Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 16: Is Avoiding Open Chain After ACLR Slowing Your Patient’s Progress?

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 Phil and Lynn get candid about outdated fears, persistent myths, and what the research really says about quad recovery.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 ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around the most effective ways to strengthen the quadriceps after ACL injuryApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address quadriceps weakness after ACL injurySolve patient case scenarios involving quadriceps weakness after ACL injuryTimestamps(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 practiceRehab 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-lab⁠⁠If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/