understand about its physical demands.

This episode explores movement patterns, footwork, cardiovascular load, skill development, training considerations, nutrition and hydration, and early risk factors that may influence injury. These insights help clinicians better prepare patients for safe participation and performance—before injuries occur.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where we'll dive deeper into pickleball-specific injuries, diagnosis, rehabilitation, and prevention strategies

In the final episode of the Stanley Paris Webinar Series, hosted by APTA Orthopedics, Rob Landel, PT, DPT, OCS, FAPTA, reflects on a career dedicated to clinical excellence and specialization—while challenging the limitations of rigid practice silos. Using cervicogenic dizziness and concussion management as a case study, Dr. Landel explores how complex patient presentations demand integrated, cross-specialty thinking that spans orthopedic, neurologic, vestibular, and exercise-based care.

This presentation examines the evolution of physical therapy specialization, the role of residency and fellowship education, and why hybrid expertise is essential for managing multifactorial conditions such as concussion, persistent dizziness, chronic pain, and long COVID. Dr. Landel encourages clinicians at all stages of their careers to pursue specialization while remaining curious, collaborative, and committed to lifelong learning in service of their patients and the profession.

Target Audience:

Orthopedic physical therapists, neurologic physical therapists, vestibular physical therapists, sports physical therapists, residency- and fellowship-trained clinicians, early-career PTs, DPT students, clinical educators, mentors, residency and fellowship faculty, physical therapists treating concussion, dizziness, and complex multisystem conditions

Join hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody for the seventh episode of Did You Know?, featuring Dr. Brian Eckenrode, as they dive into everything you need to know about APTA Orthopedics’ Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). From navigating hundreds of educational sessions and posters, to networking opportunities, special interest groups (SIGs), and must-know tips for first-time attendees, this episode is packed with insights for PT students, new grads, and experienced clinicians alike. Learn how to make the most of your CSM experience, whether you’re interested in outpatient orthopedics, pain management, or just expanding your professional network.

Key Takeaways for PTs & Students:

- Plan & Prioritize: Learn how to navigate CSM efficiently, select sessions, and make the most of on-demand content.

- Network Strategically: Tips for connecting with leaders, SIGs, and fellow students to create long-term professional opportunities.

- Explore & Grow: Step outside your comfort zone with new topics, hot sessions, and combined programming to expand your clinical knowledge.

Target Audience:

Physical therapists, PT students, new graduates, orthopedic PTs, sports medicine PTs, outpatient PTs, APTA members, continuing education seekers, PT educators, musculoskeletal PT specialists

Join us for this session in the Animal PT Webinar Series, hosted by Sasha Foster, PT, MS, President of the Animal PT SIG (https://sashaafoster.com), with special guests Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw and Dr. Ilana Struble, MA, DVM, CVSMT, CCRT, CVAT (www.awelladjustedpet.com), respected leaders in veterinary orthopedics, sports medicine, and animal rehabilitation.

This conversation gives physical therapists a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how veterinary clinics truly operate and what it takes to successfully integrate into the veterinary care team. The panel discusses real-world collaboration between PTs and veterinarians, diagnostic challenges in animal medicine, and the skills PTs need to build credibility, confidence, and trust in the veterinary ecosystem.

You’ll hear practical insights from experienced clinicians on communication, clinical reasoning, and navigating referrals while keeping the pet’s best interest at the center of care.

