Leslie Bonci, MPH, RDN, CSSD, LDN, FAND, and Roberta Anding, MS, RDN/LD, CDCES, FAND, join host Phil Plisky for a clinically grounded look at nutrition in rehabilitation and performance. Drawing from their extensive experience in professional sports and healthcare, they examine the safety, efficacy, and clinical relevance of creatine supplementation, protein intake strategies, and stimulant use. Phil leads a practical discussion around how rehab professionals can identify nutritional red flags, ask the right questions, and support better outcomes through collaboration. Tune in for evidence-based insights you can apply with your next patient—whether they’re post-op, underfueled, or reaching for the wrong energy solution.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around supplements and their role in nutrition and performance
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the use of creatine for performance and brain health
• Solve patient case scenarios involving the amount and timing of protein intake for optimal performance

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to nutrition in sports rehabilitation
• (00:02:00) The importance of practical nutrition
• (00:05:52) Understanding creatine and performance
• (00:08:44) The importance of third-party certification
• (00:20:04) Safety and efficacy of creatine
• (00:25:52) Creatine in rehabilitation and brain health
• (00:32:20) The role of protein in athletic performance
• (00:33:45) Consistent, cost-effective, and quality protein sources
• (00:37:24) Determining protein needs
• (00:43:00) Individualizing protein intake
• (00:45:13) Understanding energy drinks
• (00:47:21) Dangers of energy drinks
• (00:52:54) Nutrition in rehabilitation
• (00:56:45) Actionable takeaways for clinicians

Rehab and Performance Lab is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Benedict Nwachukwu joins host Phil Plisky to take a deep dive into hip impingement and labral tears. With insights shaped by both surgical expertise and personal experience as an athlete, Dr. Ben shares what really drives the decision between rehab and surgery. Together, they unpack how rehab professionals like you can navigate the gray areas with confidence and clarity. Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation on what the latest research means for your patients—and your practice.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around hip preservation strategies
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address conservative and postoperative hip joint pathology
• Solve patient case scenarios involving postoperative hip labral repair and reconstruction

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:25) Introduction to guest
• (00:03:33) Introduction to hip labral tears and impingement
• (00:08:13) Understanding hip anatomy and impingement
• (00:16:30) The interplay of hip and spine
• (00:22:23) Differential diagnosis of hip conditions
• (00:25:26) Current research on hip management
• (00:30:46) Indications for a surgical referral
• (00:36:07) Postoperative rehabilitation process
• (00:42:28) Comparisons to ACL reconstruction
• (00:47:19) Postoperative dos and don’ts
• (00:55:40) Case study: a journey through hip surgery
• (00:59:24) Key takeaways and future directions

Rehab and Performance Lab is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Lynn Snyder-Mackler, internationally renowned researcher and clinician in knee injury rehabilitation, returns to join host Phil Plisky for an in-depth conversation on strength testing and electrical stimulation after ACL reconstruction. Together, Phil and Lynn dig into why measuring quad strength isn't just important—it's essential—and explore practical, clinic-ready solutions when isokinetic equipment isn’t available. From overcoming neuromuscular inhibition to reframing patient conversations around NMES, you’ll walk away with tools to rethink your post-op ACL approach and better track progress where it matters most.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence supporting the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and objective strength testing as essential interventions in post-operative ACL rehabilitation

• Apply evidence-based strategies to implement NMES and strength testing methods in clinical practice to assess and improve quadriceps activation and strength

• Evaluate patient case scenarios involving NMES and strength testing after ACL reconstruction to identify appropriate measurement tools, interpret results, and make informed rehabilitation decisions

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:23) Introduction to strength testing and electrical stimulation
• (00:02:55) Importance of measuring quad strength
• (00:06:13) Challenges in assessing quad strength
• (00:09:06) Strength training and testing techniques
• (00:12:04) Options for measuring quad strength
• (00:14:46) Activation failure and electrical stimulation
• (00:18:12) Research on electrical stimulation benefits
• (00:20:54) Practical applications of electrical stimulation
• (00:23:48) Patient engagement and education
• (00:26:48) Key takeaways and future directions

