Rehab and Performance Lab: A Medbridge Podcast

Join host Phil Plisky, PT, DSc, ATC, CSCS, and sports rehabilitation expert Teresa Schuemann, PT, DPT, ATC, board-certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy, as they sit down to dissect why some of your perfectly dialed rehabilitation plans still fail to produce results. In this collaborative conversation, you will discover how to look beyond the immediate musculoskeletal injury and evaluate the athlete’s entire body environment, uncovering the physiological impacts of energy availability, sleep hygiene, and systemic recovery. By shifting your focus toward actionable, low-hanging fruit and comprehensive screenings, you will learn how to unlock stuck rehab trajectories, prevent reinjury, and safely guide your athletes to return to sport better than they were before.Learning OutcomesAnalyze the evidence around optimizing energy availability, sleep hygiene, and nutrition to manage recalcitrant musculoskeletal injuries like stress fractures and muscle strainsApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the “low-hanging fruit” of athletic recovery—including sleep extension, nutritional timing, and screening for the athlete triad and REDs—throughout the sports medicine management of an athleteSolve patient case scenarios involving suboptimal fueling and lifestyle factors that stall rehabilitation and return to sportTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to overuse injuries(00:04:00) The importance of approaching all patients like athletes(00:07:22) Creating the right environment for healing(00:12:12) Understanding orthopedic injuries(00:14:42) The role of movement assessment(00:17:29) Exploring relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S)(00:27:05) Strength training and plyometrics in rehabilitation(00:30:37) Fueling and recovery: understanding athlete needs(00:33:58) Case studies: real-life applications in sports rehabilitation(00:40:24) Key takeaways for sports rehabilitation professionals(00:44:49) Final thoughts and adviceRehab 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/

Join host Phil Plisky, PT, DSc, ATC, CSCS, as he sits down with Dr. Julie Mulcahy, PT, DPT, Director of MSK at Omada Health, to navigate the rapidly evolving intersection of metabolic health and rehabilitation. Together, they explore how GLP-1 medications—now used by 1 in 8 U.S. adults—are redefining chronic disease management and altering muscle physiology. You will discover how to adapt your screening and exercise prescriptions to protect lean muscle mass, manage medication-induced fatigue or GI side effects, and ensure patients don’t trade vital physical power for lost pounds. Tune in to learn how to lead the way in interprofessional collaboration and build sustainable, long-term functional habits that last far beyond the prescription.Learning OutcomesAnalyze the evidence around the physiologic and systemic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the resulting necessity for shifts in contemporary rehabilitation practiceApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address musculoskeletal risks, energy limitations, and exercise prescription adjustments across the escalation, maintenance, and discontinuation phases of GLP-1 therapySolve patient case scenarios involving screening, patient education, and interprofessional collaboration to optimize long-term health outcomes for patients with obesity or diabetes utilizing GLP-1 agonistsTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:00) Introduction to the episode and guest(00:02:24) Guest introduction: Dr. Julie Mulcahy(00:03:24) Importance of discussing GLP-1 in rehab(00:04:53) How GLP-1 medications work(00:07:05) Clinical considerations: muscle mass and tissue health(00:11:27) Screening questions for patients on GLP-1(00:16:33) Exercise recommendations and functional training(00:22:20) Impact of GLP-1 on tissue healing and bone health(00:27:50) Loading strategies and resistance training(00:30:46) Research findings on GLP-1 benefits(00:32:39) Integrating GLP-1 management into clinical practice(00:36:15) Managing patients in hospital and post-discharge(00:38:18) Nutrition, protein intake, and muscle preservation(00:47:05) Case study: patient with weight loss and musculoskeletal issues(00:50:24) Long-term strategies for maintaining health(00:53:11) Red flags and red flag screening(00:59:36) Addressing misconceptions about body composition and muscle gain(01:00:49) Education and patient engagement(01:01:26) Potential for rehab to complement GLP-1 therapy(01:02:40) Inappropriate use and ethical considerations(01:04:45) Resources and further education opportunities(01:05:14) Three important takeaways(01:11:51) Closing remarks and contact informationRehab 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/

Mary Ann Roelke, an occupational therapist with 35+ years in neurologic rehabilitation, explores concussion care beyond typical musculoskeletal treatment. They discuss overlooked symptom profiles, post-traumatic migraine, autonomic dysfunction, cognitive and emotional effects, and the value of positional blood pressure testing. The conversation also covers pacing, safe return to meaningful activities, multidisciplinary referrals, and a complex case requiring individualized sensory strategies.

