Podcast

Kevin Rebman

Kevin Rebman

Kevin Rebman is the Founder and Chief Myofascial Therapist at Return to Play Institute, LLC, a Minnesota-based clinic specializing in manual soft tissue therapy to enhance recovery and performance for athletes and individuals recovering from injuries and surgeries. Under Kevin’s leadership, Return to Play has built a reputation for clinical excellence and has helped countless clients — ranging from weekend warriors to ultramarathoners — return to activity faster and with improved outcomes. He is also the author of Recover Smarter: The Ultimate Guide to Healing After Surgery.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • [2:14] Kevin Rebman shares how his journey in myotherapy began
  • [3:49] Why Return to Play Institute focuses on clinical, targeted soft tissue therapy over relaxation massages
  • [7:47] Kevin explains that muscle pain is often a result of an underlying issue
  • [12:35] The role of soft tissue work in post-surgical recovery
  • [14:25] Why early post-surgery soft tissue work can improve healing and reduce swelling
  • [17:28] Strengthening muscles before surgery to improve recovery time and reduce post-surgical atrophy
  • [23:29] How pre-surgical myofascial work and chiropractic care improve surgical outcomes
  • [31:47] The importance of treating the lymphatic system to reduce swelling and aid healing after surgery

In this episode…

When we think of recovery, we often picture physical therapy or medications, but what if healing could happen without pills or surgery? What if soft tissue therapies could help you recover faster from injury or surgery — and even prevent issues before they arise? It’s a growing idea, but still not widely understood. So, what does true recovery look like?

For many, it’s not just about treating symptoms but addressing the root cause of discomfort and restoring natural movement. Kevin Rebman, a myofascial therapist, believes the key is understanding the body’s healing processes. When muscles or tissues become tight, it’s often due to restrictions like scar tissue, inflammation, or old injuries. Instead of quick fixes like painkillers or injections, Kevin advocates for a holistic approach that focuses on restoring movement and addressing issues at their source. Techniques like myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, and manual lymphatic drainage can significantly speed up healing, especially post-surgery.

In this episode of the Align & Abide podcast, Dr. Kim Tran is joined by Kevin Rebman, Founder and Chief Myofascial Therapist at Return to Play Institute, LLC, to discuss soft tissue recovery and its role in post-surgical healing. Kevin shares why movement is essential to recovery, explaining how even minor actions can prevent scar tissue from forming. He also discusses how early post-surgery soft tissue work aids in reducing swelling and improving tissue mobility.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments

  • “Our biggest difference is that we are clinical first of all. So we’re going to focus on things specific to what the issue is that you’re coming in for.”
  • “Muscles don’t hurt unless there’s something going on. Tissue doesn’t hurt unless there’s something going on.”
  • “You want to feel the pain. You want to tell your brain it’s okay. Let those muscles relax.”
  • “There’s a reason why in the hospital after hip surgery or knee surgery, you’re up and walking the next day.”
  • “It’s not normal for your gut to be protruding and hard. If you are having that, that’s actually a sign that you can benefit from having abdominal massage done.”

Action Steps

  1. Prioritize early post-surgical soft tissue work: Starting soft tissue mobilization just days after surgery helps reduce swelling and prevents scar tissue buildup, improving long-term mobility.
  2. Strengthen muscles before surgery: Preparing your body by strengthening muscles prior to a surgical procedure can minimize recovery time, prevent atrophy, and ensure a smoother healing process.
  3. Encourage consistent movement during recovery: Regular movement, even after surgery, promotes better circulation, reduces swelling, and accelerates tissue healing, leading to improved recovery outcomes.
  4. Educate patients on muscle health and pain: Helping individuals understand that muscle tightness is not normal can motivate them to seek professional treatment, preventing chronic pain and improving overall function.
  5. Integrate manual lymphatic drainage techniques: Incorporating lymphatic drainage therapy into post-surgery recovery helps address swelling and encourages faster healing, providing patients with significant relief and improved outcomes.

Sponsor for this episode:

This episode is brought to you by Minnesota Family Chiropractic, a wellness clinic founded and led by Dr. Kim Tran. 

Dedicated to helping patients find lasting relief and vibrant health through chiropractic care, nutrition, and functional medicine, Minnesota Family Chiropractic is on a mission to transform lives — physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Its Signature Wellness System focuses on whole-person care to address the root causes — not just the symptoms — so you can get back to living fully.

Ready to start your path toward better health? Visit MinnesotaFamilyChiropractic.com or call (612) 545-5672 to schedule your consultation and experience integrative, patient-centered care.