Rehab and Performance Lab: A Medbridge Podcast

Ann Porretto-Loehrke, PT, DPT, CHT, COMT, CMTPT, a leading expert in upper extremity rehab, joins host Phil Plisky to rethink what we really know about lateral elbow pain. Together, we dig into the clinical clues that help you distinguish between tendon, joint, and nerve involvement—and what to do when it’s not just a tendinopathy. You’ll hear how recent evidence and real world case examples can reshape your eval and treatment approach. Join us for a fresh look at a common diagnosis that isn’t always what it seems.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around anatomical structures that can contribute to lateral elbow pain and dysfunction in daily activitiesApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address tendinopathy, articular involvement, and radial nerve issuesSolve patient case scenarios involving patients who present with significant pain and a history of multiple corticosteroid injectionsTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:28) Introduction to lateral elbow pain(00:01:27) Understanding the complexity of lateral elbow pain(00:03:45) Anatomy of the elbow and its implications(00:09:19) Evaluating lateral elbow pain: tests and techniques(00:14:28) Treatment approaches for tendon issues(00:23:14) Differentiating between tendon and joint issues(00:27:03) Diagnostic strategies for elbow pain(00:30:45) Understanding joint and tendon interactions(00:34:54) Comprehensive treatment approaches(00:37:37) The importance of core stability(00:40:31) Exploring nerve involvement in elbow pain(00:45:30) Key takeaways for effective treatmentResources Mentioned in EpisodeSALT Test VideoPEPPER Test VideoPull Test VideoRehab 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/

Christopher DaPrato, PT, DPT, SCS, joins host Phil Plisky to explore the evidence behind cupping and its role in rehab and performance. They break down the latest research on fascial mechanics, the benefits of movement-based cupping, and practical strategies for clinical application. Tune in to challenge common misconceptions and learn how to integrate cupping effectively into patient care.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence around cupping and its use in rehab and performance settingsApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address mobility deficits, stability deficits, or motor control deficitsSolve patient case scenarios involving mobility deficits with loading strategies, postural awareness during movement education, and muscle synergies with overuse and dominant muscle hyperexcitabilityTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:49) Introduction to cupping and myofascial decompression(00:03:30) The importance of active modality in cupping(00:07:48) Research landscape: evidence and methodology in cupping(00:10:50) Challenges in cupping research and study design(00:15:53) Mechanistic studies and depth of cupping effects(00:20:05) Future directions and clinical implications of cupping(00:24:43) The power of manual therapy(00:28:45) Clinical reasoning in cupping therapy(00:36:02) Understanding the neurophysiological effects(00:37:28) Case studies in cupping application(00:42:15) Cupping for recovery: myths and realities(00:44:12) Key takeaways for practitionersRehab 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/

Dr. Jenna Gourlay, PT, DPT, SCS, joins Phil Plisky to share practical strategies for treating patients with hypermobility who don’t respond to typical interventions. You’ll hear Jenna’s experiences working with athletes and how she’s adapted her approach to achieve faster, more effective outcomes. Learn how to better assess joint hypermobility, tackle proprioception issues, and choose the right exercises to help your patients thrive.Learning ObjectivesInterpret the evidence around choosing the best treatment path for individuals with increased mobilityApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the challenges related to creating independence for our patients with atypical mobilitySolve patient case scenarios involving joint hypermbolity and treatment classificationTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:59) Introduction to guest(00:05:25) Why this clinical question?(00:16:12) What’s the evidence and application?(00:48:36) Three main takeawaysRehab 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, visithttps://www.medbridge.com/rehab-and-performance-labIf you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visithttps://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Clare Ardern, assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and editor-in-chief of JOSPT, joins the Rehab and Performance Lab Podcast with host Phil Plisky to discuss confidence to return to sport after injury. Clare shares insights from her extensive research in ACL rehabilitation, addressing common mental barriers athletes face when returning to sport. Together, they explore practical strategies, including goal setting, confidence assessment, and techniques to create a safe therapeutic space for athletes. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable advice for supporting athletes to successfully and confidently return to sport.Learning ObjectivesInterpret the evidence around supporting athletes and active people to feel confident about returning to sport after musculoskeletal injuryApply evidence-based, practical strategies to support athletes and active people’s psychological readiness to return to sport after musculoskeletal injurySolve patient case scenarios involving low confidence to return to sport or high fear of reinjuryTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:01:02) Introduction to guest(00:08:19) Why this clinical question?(00:11:49) What’s the evidence and application?(00:53:11) Three main takeawaysRehab 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/

