Michael Reeves PT, DPT, ATC, CSCS

Effectiveness of Active Rehabilitation Program on Sports Hernia: Randomized Control Trial Objective:  "To determine whether an active rehabilitation program that involves repetitive effortful muscle contractions, including core stability, balancing exercises, progressive resistance exercises, and running activities, after a sports hernia, is effective." Population:  40 male soccer players age 18-25 with groin pain with sport for at least 2 months. Methods:  Study Design: Single Blind RCT Group A: Active Rehabilitation Program (also received Group B intervention) Group B: Conventional Treatment Program Randomization via envelope method.  Staff therapist drew an envelope and handed to treating therapist. Both groups instructed to perform stretching exercises for adductor, hamstring, and hip-flexor musculature on days between treatment days. Did not specify if there were different treating therapists. Did not specify any training to provide c...

Post-Operative Sport Participation and Satisfaction with Return to Activity After Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Knee Purpose:  To investigate:  The level and improvement in activity in patients at two years after matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI),  What factors are associated with post-operative (and improvement in) activity level, and  Whether patients are satisfied with their ability to participate in recreational and/or sporting activities." Methods: Study Design:  Prospective Cohort (level of evidence: 3) Population:  150 patients that underwent MACI (Started with 160 but 10 were unable to be found for 2 year follow up so were excluded) 83 tibiofemoral lesions 63 medial femoral condyle 20 lateral femoral condyle 67 patellofemoral lesions 35 patella 32 trochlea 92 patients had undergone prior surgery, most commonly arthroscopy and meniscectomy (88 arthroscopy,...

Anterior Knee Pain in the Active Individual: Patellofemoral Pain Anterior knee pain is a common complaint among that active population.  It can have many causes and can be from a few different causes.  The two most common in young, active individuals are patellofemoral pain, and patellar tendinopathy.  In this post, we will be talking about patellofemoral pain. Patellofemoral pain: What is patellofemoral pain? Also referred to as "Runner's Knee" Your knee cap (patella) rests within a groove at the bottom of your femur.  This groove is referred to as your trochlea.  As our knee bends and straightens, our patella glides along this trochlea.  In our body, our quadriceps muscle becomes our quadriceps tendon who's fibers house the patella and continue below to form our patellar tendon which attaches onto our tibia (shin bone).  The patella serves to increase the mechanical advantage of our quadriceps allowing it to produce much more force than...

Heavy slow resistance versus eccentric training as treatment for Achilles tendinopathy: a randomized controlled trial. Population: 58 patients with chronic (> 3 months) mid-portion achilles tendinopathy.  Randomized to one of two loading programs for a total of 12 weeks with a 52 week follow up. Eccentric Loading Program: Exercise Sets Reps Rest Pace Straight Leg Heel Raises on Step 3 15 2 minutes 3” per rep Rest 5 minutes Bent Knee Heel Raises on Step 3 15 2 minutes 3” per rep Perform 2x/day, 7 days per week for 12 weeks As exercises become easier you can progress by adding a loaded backpack Start with approximately 10% body weight (BW) and increase by 10% BW as tolerated, no more than 1x/week Heavy Slow Resistance Program: Exercise Week 1 Week 2-3 Week 4-5 Week 6-8 Week 9-12 Pace Seated Bent Knee Heel raises 3x15 RM 3x12 RM 4x10 RM 4x8 RM 4x6 RM 3” concentric / 3” eccentric 2-...