Can The ACL Truly
Heal Without Surgery?
Explore the Cross Bracing Phenomenon with pioneers Dr Tom
Cross & Dr Stephanie Filbay - from evidence to practice - the
ACL conversation you CANNOT afford to miss!
Access from only £25!
Can The ACL Truly
Heal Without Surgery?
Explore the Cross Bracing Phenomenon with pioneers Dr Tom Cross & Dr Stephanie Filbay - from evidence to practice - the
ACL conversation you CANNOT afford to miss!
Access from only £25!
Quality Assured By Simply MSK LTD
500+
5 Star Reviews
Quality Assured By Simply MSK LTD
500+
5 Star Reviews
Background
For years, ACL ruptures were seen as injuries that couldn’t heal without surgery, leading most young, active patients straight to reconstruction. But recent advances in research and imaging have challenged this view, revealing that the ACL does have healing potential. This breakthrough has sparked a shift in how we approach ACL management - moving beyond a one-size-fits-all surgical solution.
Today, patients actually have options:
1.ACL Reconstruction (ACLR): The traditional surgical method, where a graft replaces the torn ligament to restore knee stability
2. Exercise-Based Rehabilitation: A non-surgical path focusing on strengthening, neuromuscular control and progressive return to sport training
3. Cross Bracing Protocol (CBP): A newer, conservative strategy using a strict range of motion bracing system designed to promote the ACL’s natural healing, without the need for surgery
Curious to learn more about this exciting development? Access the recorded event now to explore the latest research from pioneers Dr Tom Cross & Dr Stephanie Filbay, discussing how this method can be implemented in your practice offering fresh possibilities for your patients
BE PART OF THE CHANGE
What You’ll Learn
The origins & current evidence behind the Cross Bracing Phenomenon
How ACL’s can heal without surgery - when, why & for whom
Clinical application & patient management strategies
Real life case studies & outcomes
Long-term function, return to sport & quality of life data
Who Should Sign Up?
At Simply MSK LTD, we champion a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to managing ACL injuries - breaking down silos and fostering teamwork across specialities. This event is crafted for ALL musculoskeletal (MSK) clinicians involved in acute ACL care, from Orthopaedic Surgeons and Hospital Doctors at every grade, to GP’s, First Contact Practitioners, MSK Physiotherapists, Sports Medicine Physicians, Radiologists, Emergency Nurse Practitioners, Orthotists, Sports Therapists, Sports Rehabilitators, Strength & Conditioning Practitioners, Exercise Physiologists, Chiropractors & Osteopaths. We warmly invite all members of the multidisciplinary team to join us in supporting this united approach to patient care.
Meet Our Speakers
Dr Stephanie Filbay
Associate Professor Steph Filbay is a Principal Research Fellow, NHMRC Fellow, Dame Kate Campbell Fellow for Research Excellence, and co-lead of the Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine Stream of the Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine at the University of Melbourne.
Drawing on her extensive research, A/Prof Filbay is recognised for promoting evidence-based management of ACL injury and developing strategies to improve outcomes for patients. She has presented her research over 100 times to a variety of stakeholders, serves on committees for international organisations, has supervised over 30 individuals at various career stages and received numerous awards, scholarships, and grants for her research.
A/Prof Filbay was recently awarded a consecutive NHMRC Investigator Grant to fund a further five years of research aimed at improving outcomes for people with ACL injury, and was awarded over $2M in funding to lead a large clinical trial comparing ACL injury outcomes between people managed with the Cross Bracing Protocol and ACL reconstruction.
Dr Tom Cross
Dr Tom Cross has practised sports medicine for the past 25 years and during that time successfully completed 5 years of specialist post-graduate training in sport & exercise medicine and gained fellowship to the ACSEP (Australasian College of Sport & Exercise Physicians, (https://www.acsep.org.au/).
Prior to specializing in sports medicine Dr Cross gained a broad medical experience working as a Resident Doctor for 3 years in the NSW public hospitals, including 1 year specialising in paediatrics at the New Hospital for Children (Westmead) where he gained a Diploma in Child Health.
Dr Cross has broad sports medicine experience caring for recreational athletes (adults and children), musculoskeletal injuries that occur at work or home, elite/professional athletes and also military personnel.
What Our Delegates Thought
“I enjoyed hearing the challenge to the dogma that ACL ruptures need operations. I think it's really helpful to understand more about the Cross-bracing protocol for patients that are keen to avoid surgery.” (James Specialty Doctor)
“It was really helpful to understand the evidence that the ACL can heal and the photos of the MRI showing different ruptures really resonated.” (Paniz, MSK Physiotherapist)
“Its such an exciting new development that will hopefully give great results and result in less surgical need. The training gave clarity around the myths regarding ACL reconstruction” (Alison, Consultant Physiotherapist)
“The most interesting part was the reflections on the applications of the CBP across a spectrum of ACL injuries and the role of the CBP in providing patient's with autonomy and multiple choices to manage their ACL injury rather than being funnelled directly to surgery.” (Alessio, Foundation Doctor)
FAQ
About the Course
This online education product provides a clear, practical, and evidence-informed breakdown of the Cross Bracing Protocol for acute ACL injuries. It focuses on clinical reasoning, patient selection, rehabilitation principles, and real-world application in MSK practice.
This course is ideal for physiotherapists, MSK clinicians, sports therapists, and healthcare professionals involved in the assessment and management of knee injuries.
No. The course is suitable for clinicians at all stages, from early-career practitioners to experienced MSK clinicians wanting to refine or update their knowledge.
Content & Learning Outcomes
You’ll learn:
The principles underpinning the Cross Bracing Protocol
Indications and contraindications for its use
Patient selection and shared decision-making
Bracing timelines, positioning, and progression
Rehabilitation milestones and red flags
How to discuss non-operative ACL management confidently with patients
Yes. The content is grounded in the latest research and clinical consensus, translated into practical guidance you can apply immediately in clinic.
No. The course focuses on informed, patient-centred decision-making. It equips you to discuss and implement the Cross Bracing Protocol appropriately where indicated, alongside surgical pathways where necessary.
Format & Access
The course is delivered entirely online as a singular pre-recorded video module, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
You’ll receive lifetime access, including any future updates to the material.
Yes. The platform is fully mobile and tablet compatible.
Clinical Application
Yes. But as the course will outline, there are a number of safety considerations to implement before implementing the CBP into clinical practice. The course is designed to give you clear guidance on how to implement the protocol safely and confidently.
Yes. The course covers bracing principles, positioning, timelines, and common pitfalls clinicians encounter. Medi UK have an excellent brace option that is available to purchase, however other bracing options are also available
Clear guidance is provided on exclusion criteria, red flags, and when alternative pathways (including surgical referral) are more appropriate.
CPD & Professional Development
Yes. A certificate of completion is provided for CPD and portfolio evidence.
Absolutely. The course is suitable for use as formal CPD evidence.
Purchase & Support
Yes. This is a single payment with no subscription or ongoing fees.
We would like to apologise if this is the case and would welcome any feedback you may have to allow us to understand your concerns. Please read our terms and conditions prior to purchase or contact us directly at learnmore@simplymsk.com
No. Access is for individual use only.
Support details are provided after purchase, and you can contact us at learnmore@simplymsk.com.
Common Concerns
When applied to appropriate patients and within a structured clinical framework, current evidence suggests it can be a safe and effective option.
Patient selection and monitoring are emphasised throughout the course.
Yes. A core aim of the course is to improve your confidence in clinical conversations, shared decision-making, and pathway discussions.