Shows / The ACL Athlete Podcast
The ACL Athlete Podcast
The ACL Athlete Podcast brings you everything you need to know about ACL injuries. This podcast creates discussion around the ACL injury itself, research, rehab, performance, return to sport, mindset, you name it. I'm your host, Dr. Ravi Patel, Performance Physical Therapist, Coach, and 2x ACL athlete. I invite you to join me as we explore insights, expertise, personal stories, and experiences - from the athlete to the healthcare professional to the coach, so that we, together, can raise the…
Episodes
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
240 | A Hidden Factor in ACL Strength Testing – Familiarization
In this episode, we break down a rarely talked-about but crucial concept in ACL rehab: familiarization with strength testing. From isometric quad tests to full…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
239 | Normalize the Setback: Why Never Having One Can Be A Problem in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we break down why flare-ups and setbacks in ACL rehab are not only normal but expected when you’re pushing your limits. Using simple analogies…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
238 | Pro Athletes vs. The Rest of Us: The Truth About ACL Surgery Timing
In this episode, we break down why professional athletes often have ACL surgery within days of injury while most people are advised to wait. I share five key…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
237 | The $200 Lesson That Could Save Your ACL Rehab
In this episode, I share a personal story about repeatedly trying—and failing—to fix my broken AC, and how it parallels ACL rehab. We dive into why even those…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
236 | Running Optional: Redefining Milestones in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we dive into the role of running as a milestone in ACL rehab—why it matters, when it should be introduced, and whether it’s even necessary for…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
235 | The Bracing Illusion: Why Your Knee Isn’t as Straight as You Think
In this episode, we dive into the “bracing illusion” many ACL athletes face after surgery. We break down why relying on a locked brace can give a false sense…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
234 | When Sh*t Happens in ACL Rehab: What to Do (and What NOT to Do)
In this episode, we talk about one of the most underrated but guaranteed parts of ACL rehab. Sh*t will happen. Whether it’s a flare-up, a groin strain, a…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
233 | Stuck, Lost, and Piecing It Together: The ACL Rehab No One Talks About
In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest issues plaguing ACL rehab today: athletes being left to “figure it out”. Just because you’re cleared doesn’t mean…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
232 | You Had a Cyclops Lesion Removed - Now What?
In this episode, we dive into what happens after a cyclops lesion is removed during ACL rehab. While many think it’s a quick fix, we dive into why a thoughtful…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
231 | Regression ≠ Failure: Reframing Setbacks in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we explore one of the most misunderstood aspects of ACL rehab: setbacks. We dive deep into the non-linear nature of recovery and how…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
230 | Undercooked > Overcooked: The Golden Rule of ACL Rehab
In this episode, we dive into a powerful analogy—the undercooked vs. overcooked concept—to reframe how we approach loading and progression in ACL rehab. We…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
229 | From Stuck to Seen: How Advocating Changed This ACL Rehab Trajectory
In this episode, we dive into the real-life case of a 14-year-old female athlete navigating a complex ACL rehab journey. From prehab through post-op…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
228 | The One ACL Exercise Everyone’s Told to Do—That I Rarely Prescribe
In this episode, we break down a specific exercise—often a staple in early ACL rehab—isn’t the universal must-do exercise it’s made out to be. Speaking…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
227 | Why The Best Surgeon Can’t Save You From Bad ACL Rehab
In this episode, we discuss a common theme that I often see with ACLers when it comes to choosing their ACL team. We dive into how this search looks, the best…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
226 | The #1 Mistake After ACL Surgery That Keeps Swelling Around
In this episode, we tackle the #1 mistake I often see that makes swelling stick around. We dive into the downsides of swelling, diagnosing the problem, ACLers…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
225 | Vacation or Setback? Navigating Travel During ACL Rehab
In this episode, we dive into navigating travel during ACL rehab. Inevitably, travel will happen for many folks over the course of 9-12+ months of a rehab…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
224 | The Real Price of Waiting: Opportunity Cost in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we discuss opportunity cost in ACL rehab. Every decision we make has an opportunity cost. Each week, I have people reach out with problems…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
223 | Rehab Realities vs. The Reel: The Social Media Illusion of ACL Recovery
In this episode, we discuss the realities behind a true ACL rehab journey vs. what you might see on social media. Understanding the purpose of these platforms…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
