ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Beyond the Protocol (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Phil Plisky and Kyle Matsel
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Nonfinancial: Phil Plisky and Kyle Matsel have no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from standard MedBridge courses.
This course will give an evidence-based system to optimize both rehabilitation and outcomes for patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction. By laying a solid foundation in the first months postoperatively, the clinician will set the patient up for success in the next phase of rehabilitation and ultimately help return the patient to the highest level of performance.
Meet your instructors
Phil Plisky
Dr. Phil Plisky is a professor in the University of Evansville’s Doctor of Physical Therapy and PhD in Health Professions Education programs. He is the host of the MedBridge Rehab and Performance Lab podcast and founder of the Coaches Club at
Kyle Matsel
Dr. Matsel is a tenured associate professor at the University of Evansville, where he teaches in the musculoskeletal content areas of the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Evansville in 2011 and his PhD in rehabilitation sciences from the University…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Course Introduction and Managing Patient Expectations
This chapter will introduce a solid evidence-based and comprehensive approach to ACL reconstruction rehabilitation. We will then discuss one of the most important parts of ACL reconstruction rehabilitation: setting patient expectations.
2. Physiological Healing: Graft Selection, Multiple Structure Involvement
This chapter discusses physiological healing of the graft and the impacts of tourniquet time and nerve blocks on rehabilitation. Additionally, graft selection considerations will be discussed and applied to the guide the rehabilitation process. Finally, rehabilitation considerations for when multiple structures are involved (e.g., meniscus repairs, multiligamentous injury) will be reviewed.
3. Phase 1: Immediate Post-Op
The immediate post-op period is critical for setting a high-quality foundation for knee function and performance. This chapter will explore the research and go through hands-on techniques for the first postoperative week.
4. Phase 2: Days 7 to 21
Phase 2 of the ACL reconstruction protocol will progress to two-joint ROM and strengthening exercises and the initiation of closed-kinetic-chain exercises. This chapter will introduce appropriate SFMA Top Tier movements and breakouts, which will guide manual therapy and exercise selection.
5. Phase 3: Weeks 3 to 6
Phase 3 of the ACL reconstruction protocol will progress to higher-level movement testing and interventions. This chapter will introduce remaining SFMA Top Tier movements and breakouts, which will guide manual therapy and exercise selection.
6. Progress Checkpoint: Functional Testing (Weeks 7 to 8)
This chapter will introduce higher-level functional testing including the Functional Movement Screen (FMS).
7. Question and Answer Session
In this section, the authors take questions from the audience to further clarify the material presented.
