ACL Rehab Live Patient Case Series: Setting Up Success

Presented by Phil Plisky and Kyle Matsel

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Video Runtime: 39 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 40 Minutes

The goal of this course is to highlight the real-world perspective and progress of an athlete as he embarks on his rehabilitation journey following an ACL injury. The course will merge evidence-based practice and real-world clinical reasoning strategies to best maximize function in the early stages of recovery to set up success in the long term.

By seeing an actual patient go through the preoperative and early postoperative phases of ACL reconstruction, the learner sees the patient–provider interaction and the actual techniques performed to maximize the patient’s outcomes during this critical period of rehabilitation. This course is the first in a series that documents an actual patient’s journey through the ACL reconstruction rehabilitation process.

Learning Objectives

Plan a therapeutic exercise program to maximize knee function in athletes preparing for ACL reconstruction surgery
Devise appropriate interventions based on common impairments found in patients following ACL reconstruction surgery
Apply manual therapy techniques specific to post-op healing time to improve knee extension and flexion ROM based on the findings of the clinical examination
Build a therapeutic exercise progression to improve quad function, ROM, and movement for athletes in the early immediate postoperative phase of ACL reconstruction surgery
Collaborate with the orthopedic surgeon to determine the best rehabilitation management specific to the surgical approach and structural implications following ACL reconstruction surgery
Adapt musculoskeletal evaluation techniques in the examination of patients who have had ACL reconstruction surgery and concomitant meniscal repair

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

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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…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Introduction and Preoperative Visit

Restoring knee function prior to ACL reconstruction surgery is important to optimize rehabilitation and performance goals postoperatively. In this chapter, the learner is introduced to a high school athlete who recently tore his ACL and is preparing for surgery. After completion of this chapter, the learner will understand the importance of preoperative consultation to maximize knee function prior to surgery, establish rehabilitation expectations, and outline return-to-sport and discharge criteria.

2. Immediate Postoperative Phase: Visit 1

The immediate post-op period is critical for setting a high-quality foundation for knee function and performance. This chapter will include collaboration with the orthopedic surgeon regarding the treatment plan, and demonstration of important education, precautions, and interventions during the first postoperative week.

3. Immediate Postoperative Phase: Visit 1 Continued

Restoring the fundamental quad activation and assessing basic ability to control knee extension is essential for optimal outcomes after ACL reconstruction. This chapter provides specific strategies for examining and intervening in these fundamental but vital impairments.

More courses in this series