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.

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.