ACL Rehab Live Patient Case Series Part 7: Full
Return to Sport and Discharge
Presented by Phil Plisky and Kyle Matsel
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This course is the seventh and final course in a series that documents the real-world progress of an athlete as he journeys through ACL reconstruction rehabilitation. This advanced course provides rehabilitation professionals with in-depth knowledge of the final stages of rehabilitation, focusing on full return to sport and discharge. Key functional testing milestones will be highlighted, and a plan for continued postdischarge monitoring will be established. This course series concludes with a discussion between Drs. Plisky and Matsel reflecting on the case throughout the 18-month journey and specifically addresses the surprises, challenges, and what they learned throughout.
Actual footage from the athlete’s treatment session will offer practical application, insights, and real-time problem-solving for the successful integration of these techniques.
Learning Objectives
- Implement return-to-sport testing batteries that include strength, movement, agility, power, balance, and sport-specific skill assessments
- Evaluate the key factors influencing successful return to sport (RTS) after ACL reconstruction, including physical, psychological, and sport-specific considerations
- Design comprehensive discharge criteria that encompass both physical and psychological readiness for sport participation post ACL reconstruction
- Critically appraise current discharge criteria and testing methodologies to determine athlete readiness for return to sport following ACL reconstruction
- Compare the effectiveness of various discharge testing protocols in predicting successful return-to-sport outcomes
Meet your instructors
Phil Plisky
Dr. Phil Plisky is a professor in the University of Evansville’s Doctor of Physical Therapy and PhD in Health Professions Education programs. He is the host of the Medbridge Rehab and Performance Lab podcast and founder of the Coaches Club at
Kyle Matsel
Dr. Matsel is a tenured associate professor at the University of Evansville, where he teaches in the musculoskeletal content areas of the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum. He received his doctor of physical therapy degree from the University of Evansville in 2011 and his PhD in rehabilitation sciences from the University…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Return to Sport and Discharge
This chapter examines the advanced principles and practices necessary for safely guiding an athlete through the final stages of recovery after ACL reconstruction, focusing on return-to-sport decisions and discharge testing. By the end of this chapter, learners will be equipped to make data-driven, holistic decisions regarding discharge testing and full return to sport, ensuring that athletes can safely return to high levels of performance while minimizing the risk of reinjury.
2. The 18-Month Follow-Up
This chapter focuses on the critical phase of postdischarge monitoring following ACL reconstruction, where long-term success and injury prevention are paramount. While the initial rehabilitation and return-to-sport processes are essential, ongoing monitoring and support play a crucial role in maintaining joint health, athletic performance, and preventing reinjury. By the end of this chapter, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to implement effective postdischarge monitoring programs, ensuring that athletes not only return to their sport but do so with reduced risk of reinjury and sustained long-term success.
3. Case Series Discussion
This capstone chapter highlights a comprehensive discussion between Drs. Plisky and Matsel summarizing the series of courses that have meticulously documented a live patient through the entire process of ACL reconstruction, from presurgical preparation to postdischarge monitoring. It serves as both a reflection on the learning journey and a synthesis of the key principles, techniques, and insights gained throughout the series. This chapter not only consolidates the knowledge acquired throughout the series but also prepares learners to apply these principles effectively in their own clinical practice.
More courses in this series
ACL Rehab Live Patient Case Series Part 1: Setting Up Success
Kyle Matsel and Phil Plisky
ACL Rehab Live Patient Case Series Part 2: Early Management and Challenges
Kyle Matsel and Phil Plisky
ACL Rehab Live Patient Case Series Part 3: Strengthening and Complex Movement
Kyle Matsel and Phil Plisky
ACL Rehab Live Patient Case Series Part 4: Loading Up to Run
Kyle Matsel and Phil Plisky
ACL Rehab Live Patient Case Series Part 5: Jumping Into Return to Participation
Phil Plisky and Kyle Matsel
ACL Rehab Live Patient Case Series Part 6: Agility Testing & Training
Phil Plisky and Kyle Matsel
ACL Rehab Live Patient Case Series Part 7: Full Return to Sport and Discharge
Phil Plisky and Kyle Matsel