The E3 Rehab Podcast 211. The Comprehensive ACL Examination w/ Luke Heath
Jul 29, 2025
In this conversation with Luke Heath, a senior physiotherapist and sports physio from Australia, key insights about ACL injuries are unveiled. Luke discusses the vital steps in the examination and rehabilitation processes. He emphasizes the importance of daily and weekly assessments, tailored recovery strategies, and the management of swelling and range of motion. He also dives into advanced assessment methods and the significance of achieving lower limb symmetry for optimal recovery, making it clear that a collaborative approach is essential for athletes' safe return to sport.
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Luke Heath's Career Journey
- Luke Heath shared his journey from Australian professional sports physio to senior physiotherapist at Aspetar, specializing in knee rehab.
- He emphasized how working with a specialized, experienced team fuels daily learning and refined patient care.
Initial Post-Op Exam Priorities
- In the first post-op days, focus on pain, swelling, knee extension, and quad activation.
- Educate athletes to avoid resting with pillows under knees to prevent fixed flexion deformities and emphasize listening to pain as a guide.
Daily Knee Rehab Checks
- Conduct daily assessments to monitor pain, swelling, range of motion, and quad contraction.
- Track these parameters consistently to identify trends and adjust rehab appropriately.