PhysicalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-6258


To Brace or Not to Brace with ACL Tears

Casey Unverzagt, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, SCS, CSCS

June 27, 2012

Share:

Question

Do athletes in your clinic wear ACL braces for exercise during your therapy sessions?

Answer

There is a lot of research out there as far as the prophylactic effect of braces on ACL tears. Unfortunately, there is not great data to support that a brace will prevent an ACL tear. This is mainly because most ACL tears are happening in the transverse plane, and it is more of a rotation or tibial rotation that tears the ACL. A brace cannot control that rotation. So, in our clinic we tend to not use braces anymore.

With our second ACL reconstructions (we see a lot of second, third and forth reconstructions) we will brace them,  but ultimately, it's the doctor's decision. We can make recommendations, but docs seem to have their preferences. If they say brace, we brace. If they say no, then no. But I'd say we usually do not brace.


casey unverzagt

Casey Unverzagt, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, SCS, CSCS

Casey Unverzagt is the director of the Slippery Rock office of Wise Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine. He received his B.S. from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. He completed his Doctorate of Science in Orthopedic and Manual Physical Therapy from Andrews University in Michigan. Dr. Unverzagt completed a post-graduate sports residency in White Salmon, Washington, after which he became a board certified sports physical therapy specialist. Dr. Unverzagt is also board certified in orthopaedics, and is a certified manual physical therapist (CMPT) through NAIOMT. He currently teaches for Slippery Rock University, Scorebuilders, Evidence in Motion, and is the author of the popular EIM SCS Prep Course. He is also completing his fellowship in orthopaedic and manual therapy through Evidence in Motion. He lives in Grove City with his wife, Emily, and three boys: Josiah, Bereket, and Tamagn. With any free time, you'll find him running, cycling, or hiking.


Related Courses

Complex and Chronic Impairment in Concussion
Presented by Laura Morris, PT, NCS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Laura Morris, PT, NCS
Course: #4353Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'Great subject'   Read Reviews
This webinar will include an exploration of the various etiologies of dysfunction following mTBI, including, headache, visual/oculomotor impairment, chronic dizziness, and pain. The challenging issue of prioritizing intervention and appropriate referral to other medical practitioners will be discussed. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.

Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for .5 hour of general and 1.5 hour of Direct Access CE credit.

Cycling Related Injury: Common Injuries of the Recreational Indoor and Outdoor Cyclists
Presented by Heather Smith, PT, DPT, OCS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Heather Smith, PT, DPT, OCS
Course: #4868Level: Introductory2 Hours
  'A LOT of information'   Read Reviews
With the pandemic and post-pandemic popularity of spin cycling exercise classes, as well as outdoor road biking, an increase in spinning-related injury and pain is ever present in the active population. This course is designed to highlight the mechanics and muscular activation required during the cycle revolution and the implications of speed, stand cycling, and power output on the risk of development of overuse injury.

Groin Pain: Etiology, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies
Presented by Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Course: #4869Level: Advanced3 Hours
  'Very informative!'   Read Reviews
Delve into the intricacies of groin pain as we unravel its causes, discuss effective differential diagnoses, and explore cutting-edge treatment approaches. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and refine your clinical strategies in addressing this common yet complex medical concern.

Hip Arthroscopy: A Clinician's Approach to Diagnosis, Complications and Rehabilitation
Presented by Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Course: #4870Level: Advanced3 Hours
  'Good combination of joint anatomy and function with excellent review of problems and how to assess followed by treatment possibilities and evidence based'   Read Reviews
Uncover the nuances of hip joint anatomy, diagnostic connections to prevalent pathologies, and hone clinical evaluation skills. Through engaging case studies and expert-led discussions, elevate your expertise in diagnosis, complications management, and rehabilitation strategies. Join us for a learning experience tailored for clinicians seeking a deeper understanding of hip arthroscopy in a convenient online format.

Lower Extremity Myofascial Chains: Identifying the Source of Dysfunction and Treatment Strategies
Presented by Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Course: #4361Level: Intermediate3 Hours
  'Good presentation, hand-outs, analysis, examples and anatomy picture/knowledge'   Read Reviews
This course is a concise resource for the practicing clinician to solve those ”mystery” diagnoses the next day due to vague lower extremity symptoms and makes it hard to point to the exact source as it may be an etiology anywhere along the chain mimicking the symptoms. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.