Episode 35 - Bending the Rules: Rethinking ACL Rehab with the Cross-Bracing Protocol by Dr. Tom Cross
In this game-changing episode, Unu is joined by Dr. Tom Cross, a pioneer in sports medicine and the creator of the Cross Bracing Protocol — a non-surgical approach that’s reshaping how we think about ACL recovery. With over a decade of research and 1,000+ cases, Dr. Cross shares how bending the knee — not cutting into it — may hold the key to healing certain ACL injuries. Unu brings a unique perspective as a Myofascial Release (MFR) practitioner and former ACL surgery patient, diving deep into how fascia, positioning, and body awareness play powerful roles in the healing process. Together, they challenge outdated dogma, examine why patient selection is critical, and advocate for a more collaborative, personalized, and fascia-informed approach to orthopedic rehab.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
The science behind the Cross Bracing Protocol
Why ACLs can heal without surgery in many cases
How MFR and physical therapy can support natural tissue recovery How to identify the right candidates for non-surgical ACL treatment
Why patient education and choice matter more than ever in rehab
🎧 Whether you’re a physical therapist, MFR practitioner, or an injured athlete looking for answers — this episode will bend the rules and broaden your understanding of healing.