Christopher Bise, PT, DPT, PhD, is a University of Pittsburgh physical therapist and value-based care researcher. He and Phil Plisky rethink osteoarthritis beyond the “bone-on-bone” label, exploring inflammation, pain-imaging mismatches, exercise and weight loss, and the limited evidence for TENS, supplements, and manual therapy. Clinical cases show how education and progressive rehab can restore movement and confidence.

Matt Daggett, dual fellowship–trained orthopedic surgeon and SANTI researcher, shares his ACL reconstruction expertise. He discusses graft selection trends, the rising role of lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAP) for rotational stability, and practical criteria for adding lateral procedures. He also critiques cross-bracing trends and outlines rehab and return-to-sport timing considerations.

Dr. Edo Zylstra, PT, DPT, a leader in the development and teaching of dry needling techniques, joins host Phil Plisky for a deep dive into one of the most debated modalities in rehabilitation. Phil and Edo revisit decades of clinical experience, challenge assumptions in the research, and explore why dry needling may succeed—or fall short—depending on how and when it’s applied. Together, they discuss the gap between controlled trials and clinical practice and offer you a compelling neurological lens for rethinking musculoskeletal care. If you’ve ever wondered why the literature on dry needling is all over the map, this conversation is for you.Learning OutcomesAnalyze the evidence around how to improve clinical effectiveness with dry needling and other manual therapy toolsApply evidence-based, practical strategies to address patient symptoms by assessing and treating underlying mechanismsSolve patient case scenarios involving the integration of a neurological lens in orthopedic assessment and interventionTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to dry needling(00:05:17) Understanding dry needling: physiology and mechanism(00:08:12) Clinical applications and considerations for dry needling(00:21:30) Research insights: efficacy and limitations of dry needling(00:32:50) Case study: practical application of dry needling(00:38:24) Common misapplications of dry needling(00:45:45) Key takeaways and final thoughts on dry needlingRehab 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/

Daniel Lorenz, DPT, is a sports medicine director, residency program leader, and former Kansas City Chiefs professional. He challenges the three-sets-of-ten default in rehab, exploring true tissue loading, effort, progressive overload, tempo, isometrics, and rest. The conversation also covers functional testing, self-loading, practical case scenarios, and adapting exercise for conditions including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Robert Panariello, a PT/ATC/strength coach who led NFL health performance initiatives, shares how to adapt elite performance ideas for rehab. He discusses progressing load and velocity safely. He explains a rehab-adapted Vermeil hierarchy and practical plyometric and Olympic-lift progressions. Real-world timelines and testing strategies for ACL recovery round out the conversation.

Don Goss, a physical therapist, biomechanics researcher, and former U.S. Army clinician, brings clarity to running rehab debates. He explores cadence, foot strike, footwear, and why direct gait assessment matters. The conversation covers video analysis, the CLASS gait-retraining program, ground contact time, shoe selection, and practical strategies for injured runners, including telehealth applications.

Lance Mabry, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, an assistant professor at High Point University and a seasoned imaging educator, joins host Phil Plisky for a conversation that challenges the status quo around imaging in rehab. Together, they explore how clinicians like you can step into a more informed, active role when it comes to referring, reviewing, and communicating about diagnostic imaging. You'll hear practical insights that help you avoid common missteps, reduce patient harm, and advocate for evidence-based, ethical decision-making. Whether you're a PT, AT, OT, or SLP, this episode equips you to better navigate the gray areas of imaging with confidence.Learning ObjectivesAnalyze the evidence on asymptomatic findings in diagnostic imaging to support ethical and informed decision-makingApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address and communicate missed or overlooked radiologic findings in a way that enhances interprofessional collaborationSolve patient case scenarios involving signs of cervical myelopathy by identifying implications for performance and participation in meaningful daily activitiesTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) The importance of imaging in rehabilitation(00:00:22) Introducing Dr. Lace Mabry(00:08:20) Understanding when to refer for imaging(00:15:05) The role of rehabilitation providers in imaging decisions(00:18:12) Effective communication with radiologists(00:29:00) Interpreting imaging findings and patient communication(00:45:30) Case study: successful imaging referral and outcomes(00:50:36) Three important 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/