Send us a text As an OncoPT, it’s easy to underappreciate just how much you know. What feels “basic” to you—like explaining cancer-related fatigue or fitting a walker—is often life-changing information for someone else. So here’s your reminder: 👉 Don’t keep your knowledge to yourself. Share it. Because someone out there needs to hear exactly what y…

Send us a text New cancer treatments are only one aspect of improving oncology care. Because we also need the next generation of rehab professionals who are trained, willing, & excited to lead the charge in oncology rehabilitation. In this episode of TheOncoPT Podcast, we’re diving into the real-world impact of student-led research, mentorship, and…

Send us a text Like the Texas bluebonnets, your growth as an oncology PT doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and the right conditions. In this episode, we unpack why the steady, often invisible work you’re doing matters—and how it’s building the confident, expert clinician your patients need. >>Join The Cancer Rehab Community today a…

Send us a text Thinking about board certification in oncologic physical therapy but feeling stuck on where to start — or whether you can even do it? This episode is your roadmap and your pep talk in one. Theresa Walchner, PT, shares exactly how writing her case report and earning her Oncology Specialist Certification transformed her clinical confid…

Send us a text (P.S. Get ready for a good laugh in today’s episode 😆) You are a skilled, thoughtful clinician, but you’re not perfect. Even the best OncoPTs have blind spots. In today’s episode, you’ll hear why feedback isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an essential tool for growth, clinical excellence, and building confidence, especially when working …

Send us a text Healing is more than physical—every small act of empathy and presence matters. In this episode, breast cancer survivor and advocate Thandi Montgomery shares how her cancer journey helped her shift from just getting by to actually living. Thandi advocates for survivors and clinicians to make the same pivot, through the power of suppor…

Send us a text “One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will be someone else’s survival guide.” – Brené Brown Your case report is exactly that—a survival guide for future OncoPTs. When you share your clinical reasoning, decision-making, and outcomes, you’re not just fulfilling an application requirement. Y…

Send us a text Too often, people living with and beyond cancer are sidelined from fitness—not because they can’t exercise, but because programs aren’t designed with their unique needs in mind. In this episode, Elise talks with Dr. Kaci and Dr. Reed Handlery, PTs, about building inclusive, sustainable community-based programs for people with mobilit…

Send us a text Dreaming of becoming a board-certified oncology PT but feeling overwhelmed by the application process? You’re not alone—and I’ve got you covered! In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to successfully apply for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Certification. From documenting your experience to understanding the …

Send us a text Prostate cancer is extremely curable if caught early. However, men of color—especially African American men—are disproportionately diagnosed at advanced stages, facing significantly worse outcomes. Health inequities, systemic barriers, and stigma around discussing men’s health continue to delay critical testing and diagnosis, deeply …

Send us a text What sets a good oncology PT apart from a great one? Becoming a specialist in OncoPT doesn’t just elevate your clinical skills—it transforms how you advocate for patients, opens new career opportunities, and positions you as a leader in this growing field. And one of the most powerful ways to showcase your expertise? The ABPTS Oncolo…

Send us a text Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and CAR T-cell therapy are evolving fast—are you keeping up? In this episode of TheOncoPT Podcast, Dr. Adam Matichak returns to share the latest updates on these groundbreaking treatments and what they mean for your OncoPT practice. You'll learn how CAR T-cell therapy is expanding, why mobility strategies…

Send us a text Have you ever thought about presenting at a conference but weren’t sure where to start? Maybe you have an idea, but imposter syndrome kicks in, or the application process seems too overwhelming. In this episode, you’ll get a step-by-step guide to submitting a conference proposal, tips for making your application stand out, and why Th…

Send us a text APTA CSM 2025 was a whirlwind—in the best way possible. From groundbreaking sessions to game-changing hallway conversations, this conference was packed with insights, networking, and some much-needed discussions about the future of physical therapy. But whether you attended in person or had to sit this one out, I’ve got you covered! …

Send us a text Studying for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Certification Exam? In this episode of TheOncoPT Podcast, Elise breaks down everything you need to know—from the exam format and content areas to game-changing test-taking strategies that set you up for success. But this isn’t just about passing a test. You’ll dive into the bigger picture—why…

Send us a text Your patients are turning to social media for health information more than ever. But here’s the problem: there is a scarcity of accurate, trustworthy cancer rehab info available online. With millions searching for answers online, physical therapists have a unique opportunity to educate, advocate, and expand access to life-changing ca…

Send us a text Treating patients with hematologic oncologic diagnoses isn’t just about managing fatigue—it’s about understanding the complex, ever-changing challenges they face at every stage of treatment. From acute inpatient deficits to long-term survivorship, physical therapists play a critical role in improving outcomes for this population. In …

