I agree that most clinicians that use MDT have a poor understanding likely limited due to their lack of interest however I believe this is true for most PTs. You and I see this as an obvious problem but many do not. I can count the number of PTs I know that squat at all, much less with heavy weights 3 days per week. I did a journal club presentation of the LiftMor trial and almost all the PTs in attendance were shocked that these exercises were performed because they were always told that these exercises (especially deadlifts) were dangerous.
I think that unloaded exercises have their place even for the barbell athlete but performing loaded exercises does not contradict MDT principles so the use of these loaded movements within the MDT framework is still an option. A therapist employing the MDT methodology should experiment with all movements and loading options until an effective movement is found.
steph,
I agree there could be a case study there. I probably won't be publishing one any time soon but maybe in the future. For me MDT makes the most sense for many of the patients I see in daily practice while Starting Strength makes the most sense for training. I try to use them both as needed.
Oh and if ceast wants to correct this with a Starting Strength guided rehab approach that is totally fine.
But if he is going to see a therapist I recommend an MDT therapist....or a PT that is also a SSC (harder to find though). I personally wouldn't go to any other PT. Not that some others aren't good but if they don't carry those credentials or I don't know them personally I have no way of recommending them. Be careful about getting recommendations from friends or family as well. For some reason most people love their PT even when their results are sub par.