Dr. Cregar - Athrogenic Muscle Inhibition
In this inaugural episode of Beyond the Incision, we sit down with Dr. Cregar of OrthoCarolina to explore one of the most challenging barriers to recovery in sports medicine: quadriceps inhibition.
Click here to watch the video and see the conversation with Dr. Cregar.
Post-operative quad shutdown is a critical factor that can delay rehabilitation, limit functional outcomes, and frustrate both athletes and clinicians. Dr. Cregar shares his perspective from the surgical side, shedding light on what surgeons observe during procedures and in the immediate post-op phase, while we dive into the implications for physical therapists guiding patients back to performance. Together, we discuss the physiology behind quad inhibition, the impact it has on knee stability, and the strategies PTs can use to facilitate early activation and long-term strength gains. From surgical considerations to rehabilitation pearls, this episode bridges the knowledge gap between the OR and the clinic, giving physical therapists a deeper understanding of how to manage one of the most stubborn obstacles in lower extremity recovery. Whether you’re treating ACL reconstructions, patellar tendon repairs, or other knee-related surgeries, you’ll gain practical insights you can apply directly to patient care. Tune in to learn how interdisciplinary collaboration helps athletes move beyond surgery, beyond the incision, and back into the game.