Applying Performance Principles: How Do You Modify for the Rehab Setting?

Presented by Phil Plisky and Robert Panariello

Applying Performance Principles: How Do You Modify for the Rehab Setting?

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Rehab and Performance Lab: Applying Performance Principles: How Do You Modify for the Rehab Setting? (Episode 24)

Audio Runtime: 55 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 21 Minutes

Robert Panariello, MS, PT, ATC, CSCS, respected physical therapist, strength coach, and former NFL Director of Health Performance and Innovation, joins host Phil Plisky to tackle a big question: How do we bring elite performance principles into the rehab setting? Together, Rob and Phil explore the art and science behind adapting strength, speed, and plyometric progressions for patients recovering from ACL reconstruction and other injuries. You’ll hear real-world insights on Vermeil’s hierarchy, programming plyometrics, and building true return-to-play readiness. Whether you’re early in your career or refining your advanced clinical skills, this conversation helps you reimagine how you apply performance principles—starting day one.

Learning Outcomes
  • Analyze the evidence around the application of Vermeil’s hierarchy of athletic development modified for ACL rehabilitation to guide progression planning
  • Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address plyometric exercise design considerations for athletes with differing body masses in the sports rehabilitation setting
  • Solve patient case scenarios involving the clinical progression and return-to-sport decision-making for ACL athletes using Vermeil’s hierarchy framework

This is an audio-only course. Additional materials are available for download within the course. To receive continuing education credit, complete the course and the accompanying quiz.

Meet your instructors

A person in a dark polo shirt smiles against a wavy white background.

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

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A smiling middle-aged man with gray hair and a blazer stands in front of a plain background, representing medbridge.

Robert Panariello

Robert Panariello, MS, PT, ATC, CSCS, is the cofounder and former CEO and chief clinical officer of Professional Physical Therapy, a healthcare company with more than 250 facilities in five Northeastern states, as well as the Professional Athletic Performance Training Center. He is also the former director of health,…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Applying Performance Principles: How Do You Modify for the Rehab Setting?

1. Applying Performance Principles: How Do You Modify for the Rehab Setting?

Robert Panariello joins host Phil Plisky to explore how rehab professionals can safely and effectively apply high-performance training principles—such as strength, speed, and plyometrics—across the rehabilitation continuum.

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