What You’ll Learn:

✓ How veterinary clinics function day to day

✓ What veterinarians expect from physical therapists

✓ How to communicate effectively with veterinarians and specialists

✓ Why diagnoses may change and how PTs should respond

✓ Ways to build trust, confidence, and long-term collaboration in animal practice

Target Audience:

Physical therapists, animal physical therapists, veterinary rehabilitation professionals, PT students, animal rehab clinicians, sports medicine PTs, veterinarians, veterinary specialists, animal rehab educators

Join host Kelsy Hill, PT, DPT, OCS, as she sits down with John Morris, PT, DSc, MBA, OCS, FAAOMPT, Cert. MDT, to explore what sets high-performing orthopedic physical therapists apart. Learn practical strategies for improving patient outcomes, building stronger therapeutic relationships, and developing critical soft skills that elevate your clinical practice.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

- How to use evidence-based guidelines effectively without feeling protocol-bound

- The importance of mentorship and the clinical ladder in professional growth

- Tips for developing soft skills, communication, and patient-centered care

- Strategies to foster humility, reflection, and comfort with clinical uncertainty

- Differences in approach for cervical vs lumbar spine treatment

Perfect for PTs, residency programs, and clinical educators looking to enhance their practice and support their teams.

Join ESPN’s Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS, as she sits down at AOSSM 2025 with Dr. Riley J. Williams — Chief of the Sports Medicine Institute at Hospital for Special Surgery, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Head Team Orthopedic Surgeon for the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, and New York Red Bulls.

In this conversation, Dr. Williams discusses the evolution of cartilage repair in high-level athletes, innovations in minimally invasive procedures, and strategies to optimize return-to-play while protecting long-term joint health.

Physical therapists will learn about:

- Surgical options for articular cartilage repair and their long-term outcomes

- How recovery timelines and return-to-play expectations have evolved for elite athletes

- The role of less invasive interventions like subchondroplasty and blood flow restriction

- Early detection and management of wear-and-tear cartilage injuries in high-load sports

- How cumulative training loads and year-round play affect joint health in basketball and other sports

Target Audience:

Orthopedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports medicine surgeons, sports performance clinicians, strength and conditioning coaches, rehab directors, PT students, sports science professionals

Join ESPN’s Stephania Bell, PT, OCS Emeritus, CSCS, as she sits down at AOSSM 2025 with Dr. Scott Rodeo — Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Vice Chair of Research at Hospital for Special Surgery, Director of the HSS Center for Regenerative Medicine, and Head Team Physician for the New York Giants.

In this conversation, Dr. Rodeo breaks down the rapidly evolving world of orthobiologics, including what current evidence supports, where the biggest gaps in knowledge still exist, and how clinicians can navigate PRP, stem cell therapies, and patient expectations in today’s sports medicine landscape.

Physical therapists will learn about:

- The strongest indications for PRP in athletic populations

- What platelet-poor plasma (PPP) is and why it may benefit muscle injuries

- The realities and limitations of “stem cell” therapies in 2025

- Key regulatory restrictions in the United States vs. overseas practices

- How to counsel athletes exploring medical tourism for regenerative treatments

- Emerging cellular technologies and where the science is heading

Target Audience:

Orthopedic physical therapists, sports physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports medicine surgeons, sports performance clinicians, strength and conditioning coaches, rehab directors, PT students, and sports science professionals.

In this episode of the APTA Orthopedics Podcast, host Luciano Garcia, PT, ScD, OCS, COMT, interviews Dr. Jenny Hobson, PT, DPT, MTC, CFC, CMTPT, a European-trained physical therapist and airway specialist. Dr. Hobson is one of only two PTs in the U.S. authorized to teach Dr. Mariano Rocabado’s internationally recognized method, integrating airway, posture, and oral-motor dynamics into physical therapy practice.

Topics Covered:

Airway–Posture Connection: How craniofacial development, spinal alignment, and breathing/swallowing patterns impact airway function and related dysfunctions.

Breath & Oral Posture Strategies: Nasal breathing retraining, tongue-to-soft-palate stabilization, and regulation of breath volume.

Full-Body PT Integration: Ribcage mobility, spinal alignment, and postural restoration to support airway stability and overall health.

Target Audience:

Orthopedic physical therapists, PT students, manual therapy clinicians, postural restoration specialists, airway rehabilitation therapists, sports PTs, pediatric PTs, adult rehab specialists