Send us a text Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is more than just numbness and tingling. With up to 83% of patients experiencing persistent CIPN, oncoPTs need practical, evidence-based strategies to address these challenges head-on. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Katie Schmitt, PT, to discuss an innovative, hands-on approach …

Send us a text For children and adolescents with cancer, exercise is a proven way to improve quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, and physical strength. Yet, many young patients struggle to stay active, especially during hospitalizations. Enter Virtual Reality (VR), an innovative tool that’s bridging the gap between exercise recommendations and…

Send us a text Cancer during pregnancy is a reality that’s becoming more common. In fact, it’s now the second leading cause of death among women in their reproductive years. But what does this mean for OncoPT? These patients face incredibly complex physical and mental health challenges—not just during pregnancy but long after. That’s where you come…

Send us a text With over 240,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer every year, it’s no surprise that many patients seen in orthopedic clinics also have breast cancer somewhere in their medical history. Here’s the catch: breast cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and reconstruction don’t just treat cancer—they also create ripp…

Send us a text The new year is officially here, which means we have begun the countdown to APTA-CSM 2025! 🎙️ "Watch Your Mouth: Improving Therapeutic Alliance Through Effective Communication" is not just another talk about communication—this session dives deep into the how of connecting with your patients on a meaningful level. We’re talking about …

Send us a text Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this presentation reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Neuropathy can be challenging to address, but it’s very common in cancer rehab. And it’s not just chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) e…

Send us a text Coming in as the #2 most popular episode of TheOncoPT Podcast, it's our interview with fan favorite, Dr. Katie Schmitt! As cancer survivorship improves, you WILL see more patients with chronic side effects & impairments. One of these side effects is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Unfortunately, CIPN can be challen…

Send us a text Prostate cancer survivors sometimes fall into the gap between pelvic floor PT & OncoPT - who should be treating the patient & when? The short answer is all hands on deck, but Dr. Matthew Johnston, PT, breaks down exactly how to prioritize your patient’s impairments & which team your patient should see first. In today’s year-end repla…

Send us a text In this replay episode, I sit down with Dr. Alyssa Carey, one of my Case Report Writing Workshop students, to talk about her journey in creating a compelling case report. We dive into the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and how the process transformed her as a clinician. This episode is more than a guide to case report…

Send us a text "There is a whole person, with a whole bunch of body systems that are all implicated or affected in all of this, but who also exists within this greater community. And we cannot discount any of those factors if we're really trying to make a difference in the function, in the independence, in the quality of life in our patient." In th…

Send us a text In this episode, Elise takes a look back at The Cancer Rehab Community Conference 2024, sharing key takeaways and highlights from the event. Dive into the incredible sessions with the actual conference speakers, covering topics like: Using manual therapy to manage CIPN Safety in cancer rehab (from the safety queen herself, Dr. Susan …

Send us a text The Cancer Rehab Community Conference 2024 delivered an inspiring weekend filled with learning, collaboration, and innovation. Attendees gained actionable insights from experts, shared practical applications of the latest research, and celebrated the strides being made in oncology rehab. Whether you missed it or want to revisit the k…

Send us a text Cancer rehab can be challenging to practice on your own. Worst yet, too many therapists get the advice “You’ll just figure it out.” That’s why a COMMUNITY of support, inspiration, and innovation is so important to your journey as an OncoPT. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on The Cancer Rehab Community Conference, and …

Send us a text What if you could transform your oncology specialty exam prep from overwhelmingly stressful to confidently strategic? Well, that's exactly what we're diving into today! I’m thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Candace Alexander, PT, who just passed her Oncology Specialty Certification Exam earlier this year. In today’s episode, we’re goi…

Send us a text Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training has been used for years to help patients make greater gains during strength training. But does BFR belong in oncology rehab? Short answer: yes! Dr. Kelly Martin, PT, is back on the podcast to discuss the benefits of BFR, plus important safety considerations for our oncology patients. Dr. Martin a…

Send us a text Oncology specialization can feel like Fight Club - because nooooobody talks about it until you’re in it. So in this episode we’re busting open the doors & diving into the process of specialization with Dr. Tori Crook. Dr. Crook is a board certified clinical specialist in oncologic physical therapy & acute care oncology physical thera…

Send us a text With just a few weeks left until the September 30 deadline, it's officially crunch time for your ABPTS Oncology Case Report and Application! In this episode, we're going to break down how to strategically approach your writing and how to avoid the common pitfalls that can derail your progress. Plus, I’ll share some tips on budgeting …

