Rehab and Performance Lab: A Medbridge Podcast

Medbridge Podcasts
Medbridge Podcasts
  • 4.9 (16)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Monthly

A Medbridge podcast where challenging clinical questions are explored with subject matter experts as they unpack research and engaging cases in the field of orthopedics and sports to equip physical therapists and athletic trainers with actionable takeaways. To get continuing education credit for each episode and bonus resources, search for the episodes on medbridge.com and complete the accompanying quiz. If you enjoy the show, please hit the follow button! IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medbridge/

  1. Sep 15

    Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 30: GLP Medications: Can We Stop the Loss of Lean Muscle Mass? (Live Podcast Recording)

    Join host Phil Plisky, PT, DSc, ATC, CSCS, as he sits down with Dr. Julie Mulcahy, PT, DPT, Director of MSK at Omada Health, to navigate the rapidly evolving intersection of metabolic health and rehabilitation. Together, they explore how GLP-1 medications—now used by 1 in 8 U.S. adults—are redefining chronic disease management and altering muscle physiology. You will discover how to adapt your screening and exercise prescriptions to protect lean muscle mass, manage medication-induced fatigue or GI side effects, and ensure patients don’t trade vital physical power for lost pounds. Tune in to learn how to lead the way in interprofessional collaboration and build sustainable, long-term functional habits that last far beyond the prescription. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around the physiologic and systemic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the resulting necessity for shifts in contemporary rehabilitation practiceApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address musculoskeletal risks, energy limitations, and exercise prescription adjustments across the escalation, maintenance, and discontinuation phases of GLP-1 therapySolve patient case scenarios involving screening, patient education, and interprofessional collaboration to optimize long-term health outcomes for patients with obesity or diabetes utilizing GLP-1 agonists Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:00) Introduction to the episode and guest(00:02:24) Guest introduction: Dr. Julie Mulcahy(00:03:24) Importance of discussing GLP-1 in rehab(00:04:53) How GLP-1 medications work(00:07:05) Clinical considerations: muscle mass and tissue health(00:11:27) Screening questions for patients on GLP-1(00:16:33) Exercise recommendations and functional training(00:22:20) Impact of GLP-1 on tissue healing and bone health(00:27:50) Loading strategies and resistance training(00:30:46) Research findings on GLP-1 benefits(00:32:39) Integrating GLP-1 management into clinical practice(00:36:15) Managing patients in hospital and post-discharge(00:38:18) Nutrition, protein intake, and muscle preservation(00:47:05) Case study: patient with weight loss and musculoskeletal issues(00:50:24) Long-term strategies for maintaining health(00:53:11) Red flags and red flag screening(00:59:36) Addressing misconceptions about body composition and muscle gain(01:00:49) Education and patient engagement(01:01:26) Potential for rehab to complement GLP-1 therapy(01:02:40) Inappropriate use and ethical considerations(01:04:45) Resources and further education opportunities(01:05:14) Three important takeaways(01:11:51) Closing remarks and contact information 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/

  2. Aug 14

    Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 29: Concussion Rehabilitation Myths: Is Your Practice Up-to-Date?

    Are there critical concussion symptom profiles that you are missing in your clinical practice? In this episode, host Dr. Phil Plisky, PT, DSc, ATC, CSCS, sits down with Dr. Mary Ann Roelke, OTD, OTR, a distinguished expert with over 35 years of experience in neurologic rehabilitation, to challenge the way we approach postconcussion care. Together, they unpack why concussions must be treated as complex neurological injuries rather than standard musculoskeletal setbacks, detailing how global life impairments often slip through the cracks. You will discover how simple clinical shifts—such as testing positional blood pressure and using specific symptom screening clusters—can dramatically reshape your treatment trajectories, while learning to effectively leverage multidisciplinary “superpowers” and actionable pacing rules to confidently guide your patients back to the activities that bring them joy. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around concussion rehabilitation identification, education, and multidisciplinary referralApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address progressive return to meaningful activities and symptom management after a concussionSolve patient case scenarios involving complex concussion clinical profiles and coordinated multidisciplinary care Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to concussion rehabilitation(00:01:32) Dr. Roelke's background and expertise(00:02:10) Why concussion rehab is unique(00:03:44) Understanding the complexity of brain injury(00:05:22) Addressing persisting symptoms(00:07:59) Blood pressure testing and autonomic nervous system(00:10:16) Cognitive and emotional impact(00:12:46) Research and symptom profiles(00:15:53) Education, identification, and referral(00:18:45) Activity pacing and safe movement(00:19:50) Multidisciplinary referrals(00:25:13) Rehabilitation and practical clinic application(00:29:46) Case study: complex concussion management(00:34:16) Interventions and strategies(00:38:12) Key takeaways for clinicians(00:38:50) Current projects and further learning(00:40:25) Staying connected and resources 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/

  3. Jul 15

    Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 28: Osteoarthritis: Is “Bone on Bone“ Destroying Your Patient’s Progress?

