#THIRDTHURSDAY: ACL-R Return to Play Readiness: In Kneed of an Update? (May 2022)

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and reconstructions continue to impose a heavy financial and care burden on orthopedic and sports medicine providers internationally. Returning to sport safely and effectively has become a needed focal point for evidence based strategies to improve return to sport (RTS) from not only primary ACL injury but also following revision surgeries. Currently there is much heterogeneity and increasing confusion on markers for function in returning individuals post ACL Reconstruction (ACL-R). Previous time based criteria does not allow for a comprehensive description of athlete functional readiness prior to returning to sport/activity unrestricted. A more criterion based approach including: basic knee impairment measurements, muscle performance testing, dynamic knee control, hop performance, sport-specific/COD testing and subjective confidence outcome measures provide information on individual functional progression and monitoring. Evidence presented will hope to shed light on the need for these components of focus to allow clinicians to better determine individual readiness as they progress towards unrestricted play/activity.

Dr. Wade Soenksen, PT, DPT, ATC; Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy shares his insight and expertise on "ACL-R Return to Play Readiness: In Kneed of an Update?"

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Review current clinician trends in determination of knee function prior to return to play (RTP) post ACL-R.
• Identify inconsistencies in clinical practice patterns of RTP testing compared to current evidence.
• Discuss evidence relating to testing characteristics of knee function for safe and effective RTP decision making post ACL-R.
• Overview of new and emerging concepts relating to knee function testing and monitoring to augment decision making for RTS.
• Discuss the integration of subjective psychological measures (ACL-RSI, TSK-11) with physical attributes of knee function to assist with mitigation of poor outcomes in RTS.

About the Speaker: 

Dr. Wade Soenksen, PT, DPT, ATC; Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy is currently the lead Physical Therapist/Athletic Trainer at the Carle ARC Physical Therapy Clinic. Prior to arriving in Champaign, Wade attended South College School of Physical Therapy earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (2017) and subsequently completed an Orthopedic Residency through Evidence in Motion at Texas Physical Therapy Specialists in Austin, TX in 2018. He recently became Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics (OCS) in 2021. The Muscatine, IA native received his Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Physiology/Athletic Training from the University of Iowa in 2007 while assisting Hawkeye field hockey in his final year.

Dr. Soenksen then served as a Graduate Assistant with women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse, cheer and football at the University of Oregon from 2007-2009 receiving his Master of Science degree in Athletic Training. Upon leaving Eugene, Wade traveled to Seattle, WA to serve as Assistant Athletic Trainer at the University of Washington (2010-2015) providing services for their rowing, football, men’s soccer and softball teams.

Wade is a member of the NATA, APTA, Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy and American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. He has specialized training in application of Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE), dry needling, spinal and peripheral joint manipulation. His clinical interests include clinical reasoning and integration of best evidence into practice, upper & lower extremity return to play and functional testing protocols.

Wade currently lives in Mahomet, IL with his wife Katey, daughter Lillie and their dog Roxy.

This program was originally recorded May 19, 2022.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $35. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days.