The Ask Mike Reinold Show

Mike Reinold
  • 4.8 (369)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Answering all your physical therapy, fitness, strength and conditioning, sports performance, and career advice questions. Join me, Lenny Macrina, Dave Tilley, Dan Pope, Mike Scaduto, Lisa Russell, Kevin Coughlin, Diwesh Poudyal, and others from my team at Champion Physical Therapy and Performance in Boston, MA and learn how we help people feel better, move better, and perform better. Ask your questions at http://mikereinold.com/askmikereinold.

  1. 3D AGO

    The New Tommy John: The Rise of the Internal Brace - #AMR386

    Ten weeks to start throwing after UCL surgery sounds like a miracle timeline, until you’re the clinician staring at a stiff elbow, a deconditioned arm, and a protocol that assumes the athlete is further along than reality. We’re seeing more internal brace UCL repairs and fewer “classic” Tommy John reconstructions, and that shift is changing how baseball pitchers, gymnasts, and other overhead athletes move through rehab. We talk through what’s actually different about the internal brace procedure, why surgeons became so optimistic early on, and why many athletes still aren’t truly ready to throw at week 10 even if they’re technically cleared. Readiness means more than ligament stability. We dig into the practical stuff that decides outcomes: restoring extension early without creating inflammation, building real strength and arm care habits, and using a plyometric progression before a return-to-throwing program. We also share what we’re watching for clinically, including ulnar nerve irritation from prolonged bracing, motion that never quite “settles,” and the unique posterior-medial elbow pain that can show up with deep flexion or forced extension. Most importantly, we argue for criteria-based rehab over calendar-based rehab. If the athlete has time before the next season, use it to build capacity instead of chasing an artificial milestone. If you work in sports physical therapy, sports medicine, or baseball performance, this conversation will help you spot red flags early and guide internal brace athletes with more confidence. Subscribe, share this with a coach or clinician who manages throwing programs, and leave a review if it helps. What’s the earliest return-to-throwing timeline you’ve seen that actually held up long term? To see full show notes and more, head to: https://mikereinold.com/the-new-tommy-john-the-rise-of-the-internal-brace/  ---------- ACL Rehab Masterclass My new course on the complete guide to criteria-based ACL rehab testing in return to sport is almost here.  Sign up for the presale list for a huge VIP discount and to be notified first: https://mikereinold.com/acl Click Here to View My Online CoursesWant to learn more from me? I have a variety of online courses on my website!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show _____ Want to learn more?  Check out my blog, podcasts, and online courses Follow me:  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Youtube

    20 min

  2. APR 23

    Risk Factors of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition - #AMR385

    We’ve all seen it: the acute ACL patient who drags their leg into the clinic, unable to squeeze their quad to save their life. We call it Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI), and for years, we’ve treated it as a stubborn, long-term enemy. But a fascinating new study from the American Journal of Sports Medicine suggests we might be overcomplicating it. Researchers analyzed 300 acute ACL patients and found that while AMI is incredibly common (affecting over half of patients), it’s also surprisingly fragile. In fact, they found that nearly 80% of cases could be fully reversed in a single session with simple exercises. In this episode, we dive into the 'Red Flags' that predict quad shutdown—including one common sleeping habit you need to ban immediately—and how to flip the switch back on for your patients. To see full show notes and more, head to: https://mikereinold.com/risk-factors-of-arthrogenic-muscle-inhibition ---------- ACL Rehab Masterclass My new course on the complete guide to criteria-based ACL rehab testing in return to sport is almost here.  Sign up for the presale list for a huge VIP discount and to be notified first: https://mikereinold.com/acl Click Here to View My Online CoursesWant to learn more from me? I have a variety of online courses on my website!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show _____ Want to learn more?  Check out my blog, podcasts, and online courses Follow me:  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Youtube