Rehab and Performance Lab is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Lynn Snyder-Mackler, a globally recognized expert in knee rehabilitation with more than 45 years of clinical and research experience, joins host Phil Plisky for a deep dive into one of rehab’s most persistent debates: open-chain strengthening after ACL reconstruction. Phil and Lynn get candid about outdated fears, persistent myths, and what the research really says about quad recovery. Together, they challenge the status quo and invite you to rethink your early-phase rehab strategies. Don’t miss this conversation packed with practical insights that could change how you guide your patients post ACLR.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around the most effective ways to strengthen the quadriceps after ACL injury

• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address quadriceps weakness after ACL injury

• Solve patient case scenarios involving quadriceps weakness after ACL injury

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:17) Introduction to ACL rehabilitation and strengthening
• (00:02:10) The evolution of ACL surgery and rehabilitation
• (00:05:39) The importance of quadriceps strength
• (00:08:57) Open vs. closed kinetic chain training
• (00:14:10) Debunking myths around open kinetic chain exercises
• (00:19:12) The role of measurement in rehabilitation
• (00:22:18) Quadriceps strength and osteoarthritis
• (00:25:44) Understanding strain in rehabilitation
• (00:27:14) Understanding tendon and ligament healing
• (00:33:22) Rehabilitation strategies for ACL reconstruction
• (00:44:36) Key takeaways for clinical practice

Rehab and Performance Lab is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Ann Porretto-Loehrke, PT, DPT, CHT, COMT, CMTPT, a leading expert in upper extremity rehab, joins host Phil Plisky to rethink what we really know about lateral elbow pain. Together, we dig into the clinical clues that help you distinguish between tendon, joint, and nerve involvement—and what to do when it’s not just a tendinopathy. You’ll hear how recent evidence and real world case examples can reshape your eval and treatment approach. Join us for a fresh look at a common diagnosis that isn’t always what it seems.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around anatomical structures that can contribute to lateral elbow pain and dysfunction in daily activities

• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address tendinopathy, articular involvement, and radial nerve issues

• Solve patient case scenarios involving patients who present with significant pain and a history of multiple corticosteroid injections

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:28) Introduction to lateral elbow pain
• (00:01:27) Understanding the complexity of lateral elbow pain
• (00:03:45) Anatomy of the elbow and its implications
• (00:09:19) Evaluating lateral elbow pain: tests and techniques
• (00:14:28) Treatment approaches for tendon issues
• (00:23:14) Differentiating between tendon and joint issues
• (00:27:03) Diagnostic strategies for elbow pain
• (00:30:45) Understanding joint and tendon interactions
• (00:34:54) Comprehensive treatment approaches
• (00:37:37) The importance of core stability
• (00:40:31) Exploring nerve involvement in elbow pain
• (00:45:30) Key takeaways for effective treatment

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• SALT Test Video
• PEPPER Test Video
• Pull Test Video

Rehab and Performance Lab is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visit ⁠https://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Christopher DaPrato, PT, DPT, SCS, joins host Phil Plisky to explore the evidence behind cupping and its role in rehab and performance. They break down the latest research on fascial mechanics, the benefits of movement-based cupping, and practical strategies for clinical application. Tune in to challenge common misconceptions and learn how to integrate cupping effectively into patient care.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around cupping and its use in rehab and performance settings
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address mobility deficits, stability deficits, or motor control deficits
• Solve patient case scenarios involving mobility deficits with loading strategies, postural awareness during movement education, and muscle synergies with overuse and dominant muscle hyperexcitability

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome

• (00:00:49) Introduction to cupping and myofascial decompression
• (00:03:30) The importance of active modality in cupping
• (00:07:48) Research landscape: evidence and methodology in cupping
• (00:10:50) Challenges in cupping research and study design
• (00:15:53) Mechanistic studies and depth of cupping effects
• (00:20:05) Future directions and clinical implications of cupping
• (00:24:43) The power of manual therapy
• (00:28:45) Clinical reasoning in cupping therapy
• (00:36:02) Understanding the neurophysiological effects
• (00:37:28) Case studies in cupping application
• (00:42:15) Cupping for recovery: myths and realities
• (00:44:12) Key takeaways for practitioners