    In this episode, Dr. Christopher Bise, PT, DPT, PhD, an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and value-based care expert, joins host Phil Plisky, PT, DSc, ATC, CSCS, to challenge outdated narratives surrounding osteoarthritis (OA). Together, they discuss the “inflammatory reframe,” explaining why the dreaded “bone-on-bone” label is often clinically inaccurate and how it can stall patient recovery, and they provide evidence-based, clinically applicable recommendations for your patients with OA. You will discover why the latest research has reversed recommendations on common treatments like manual therapy and TENS, while reinforcing the dose-response power of weight loss and exercise. Tune in to learn how to move beyond simple “quad sets“ and lead the charge in primary care musculoskeletal management for the millions of patients facing this diagnosis. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around the global burden of osteoarthritis (OA) and the effectiveness of conservative interventions versus low-value treatments like TENS and manual therapyApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address OA diagnosis using Altman‘s criteria and the implementation of exercise and weight management programsSolve patient case scenarios involving OA complicated by “bone on bone“ narratives, imaging mismatches, and the need for pain neuroscience educationTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Understanding osteoarthritis: a comprehensive overview(00:17:17) Interventions for osteoarthritis: weight loss and beyond(00:22:37) Manual therapy: efficacy and application(00:26:57) Debunking myths: glucosamine and chondroitin(00:28:26) Evaluating current research on osteoarthritis treatments(00:30:22) Translating research into clinical practice(00:34:07) The role of exercise in rehabilitation(00:39:10) Case studies: practical applications in therapy(00:46:45) Key takeaways for rehabilitation professionals(00:49:53) Future directions in physical therapy 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/

  4. Jun 15

    Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 27: ACL Graft Choice: Is There a New Gold Standard?

    Join host Phil Plisky, PT, DSc, ATC, CSCS, as he sits down with Matt Daggett, DO, MBA, a dual fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and leading member of the international SANTI research group. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of ACL reconstruction, moving beyond traditional graft debates to discuss the critical role of lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAP) in reducing reinjury rates. You’ll gain expert perspective on individualizing graft selection—including the promising rectus tendon autograft—and why addressing the "lateral side" of the knee is essential for long-term stability in high risk athletes. From debunking trends such as the cross-bracing protocol to mastering criteria-based return-to-sport transitions, this conversation provides the practical, evidence-based tools you need to optimize patient outcomes. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around graft selection for ACL reconstruction and the use of lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAP) to improve rotational stability and reduce graft failureApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address rehabilitation progression, return-to-sport timing, and the management of arthrogenic muscular inhibition (AMI) following ACL reconstructionSolve patient case scenarios involving ACL reconstruction graft selection based on patient demographics, sport-specific demands, and individual risk factorsTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to ACL reconstruction and graft selection(00:02:18) Diverse perspectives in orthopedic surgery(00:04:20) Types of grafts for ACL reconstruction(00:08:45) Concomitant procedures and lateral knee stability(00:11:19) An overview of LEAP(00:15:25) Understanding combined instabilities in ACL injuries(00:18:44) Consensus statements and recommendations(00:21:48) The evolution of ACL surgery techniques(00:26:26) Cross-bracing protocol: a critical review(00:28:50) Decision-making in surgical procedures(00:32:18) Graft choices: hamstring, quad, and rectus(00:35:05) Rehabilitation perspectives and early activation(00:41:10) Return to sport: psychological readiness and timeframes(00:46:58) Key takeaways and future innovationsRehab 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/

  5. May 15

    Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 26: Dry Needling Research: Why Are the Results So Inconsistent?