    22 min

  3. APR 9

    Ranking the Top Patellar Tendon Exercises by Tendon Load - #AMR384

    We all have our favorite "go-to" exercises for patellar tendinopathy. For years, the single-leg decline squat has been the gold standard, often introduced early in rehabilitation to target the tendon. But what if I told you that this specific exercise actually places more load on the patellar tendon than running or double-leg jumping? A massive new study just analyzed 35 common rehabilitation exercises—from step-ups to plyometrics—and ranked them based on actual biomechanical load. The results turn traditional progression models upside down and might explain why some of your patients flare up during "standard" rehab protocols. In this week's episode, we break down the 3 distinct tiers of tendon loading and give you a data-backed roadmap to build the perfect progression. To see full show notes and more, head to: https://mikereinold.com/ranking-the-top-patellar-tendon-exercises-by-tendon-load/ ---------- ACL Rehab Masterclass My new course on the complete guide to criteria-based ACL rehab testing in return to sport is almost here.  Sign up for the presale list for a huge VIP discount and to be notified first: https://mikereinold.com/acl Click Here to View My Online CoursesWant to learn more from me? I have a variety of online courses on my website!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show _____ Want to learn more?  Check out my blog, podcasts, and online courses Follow me:  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Youtube

    23 min

  4. MAR 19

    Using ChatGPT and AI in Physical Therapy

    The use of ChatGPT and other AI models has exploded in recent years, and you're starting to see this in most professions, including the medical profession. We've been using AI quite a bit at Champion for a variety of things and wanted to share our experiences. We go over some of the use cases as well as different models that we've tried with varying success We do think you should be using AI. It's an opportunity for growth. We dig into how AI actually helps us treat, teach, and stay current without drowning in papers. From OpenEvidence to Gemini vs ChatGPT, we share real clinic workflows, movement apps we like, and guardrails to avoid hallucinations. • why we trust OpenEvidence for fast, linked citations • how AI reduces bias during eval prep • when to compare ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok • prompts that demand sources and confidence levels • movement analysis apps for golf and bar velocity • ambient note tools to draft SOAP notes • ethical guardrails on privacy, consent, and hallucinations • practical routines for morning research sprints • using AI to generate screeners, red flags, and alternatives • model strengths, weaknesses, and staying literate To see full show notes and more, head to: https://mikereinold.com/using-chatgpt-and-ai-in-physical-therapy/ ---------- ACL Rehab Masterclass My new course on the complete guide to criteria-based ACL rehab testing in return to sport is almost here.  Sign up for the presale list for a huge VIP discount and to be notified first: https://mikereinold.com/acl Click Here to View My Online CoursesWant to learn more from me? I have a variety of online courses on my website!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show _____ Want to learn more?  Check out my blog, podcasts, and online courses Follow me:  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Youtube

    22 min

  5. MAR 5

    Should Adults Lift for Less than 5 Reps Per Set? - #AMR382

    Mike Boyle had a great discussion on Instagram several weeks ago about adults lifting to failure and using low rep schemes. It sparked a lot of arguments among people about which approach is best and whether there's always an answer to this question. We discuss whether adults should lift to failure on low-rep schemes in this week's episode.  We'll go over what we do at Champion, how we mostly agree with this, and why we may work low reps for a very certain population for a specific reason. To see full show notes and more, head to: https://mikereinold.com/should-adults-lift-for-less-than-5-reps-per-set/  ---------- ACL Rehab Masterclass My new course on the complete guide to criteria-based ACL rehab testing in return to sport is almost here.  Sign up for the presale list for a huge VIP discount and to be notified first: https://mikereinold.com/acl Click Here to View My Online CoursesWant to learn more from me? I have a variety of online courses on my website!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show _____ Want to learn more?  Check out my blog, podcasts, and online courses Follow me:  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Youtube

