Should Every ACL Get E-Stim? What the New NMES Meta-Analysis Really Shows

#379: Quadriceps shutdown after ACL reconstruction is one of the biggest barriers we see in the clinic. Even with modern surgical techniques and “aggressive” rehab, too many athletes struggle to get their quad strength back, and that deficit shows up later in gait, loading, and confidence on the field. A new systematic review and meta-analysis just took a fresh look at neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as an adjunct to ACL rehab. Does adding NMES actually move the needle on quad strength? Does timing matter? And does any of this translate into better knee function where it counts? In this week’s podcast, we break down what the authors found, how strong the evidence really is, and how we’re thinking about NMES programming in our own ACL protocols. If you’re working with post-op knees, you’ll want to hear this before you set up your next rehab plan. Welcome to the Ask Mike Reinold Show, where we answer your questions about physical therapy, fitness, strength and conditioning, sports performance, baseball, business, and career advice. Join myself, Lenny Macrina, and my team at Champion Physical Therapy and Performance in Boston, MA and learn how we help people feel better, move better, and perform better. Ask your questions at https://mikereinold.com/askmikereinold and follow us at @mikereinold, @lenmacpt, and @championptp. 👊🏻Was this helpful? Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more performance therapy and training tips! 🤔Have a question/comment? Drop a note below in the comment section and let me know! * 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE FROM ME? Get my latest content & FREE presentation on how to get started with functional performance therapy and training: https://mikereinold.com/performance/ * 💪WANT TO TRAIN WITH CHAMPION? Click here to learn more about our online and in-person training programs: https://championptandperformance.com * 👋 FOLLOW ME ONLINE: Instagram: / mikereinold Facebook: / mikereinold.pt Twitter: / mikereinold Blog: https://mikereinold.com/blog/