Documentation continues to be one of the biggest frustrations across physical therapy. Despite the many changes in technology over the past 20 years, it can still feel time consuming and an overall arduous task.Shifting our perspective t...

What makes an expert an expert? Is it their experience? Is it their knowledge? Is it their ability to teach/mentor?  I can argue that it’s a compilation of all of the above.  But do experts know everything? Is it even possible?...

I love a good comeback story, and typically cheer for the underdog, but the Measles can go ahead and stay in the past. As cases continue to rise, it’s time to take a look at overall pathophysiology and transmission of this very contagious virus...

As the winter season comes to an end, we review 1 of the 4 major viruses that has been rampant this year.  Though RSV is officially on the decline, it is still very present in our communities and hospitals.  Join us as we ...

Influenza cases and hospitalizations continue to be the leading respiratory disease nationwide this season.  As of Jan 25, 2025, there have been 20 million illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths (including 47 pediatric deat...

We currently have a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak across the US and Kansas recently made national news in this regard. I’m here to break down the pathology of TB, and review the incidence to give some assurance, as well as, real concerns with this...

What might seem like a simple task in the winter months could lead to devastation without the right education.  What do we need to consider to keep our patients with heart disease safe?The concern lies in the compounding effect. The...

As the temperature drops across the country it is important to understand the impact the cold air will have on the cardiopulmonary system.  Similar to pipes in a house, the cold affects both the pipes in the lungs and body in the same way,...

Leaving the last day of 2024 with a little spice. Since most of this audience is PTs, PTAs and PT(A) students, I just want to remind us to value what we do. Stand up for your skill set, educate others on the benefits and continue to advocate! <...

Review of the literature brings us an article from Japan, evaluating diaphragm and chest wall excursion in four different positions in healthy adults. Dynamic MRI was utilized for excursion measurements throughout all four positions in quiet br...

Have you seen the Nuss Bar Protocol? If not, this will prepare you if you ever do. This procedure is more common in the pediatric population but is a growing surgical option for patients in their 40th and 50th decade of life.  Though consi...

Tracheal Deviation, to the Left, to the Right, which way does it go? This is probably one of the most common questions that I get from students studying for the NPTE. As it often does, the answer comes down to pressures. Tune into t...

It would be unfair of me to dismiss automatic blood pressure measurements as they are used in most settings, including the ICU.  It’s important to understand their normal guestimate error range and when you should consider taking a manual ...

Want some tips to improve the accuracy of your blood pressure technique? I’ve got you covered.  It all starts with a manual cuff, the obliteration technique and a few simple setup tips.Join me in this episode as we break down the st...

Respiratory muscle training is by far one of my favorite interventions and continues to show itself in research.  Anytime RMT is added, you can hypothesize that your patient will improve in a number of different categories (gas exchange, r...

In today’s episode, we break down 3 of the most common high-flow oxygen devices that you may see in the hospital setting: typical high-flow nasal cannula, venturi mask, and heated high-flow nasal cannula devices.  Each device varies on the...

 Time and time again, across my career, whether I’ve been in the clinic or teaching, I have come across words in healthcare that are either used interchangeably, go by different names, or simply have changed over time.  Nomencl...

Working with patients on oxygen can feel overwhelming with all the possible devices that can be utilized.  Whether or not you are a clinician who helps in making those decisions or you are actively working with patients using these devices...

 There are many steps when dealing with oxygen titration.  In this episode, we set the stage for what clinicians need to consider when dealing with a patient on oxygen, including our state practice act, MD orders, available dev...

An episode about mowing, MET levels, and knowing your (your patient’s) limitations. Have you ever been asked, “Can I get back to….?”  How do you help your patients make these decisions? Do you consider MET levels, HR response, or overall a...

Today we discuss a recent acute care evaluation of a 52yo male s/p motocycle crash, despite multiple orthopedic injuries, both the lung and the heart played a bigger role than the initial case synopsis would think.Let’s dive into a cardi...

Lateral costal breathing exercise technique is a versatile approach that can be used to help improve lateral costal (side ribs) movement in a variety of patient populations.  It is a go-to technique to improve motor control and expansion, ...

Join me today as we discuss all things pulmonary rehab, its structure, accepting diagnoses, benefits and even its continued underutilization.Join my main newsletter:  https://allthingscardiopulm.ck.page/9bb2730421

There are a number of reasons why a cough may be ineffective.  It all starts with assessing the four phases of a cough.  Once the inefficiency is highlighted it’s time to work on improving it.  Pending which phase is most ...

 It’s that time of year, the start of a new semester.  For some it’s their first-ever semester, for others, it may be their last.  No matter where you are in your journey, my advice for the semester typically stays the same.<...