    21 min

  6. FEB 19

    ACLR + LET: Overkill or the New Gold Standard? - #AMR381

    Surgeons are adding more lateral extra-articular procedures to ACL reconstructions, especially in young cutting and pivoting athletes. On paper, it sounds great—tighten up the anterolateral side, improve stability, protect the graft. But what does that actually mean for clinical outcomes and for how we manage rehab? A new Level 1 systematic review and meta-analysis just pulled together the randomized trials comparing isolated ACL reconstruction to ACL reconstruction plus a lateral extra-articular procedure. The results raise important questions: Are these athletes truly more stable? Do we see fewer graft ruptures? And are we quietly trading those benefits for more pain, stiffness, or long-term joint issues? In this week’s podcast, we break down what the data really show, how it should influence your decision-making as a sports physical therapist, and what to watch for when an athlete walks in with a LET on their op note. Check out the full episode to hear how (and when) this should change your rehab approach. To see full show notes and more, head to: https://mikereinold.com/aclr-let-overkill-or-the-new-gold-standard/ ---------- ACL Rehab Masterclass My new course on the complete guide to criteria-based ACL rehab testing in return to sport is almost here.  Sign up for the presale list for a huge VIP discount and to be notified first: https://mikereinold.com/acl Click Here to View My Online CoursesWant to learn more from me? I have a variety of online courses on my website!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show _____ Want to learn more?  Check out my blog, podcasts, and online courses Follow me:  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Youtube

    19 min

  7. FEB 5

    10 Year Anniversary Episode - #AMR380

    Wow, I can't believe it's been 10 years! It truly is an honor to be able to host a live episode celebrating the 10-year anniversary of our podcast. Thank you so much for listening all these years! In this episode, we'll answer live questions from an audience of listeners, reflect on some of our favorite moments of the podcast, and give out some prizes and special discounts to all the listeners! Special thanks to our amazing friends from Ancore, SmartCuffs, Suji, SportGrips, and mTrigger for donating the prizes! To see full show notes and more, head to: https://mikereinold.com/10-year-anniversary-episode/ ---------- ACL Rehab Masterclass My new course on the complete guide to criteria-based ACL rehab testing in return to sport is almost here.  Sign up for the presale list for a huge VIP discount and to be notified first: https://mikereinold.com/acl Click Here to View My Online CoursesWant to learn more from me? I have a variety of online courses on my website!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show _____ Want to learn more?  Check out my blog, podcasts, and online courses Follow me:  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Youtube

    1h 19m

  8. JAN 22

    Should Every ACL Get E-Stim? What the New NMES Meta-Analysis Really Shows - #AMR379

    Quadriceps shutdown after ACL reconstruction is one of the biggest barriers we see in the clinic. Even with modern surgical techniques and “aggressive” rehab, too many athletes struggle to get their quad strength back, and that deficit shows up later in gait, loading, and confidence on the field. A new systematic review and meta-analysis just took a fresh look at neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as an adjunct to ACL rehab. Does adding NMES actually move the needle on quad strength? Does timing matter? And does any of this translate into better knee function where it counts? In this week’s podcast, we break down what the authors found, how strong the evidence really is, and how we’re thinking about NMES programming in our own ACL protocols. If you’re working with post-op knees, you’ll want to hear this before you set up your next rehab plan. To see full show notes and more, head to: https://mikereinold.com/should-every-acl-get-e-stim-what-the-new-nmes-meta-analysis-really-shows/ ---------- ACL Rehab Masterclass My new course on the complete guide to criteria-based ACL rehab testing in return to sport is almost here.  Sign up for the presale list for a huge VIP discount and to be notified first: https://mikereinold.com/acl Click Here to View My Online CoursesWant to learn more from me? I have a variety of online courses on my website!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show _____ Want to learn more?  Check out my blog, podcasts, and online courses Follow me:  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Youtube

    15 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
369 Ratings

About

Answering all your physical therapy, fitness, strength and conditioning, sports performance, and career advice questions. Join me, Lenny Macrina, Dave Tilley, Dan Pope, Mike Scaduto, Lisa Russell, Kevin Coughlin, Diwesh Poudyal, and others from my team at Champion Physical Therapy and Performance in Boston, MA and learn how we help people feel better, move better, and perform better. Ask your questions at http://mikereinold.com/askmikereinold.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Reinold
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    385
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mike Reinold
  • Show Website
    The Ask Mike Reinold Show

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