Send us a text It's been 12 years since the Prospective Surveillance Model was first published. This model saves our patients money, can prevent functional decline, & has changed our entire paradigm of how we treat people with cancer. So why is it still so rare to see it implemented? Buckle up, OncoPT, because there’s a lot to cover today. But it’s…

Send us a text If you ask any rehab professional what scares them the most about oncology patients, their answer 99.9% of the time will be bone metastases. And this fear is keeping rehab professionals from actually helping their patients with cancer (even those without bone mets). The fact is patients with bone metastases benefit from rehab, from e…

Send us a text ICYMI: Katie Ledecky is 🐐 And while she’s been crushing it at #Paris2024, she’s also been serving up some lessons that cancer rehab NEEDS TO LEARN. In short, you can’t practice in a silo & realistically expect to see improved patient care. What you need instead is COMMUNITY. Learn how sharing knowledge, providing support, leading by …

Send us a text In this first edition of our special Research Round-Up series, we dive into groundbreaking research that examines a novel way to put adolescent & young adult (AYA) survivors BACK in the driver’s seat of their care. Dr. Kelly Martin, physical therapist & TheOncoPT team member, joins Elise to discuss the importance of education and bri…

Send us a text Oncology physical therapy is a SIGNIFICANT departure from what most people know & expect from physical therapy. Think about it: cancer itself is a red flag condition you likely learned about & how you should refer the patient with cancer back to their referring provider. And that is totally antithetical to how you as an OncoPT approa…

Send us a text In PT school, you may have heard that cancer is a disease of the old. But this is only half true. Cancer affects people of all ages, including those in their childbearing years, even during pregnancy. And you’re likely going to be seeing more of these patients in your own practice. Dr. Rebeca Segraves, PT, & Dr. Alexandra Hill, PT, a…

Send us a text Need the essentials for evaluating & treating your next patient with prostate cancer? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this interview with Dr. Matthew Johnston, PT, you’ll learn the essentials of educating, setting expectations, & prescribing interventions for prostate cancer survivors. You’ll also learn about the challenges o…

Send us a text If you’re listening to this in real time, we are just days away from finding out the results of the 2024 ABPTS Oncology Specialty Certification exam. It can be so easy to hinge your future as an OncoPT on finding out these results. But your worth has absolutely nothing to do with this exam. Your value as an OncoPT isn’t tied to a cer…

Send us a text We are halfway through 2024: let’s check in. How are YOU (like for real)? How are things going? Where are you at, compared to where you want to be? No matter what your answers are, you're in the right place right now. In today's episode, we're diving into reflecting on your 2024 progress so far, how to reassess your goals & prioritie…

Send us a text Keeping home exercise programs (HEPs) fresh and exciting is key to maintaining patient motivation & adherence. BUT it’s easy for the HEP to take a back seat to all the other stuff you have to manage in patient care. That’s why we’re spicing up the HEP in this episode, with unique exercise & physical activity ideas. To inject some lif…

Send us a text Summer is here, which means it’s time to DIVE IN! Just like the water might be cold when you first get in, it’s crucial to embrace the discomfort & challenges that come with cancer rehab if you’re ever going to get better at treating oncology patients. So are you going to just dip your toes in? Or are you going all in on yourself & f…

Send us a text BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is a common vestibular issue that affects people of all ages. BUT DID YOU KNOW there is significant crossover between BPPV and oncology? Yep - cancer treatments & even certain conditions we see in cancer rehab can increase your patient’s likelihood of developing BPPV. In this conversation, …

Send us a text OncoPT is not always the first career path for physical therapists - today’s guest included! From starting her career at the USDA to now pioneering cancer rehab in her area, Dr. Alyssa Carey, PT, shares her journey to specializing in OncoPT, plus the major decisions that transformed her career into what it is today. Listen for all th…

Send us a text Prostate cancer survivors sometimes fall into the gap between pelvic floor PT & OncoPT - who should be treating the patient & when? The short answer is all hands on deck, but Dr. Matthew Johnston, PT, breaks down exactly how to prioritize your patient’s impairments & which team your patient should see first. In today’s episode, we di…

Send us a text Cancer rehab may not always be the first step on your PT journey - but that doesn’t mean you’re behind or you can’t become an expert clinician. Today’s guest is the PERFECT example of this: Melissa White began her PT career nowhere near oncology. But after she transitioned into pelvic floor therapy, she found herself treating more & …

Send us a text Trauma-informed care is super trendy to talk about in health care right now, but what does it actually mean & how do we implement it into practice? This conversation with Dr. Adam Matichak emphasizes the importance of creating a safe & welcoming environment, through trauma-informed care, for patients to be seen, heard, & understood. …