Rehab and Performance Lab is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visit https://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Jenna Gourlay, PT, DPT, SCS, joins Phil Plisky to share practical strategies for treating patients with hypermobility who don’t respond to typical interventions. You’ll hear Jenna’s experiences working with athletes and how she’s adapted her approach to achieve faster, more effective outcomes. Learn how to better assess joint hypermobility, tackle proprioception issues, and choose the right exercises to help your patients thrive.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret the evidence around choosing the best treatment path for individuals with increased mobility

• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the challenges related to creating independence for our patients with atypical mobility

• Solve patient case scenarios involving joint hypermbolity and treatment classification

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:59) Introduction to guest
• (00:05:25) Why this clinical question?
• (00:16:12) What’s the evidence and application?
• (00:48:36) Three main takeaways

Rehab and Performance Lab is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visithttps://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visithttps://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Clare Ardern, assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and editor-in-chief of JOSPT, joins the Rehab and Performance Lab Podcast with host Phil Plisky to discuss confidence to return to sport after injury. Clare shares insights from her extensive research in ACL rehabilitation, addressing common mental barriers athletes face when returning to sport. Together, they explore practical strategies, including goal setting, confidence assessment, and techniques to create a safe therapeutic space for athletes. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable advice for supporting athletes to successfully and confidently return to sport.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret the evidence around supporting athletes and active people to feel confident about returning to sport after musculoskeletal injury
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to support athletes and active people’s psychological readiness to return to sport after musculoskeletal injury
• Solve patient case scenarios involving low confidence to return to sport or high fear of reinjury

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:02) Introduction to guest
• (00:08:19) Why this clinical question?
• (00:11:49) What’s the evidence and application?
• (00:53:11) Three main takeaways

Rehab and Performance Lab is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visit https://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

On this episode of Rehab and Performance Lab, we sit down with Johnny Owens, MPT, a trailblazer in blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy and the founder of Owens Recovery Science. Together with host Phil Plisky, we explore how BFR has reshaped rehabilitation by allowing rehab practitioners to build muscle strength and improve recovery in patients unable to tolerate heavy loads. Phil and Johnny discuss how BFR works physiologically, the science and robust research behind it, and clinical applications for a variety of conditions, including postoperative limb injuries, tendinopathy, Parkinson’s disease, and much more. Listen in for practical insights on implementing this game-changing tool and where the research is taking us next in rehab and performance.

• Examine the application of blood flow restriction training
• Interpret the mechanisms behind BFR and how they could impact muscle
• Solve patient case scenarios involving injury/surgery and pain

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:01) Introduction to blood flow restriction (BFR) in rehab
• (00:06:15) The origin and development of BFR
• (00:11:33) Understanding the mechanisms of BFR
• (00:15:32) Research and evidence supporting BFR
• (00:19:29) Clinical applications and considerations for BFR
• (00:27:16) Early intervention in rehabilitation
• (00:32:02) Understanding contraindications for BFR
• (00:36:05) Analgesic benefits of BFR
• (00:38:45) Tendon adaptations and BFR
• (00:44:07) Case studies: practical applications of BFR
• (00:50:18) The broader impact of BFR on health

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Owens Recovery Science
• A Comprehensive Approach to the Use of Blood Flow Restriction in ACL Rehab (Recorded Webinar)

Rehab and Performance Lab is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visit https://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Katie Whetstone, PT, DPT, SCS, joins host Phil Plisky to discuss the latest treatment strategies for overuse injuries in athletes. Katie and Phil explore why these injuries persist, common treatment mistakes, and evidence-based approaches that emphasize tendon loading, rest-recovery cycles, and nutritional factors. Tune in for actionable insights to enhance your rehab approach and support athletes’ long-term performance.

Learning Objectives

Timestamps

Rehab and Performance Labis brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Rehab and Performance Lab, visit https://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-lab

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/