Robert Panariello, MS, PT, ATC, CSCS, respected physical therapist, strength coach, and former NFL Director of Health Performance and Innovation, joins host Phil Plisky to tackle a big question: How do we bring elite performance principles into the rehab setting? Together, Rob and Phil explore the art and science behind adapting strength, speed, and plyometric progressions for patients recovering from ACL reconstruction and other injuries. You’ll hear real-world insights on Vermeil’s hierarchy, programming plyometrics, and building true return-to-play readiness. Whether you’re early in your career or refining your advanced clinical skills, this conversation helps you reimagine how you apply performance principles—starting day one.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence around the application of Vermeil’s hierarchy of athletic development modified for ACL rehabilitation to guide progression planning
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address plyometric exercise design considerations for athletes with differing body masses in the sports rehabilitation setting
• Solve patient case scenarios involving the clinical progression and return-to-sport decision-making for ACL athletes using Vermeil’s hierarchy framework

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to athletic development in rehab
• (00:02:30) The evolution of rehab techniques
• (00:04:19) Load and velocity in rehabilitation
• (00:07:35) Understanding high intensity in rehab
• (00:08:48) The pyramid of athletic development
• (00:12:14) The role of isometrics in rehab
• (00:20:10) Testing and assessing athletic performance
• (00:24:53) Applying Olympic lifts in rehab
• (00:28:05) Understanding ACL rehabilitation and strength training
• (00:33:32) The importance of agility and early movement
• (00:35:25) Plyometrics: balancing load and recovery
• (00:45:00) A comprehensive approach to ACL recovery
• (00:49:50) Key takeaways for effective rehabilitation

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