On this episode of Rehab and Performance Lab, we sit down with Johnny Owens, MPT, a trailblazer in blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy and the founder of Owens Recovery Science. Together with host Phil Plisky, we explore how BFR has reshaped rehabilitation by allowing rehab practitioners to build muscle strength and improve recovery in patients unable to tolerate heavy loads. Phil and Johnny discuss how BFR works physiologically, the science and robust research behind it, and clinical applications for a variety of conditions, including postoperative limb injuries, tendinopathy, Parkinson’s disease, and much more. Listen in for practical insights on implementing this game-changing tool and where the research is taking us next in rehab and performance.Examine the application of blood flow restriction trainingInterpret the mechanisms behind BFR and how they could impact muscleSolve patient case scenarios involving injury/surgery and painTimestamps: (00:00:00) Welcome(00:01:01) Introduction to blood flow restriction (BFR) in rehab(00:06:15) The origin and development of BFR(00:11:33) Understanding the mechanisms of BFR(00:15:32) Research and evidence supporting BFR(00:19:29) Clinical applications and considerations for BFR(00:27:16) Early intervention in rehabilitation(00:32:02) Understanding contraindications for BFR(00:36:05) Analgesic benefits of BFR(00:38:45) Tendon adaptations and BFR(00:44:07) Case studies: practical applications of BFR(00:50:18) The broader impact of BFR on healthResources Mentioned in EpisodeOwens Recovery ScienceA Comprehensive Approach to the Use of Blood Flow Restriction in ACL Rehab (Recorded Webinar)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-labIf you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Katie Whetstone, PT, DPT, SCS, joins host Phil Plisky to discuss the latest treatment strategies for overuse injuries in athletes. Katie and Phil explore why these injuries persist, common treatment mistakes, and evidence-based approaches that emphasize tendon loading, rest-recovery cycles, and nutritional factors. Tune in for actionable insights to enhance your rehab approach and support athletes’ long-term performance. Learning Objectives Interpret the evidence around overuse injuries, including tendinopathies, stress fractures, and stress syndromes Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address tendinopathies, stress fractures, and stress syndromes Consider the impact of nutrition and energy deficiencies on overuse injuries in athletes Solve patient case scenarios involving energy deficiencies in athletes with overuse injuries Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome (00:01:03) Introduction to guest (00:02:09) Why this clinical question? (00:06:36) What’s the evidence and application? (00:48:30) Three main takeaways Rehab and Performance Labis 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/

Dr. Eric Robertson, PT, DPT, MFA, FAAOMPT, a leader in orthopedic physical therapy and education, joins Phil Plisky to explore the top five updates rehab providers need to know. Eric shares insights on how to implement the latest clinical practice guidelines, with practical strategies for improving patient care and clinical outcomes. Learning Objectives Interpret the evidence around primary orthopedic physical therapist practice and conditions requiring referral Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address latest guideline-driven interventions for patients with musculoskeletal conditions Solve patient case scenarios involving patients with musculoskeletal and orthopedic physical therapy conditions Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome (00:01:02) Introduction to guest (00:02:35) The value of OCS prep programs (00:05:57) Staying up-to-date on clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) (00:13:48) Digesting long CPGs (00:18:17) Overview of recent CPGs (00:33:41) Case scenarios and how-tos (00:42:38) Three main takeaways (00:46:15) Wrap-up with guest 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/

Amy McDevitt, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT, joins Phil Plisky to share her expertise on the mechanisms of manual therapy and how understanding them can elevate clinical practice. She describes the science behind manual therapy techniques, offering valuable insights for improving patient outcomes. Learning Objectives Describe the specific and shared mechanisms involved in manual therapy and resistance exercise and how they influence patient outcomes Explain the importance of the therapeutic alliance and how factors such as patient expectations and clinician-patient rapport contribute to treatment effectiveness Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to personalize treatment plans for patients while maximizing outcomes, integrating manual therapy, exercise, and patient education Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome (00:01:01) Introduction to Guest (00:05:48) Why This Clinical Question? (00:25:20) What’s the Evidence and Application? (00:42:49) Patient Example (00:45:25) When We Don’t Use Manual Therapy (00:47:54) Three Actionable Takeaways 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/⁠

Adriaan Louw, a distinguished physical therapist and expert in pain neuroscience education, joins Phil Plisky to discuss the transformative power of education in pain management. They dive into who benefits most from this approach, highlighting patients with chronic pain and high fear. Louw shares effective communication strategies and the importance of building trust. He emphasizes using relatable metaphors to explain pain and tailoring education to individual needs. Their conversation reveals how addressing fears can enhance patient outcomes, particularly when combined with movement therapies.

Join Phil Plisky as he sits down with Jenna Gourlay, an expert in joint hypermobility and orthopedic residency director at the Rehabilitation & Performance Institute. In this episode, Phil and Jenna discuss the importance of recognizing and addressing joint hypermobility in clinical practice. They explore key questions clinicians should ask, highlight recent research findings, and provide practical tips for translating this knowledge into effective patient care. Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome (00:00:52) Introduction to guest (00:01:44) Why this clinical question? (00:03:58) What’s the evidence and application? (00:12:37) Diagnosing and treating hypermobility issues (00:25:29) Translating research to clinical practice (00:36:29) Course of care for patients with hypermobility (00:42:40) Three main takeaways Learning Objectives Interpret the evidence around joint hypermobility Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address joint hypermobility Solve patient case scenarios involving joint hypermobility 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/