Brendan DeForge

 

Return to Performance

Email: brendan@returntoperformance.ca
Instagram: returntoperformance.physio

 

Where he is located:

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Online/remote rehab and training

What is a non-negotiable for you in ACL rehab? 

When it comes to ACL rehab, to me two of the most important factors are communication and consistency. Getting you back to what you love is a team effort! If you're able to show up day in and day out and you have a provider that's willing to do the same for you, the process will go so much smoother, and the time it takes to reach your goals will come quicker than you think. With that team effort comes consistent communication. You should have the time and space to ask questions, voice your concerns, rant, or whatever it needs to be to help you get through the process. On the flip side, it's important to have a provider who's supportive and willing to communicate with you, who's there to answer your questions, help you through some of those more difficult times, and most importantly celebrate your wins with you along the way.

Why do you support THE ACL CLUB? 

If I could just work with ACL-ers the rest of my life, I honestly would. That's my goal. There really isn't anything else like it in the world of rehab, that so closely blends rehabilitation, physical performance, identity, and psycho-social aspects to it. I truly believe that communication and community should be an integral part of the ACL journey, and that's why I love what you guys are doing with The ACL Club. You've created this community of people who are helping one another get through what can be really tough time, so they can help each other through the struggles of rehab, but also celebrate wins together. While great rehab and great physiotherapy is a huge part of the process, I think the psychological side of rehab and the sense of community that can be created is a massive piece as well, that doesn't get talked about enough.

I also think that ACL rehab in general is something that, across the board, the standard needs to be improved upon. Re-tear rates are scary high yet I still hear stories of ACL-ers being discharged at 3 months, 6 months, etc from PT, or insurance companies cutting off their coverage once they can go up and down stairs, even though their goal is to return to sport. I want to be a part of the solution to that, and work to provide better care and education for ACL-ers, so we can elevate the standard of ACL care in general and ultimately lower re-injury rates. I see you guys with The ACL Club with a similar mission!