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Beyond the Protocol: A Principles-Based Approach to ACL Rehabilitation & Return to Sport

Standard ACL protocols often leave clinicians stuck in the “protocol trap,” where progress is dictated by the calendar rather than biology and movement quality. With re-tear rates reaching 30% in young athletes, it is time to look beyond the knee joint. This webinar utilizes the Great Lakes Seminars “Finding the Dysfunction” philosophy to address the kinetic chain drivers (hip and ankle) that lead to ACL failure.

You will learn how to integrate modern technology like Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) and Force Plate metrics to break through muscle inhibition and quantify readiness. We will move beyond the basic straight-leg raise into high-level functional synergies, deceleration training, and reactive agility. Walk away with a clear, evidence-based roadmap to transition your patients from the post-op table to peak performance with confidence.

Webinar Schedule

Saturday

August 15, 2026

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

Live Webinar via Zoom

Approved for 3 CEU hours in most states. Check state approval below.

Instructor: Jason Hepworth

$119.00 incl. Tax

REGISTER

At the completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:

  • Confidently palpate and correctly differentiate each of the muscles covered in class in the upper extremity, trunk and lower extremity
  • Independently demonstrate how 10 muscle dysfunctions relate to common symptom patterns found within the body
  • Correctly and independently state and locate the origin and insertion of each of the muscles covered in the class
  • Describe at least 5 functional synergist patterns
  • Independently state at least 3 possible drivers of a dysfunction based on clinical presentations

At the completion of this webinar, registrants will be able to:

  • Clearly identify 3 kinetic chain “Drivers” (at the hip or ankle) that contribute to ACL strain and explain how these dysfunctions lead to compensatory movement failure.
  • Correctly describe the biomechanical nuances and specific rehabilitation priorities for three common graft types: Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone (BPTB), Quad Tendon (QT), and Hamstring autografts.
  • Clearly outline the step-by-step clinical reasoning for integrating Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) and manual therapy glides to break Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI) in the early post-operative phase.
  • Correctly demonstrate the “If/Then” clinical decision-making logic used to progress an athlete from table-based exercises to functional loading based on biological milestones rather than a calendar.
  • Clearly describe 3 specific functional assessment markers—including the Lateral Step-Down and the “Snap-Down”—used to identify “Quiet” vs. “Loud” landing mechanics and load avoidance.
  • Correctly identify 2 psychological and objective verification tools, such as the ACL-RSI scale and Force Plate symmetry metrics, to quantify an athlete’s readiness for return to sport.

Section 1 – The Clinical “Hook” – The “Protocol Trap” (20 minutes)
Section 2 – Foundational Principles – Biology, Grafts, and the Kinetic Chain (35 minutes)
Section 3 – The Step-by-Step Methodology – The Functional Exercise Lab (95 minutes)
Section 4 – Clinical Decision Making – Criteria Over the Calendar (15 minutes)
Section 5 – Evidence & Efficacy – High-Tech Verification (10 minutes)
Section 6 – The “Monday Morning” Implementation (5 minutes)

General Webinar FAQs

Will I receive any course materials?
Yes, you will receive a PDF version of the course lecture slides/manual upon registration

Does this count for live CEUs?
Our webinars count for live CEUs in most states (the same live credit as our in-person courses), as you have real-time interaction with the instructor and your classmates. Check official state approvals under the State CEU Approvals dropdown below, and check with your licensing board for their stance on live webinar courses.

When will I receive my certificate?
You will receive a certificate of completion within 3 business days after the course, usually the Monday after (may fall to spam).

Webinar Content FAQs

What will I learn from this webinar?
You’ll gain a thorough understanding of ACL rehabilitation from pre-rehab to return-to-sport phases. The webinar covers surgical techniques, graft selection, and evidence-based rehabilitation strategies, including exercises and protocols to maximize recovery and reduce reinjury risk.

Does this webinar cover surgical and non-surgical ACL management?
Yes. Participants will learn about the different ACL reconstruction techniques, the gold-standard surgical approaches, the new B.E.A.R. trial study, and when non-operative management may be appropriate.

Will I learn specific exercises for each phase of ACL rehab?
Absolutely. The webinar highlights key exercises for all phases of ACL rehabilitation—from immediate post-surgery to advanced sport-specific training—ensuring participants can confidently implement them in clinical practice.

Does the webinar discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different graft types?
Yes. Participants will gain insight into the pros and cons of various graft options and why a specific graft selection may be made for an individual patient.

This webinar is approved for 3 hours in the following states for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY

If you do not see your state listed above, please contact info@glseminars.com for clarification.

Webinar Instructors

Jason Hepworth

PT, DPT, CIMT, CIDN

Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Fitness in Preventative and Rehabilitative Programs from Central Michigan University. He also holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Grand Valley State University and is a Certified Integrated Manual Therapist (CIMT) through Great Lakes Seminars. Jason’s approach to therapy encompasses the use of joint and soft tissue mobilization, functional therapeutic exercise and patient education to return his patients to their highest functional level. Jason is always looking for opportunities to learn new things and improve himself as a clinician. Jason, his wife, and two children live in Southeast Michigan.

Sacroiliac Mobilization CEU Course Instructor Headshot

What Attendees Are Saying

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Broad scope of ideas and concepts, particularly about the BEAR grafting procedure that has great promise in the future.

Webinar Attendee - April 2025

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This webinar had lots of up to date information on ACL rehab. I appreciated the time frame for progression and exercises to focus on.

Webinar Attendee - April 2025

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Very pertinent information for my practice, learned about a few new treatment techniques to address knee pain after ACL

Webinar Attendee - April 2025

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Jason is a great teacher. It was a good refresher course with a few pearls and reminders for my every day practice.

Webinar Attendee - November 2024

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I liked that the course discussed the manual therapy techniques and muscles to look at with manual therapy. I liked that it included newer research findings

Webinar Attendee - November 2024

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