    Dr. Edo Zylstra, PT, DPT, a leader in the development and teaching of dry needling techniques, joins host Phil Plisky for a deep dive into one of the most debated modalities in rehabilitation. Phil and Edo revisit decades of clinical experience, challenge assumptions in the research, and explore why dry needling may succeed—or fall short—depending on how and when it’s applied. Together, they discuss the gap between controlled trials and clinical practice and offer you a compelling neurological lens for rethinking musculoskeletal care. If you’ve ever wondered why the literature on dry needling is all over the map, this conversation is for you. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around how to improve clinical effectiveness with dry needling and other manual therapy toolsApply evidence-based, practical strategies to address patient symptoms by assessing and treating underlying mechanismsSolve patient case scenarios involving the integration of a neurological lens in orthopedic assessment and interventionTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to dry needling(00:05:17) Understanding dry needling: physiology and mechanism(00:08:12) Clinical applications and considerations for dry needling(00:21:30) Research insights: efficacy and limitations of dry needling(00:32:50) Case study: practical application of dry needling(00:38:24) Common misapplications of dry needling(00:45:45) Key takeaways and final thoughts on dry needlingRehab 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/

  6. Apr 15

    Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 25: Is 3×10 the Best? A Modern Approach to Strength in Rehab (Live Podcast Recording)

    This 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 those of standard podcasts. Join host Phil Plisky, PT, DSc, ATC, CSCS, and strength expert Daniel Lorenz, DPT, PT, ATC, LAT, CSCS, as they challenge the traditional 3×10 status quo and dive into the physiological necessity of true tissue loading. You’ll explore how to move past clinical guesstimation by using objective feedback loops and functional testing to bridge the gap between initial rehab and high-level performance. Learn actionable strategies for determining appropriate intensity, along with set and rep schemes that build genuine load tolerance for your patients. Tune in to learn why it’s time to “test, don’t guess” and how to safely apply progressive overload to optimize patient outcomes. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around clinically relevant loading approachesApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the challenge of proper load progression that is mindful of the patient’s history and current status, while also applying strength training principles to adequately build the patient’s load toleranceSolve patient case scenarios involving how to properly apply the principles of progressive overload in rehabilitationTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to loading in rehab(00:03:20) Understanding the importance of loading(00:05:52) Challenges in loading patients(00:08:45) Effective loading strategies(00:17:15) Balancing loading with patient safety(00:25:02) Teaching patients to self-load after rehab(00:27:36) Functional testing in rehabilitation(00:36:46) Case scenarios(00:42:20) Key takeaways for effective rehabilitation(00:44:50) Rest periods and their impact(00:47:32) Tailoring exercise for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome(00:50:18) The importance of reps and failure levels(00:56:16) Isometrics and pain management in rehab(00:58:48) Conclusion and resources 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/

  7. Mar 13

    Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 24: Applying Performance Principles: How Do You Modify for the Rehab Setting?

    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 planningApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address plyometric exercise design considerations for athletes with differing body masses in the sports rehabilitation settingSolve patient case scenarios involving the clinical progression and return-to-sport decision-making for ACL athletes using Vermeil’s hierarchy frameworkTimestamps (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 rehabilitationRehab 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/

  8. Feb 13

    Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 23: Running Foot Strike, Cadence, and Shoes: What Does the Research Actually Say?

    COL (Ret) Don Goss, DPT, PhD, OCS, ATC, a biomechanics researcher and former US Army physical therapist, joins host Phil Plisky to bring clarity to some of the most debated topics in running rehab. Together, they unpack what the research actually says about cadence, foot strike, and footwear, and how that translates to what you should be doing in the clinic. From military data to practical gait retraining tools, this episode gives you a reality check on what matters most for helping runners recover and perform. Whether you're skeptical about minimalist shoes or unsure when to tweak cadence, you’ll walk away with insights you can put to use immediately. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence around gait retraining strategies for managing running-related injuriesDetermine the clinical situations in which cadence modification and footwear adjustment provide the greatest benefit for runners with pain or previous injurySolve patient case scenarios involving injured runners using video-based gait analysis and biomechanical retraining principlesTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to running gait and its importance(00:03:45) Understanding running cadence and its impact(00:10:00) The role of footwear in running injuries(00:15:44) Gait retraining: the CLASS program explained(00:26:20) Case studies and practical applications(00:35:57) Key takeaways and future directionsRehab 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/

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4.9
out of 5
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About

A Medbridge podcast where challenging clinical questions are explored with subject matter experts as they unpack research and engaging cases in the field of orthopedics and sports to equip physical therapists and athletic trainers with actionable takeaways. To get continuing education credit for each episode and bonus resources, search for the episodes on medbridge.com and complete the accompanying quiz. If you enjoy the show, please hit the follow button! IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medbridge/

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