222 | Your Built-In Benchmark: Why the Uninvolved Side Can Be Your ACL Rehab Guide
In this episode, we discuss a commonly overlooked benchmark in ACL rehab - your uninvolved side. While this leg has to take on the load early on, it can be a…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
221 | How to Build Your ACL Athlete Dashboard - Measure What Matters
In this episode, we dive into the building your ACL athlete dashboard - a big part of pulling from the quote: "what gets measured gets managed". We go hard on…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
220 | The One Question Every ACL Athlete Must Ask Their PT
In this episode, we share the number one question to vet and see if your physical therapist/rehab provider is legit for you and your ACL rehab. We break down…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
219 | I'm Having Surgery: Pulling Back the Curtain - Part 2
In part 2 of this 2-part podcast episode series, I discuss an upcoming surgery I'm having. I pull back the curtain on my own journey getting here, being super…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
218 | I'm Having Surgery: Pulling Back the Curtain - Part 1
In this episode, I discuss an upcoming surgery I'm having. I pull back the curtain on my own journey getting here, being super open and transparent about my…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
217 | 8 Ways to Finally Get Rid of Swelling After ACL Surgery - Part 2
In part 2 of this 2-part podcast episode series, we continue the conversation on our 8 proven strategies to help with swelling management in ACL rehab. This is…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
216 | 8 Ways to Finally Get Rid of Swelling After ACL Surgery - Part 1
In part 1 of this 2-part podcast episode series, we dive into all things swelling management. We discuss the background on swelling and the why, how it…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
215 | The 0-100% Assessment: A Simple Tool for Addressing Gaps + Confidence in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we dive into the 0-100% assessment I use with all of my ACLers. It's a very simple tool to get context with where ACLers are as we zoom out…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
214 | When Should You Schedule ACL Surgery?
In this episode, we provide guidance on when you should schedule your ACL surgery. While it might seem super straight forward to just jump in the next open…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
213 | Keeping Your "Floor" High: Maintaining Fitness During ACL Rehab
In this episode, we discuss how to keep your floor high after ACL injury and surgery. We often find that ACLers go from one extreme, moving and being active…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
212 | Can You Prevent A Cyclops Lesion in ACL Rehab?
In this episode, we answer whether you can prevent a cyclops lesion from happening in ACL rehab. We give some background on a cyclops lesion, theories behind…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
211 | Breaking Down the 3-Step Return to Performance Continuum After ACL Injury
In this episode, we cover the 3-step return to performance continuum in detail. We explore the most important question to answer for our ACLers, the RTP…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
210 | Four Whole Years + Four Lessons Learned
In this episode, we celebrate 4 years of The ACL Athlete Podcast. We talk about the journey over the past 4 years and what we've accomplished together as a…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
209 | Torn ACL? How to Process Your ACL Injury
In this episode, we cover how to initially process your ACL injury after its happened. As someone who's torn his ACL twice, it can be a lot to take in. This…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
208 | Should You Get A Second Opinion For ACL Surgery?
In this episode, we answer the question on whether you should get a second opinion for your ACL surgery. We discuss some assumptions that are made during this…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
207 | 10 Key Strategies For Better Sleep After ACL Surgery
In this episode, we dive into 10 key strategies that will help you sleep better immediately after ACL surgery. We dive into what things to avoid, what to look…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
206 | The .300 Mindset: Embracing Progress Over Perfection in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we dive into the .300 mindset. One that I think many of you will resonate with. We over strive for perfection as humans or these…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
205 | Never Zero: Building Momentum in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we cover the Never Zero mindset and how it's key in this ACL rehab process. We dive into how Newton's first law and this mindset connect, how…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
204 | Gains Over Gaps: Shifting Your Mindset in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we dive into this topic about the gap and the gain. I really love this concept and it's a big one in ACL rehab. It's easy to look at what's…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
203 | How to Design Effective ACL Programs Using the 80/20 Rule
In this episode, we cover the 80/20 rule and how this can be incredibly effective in helping design efficient, personalized, and effective ACL programs. We…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
202 | The KPI-Driven ACL Athlete: Anchoring Your Process to Criteria, Not Time
In this episode, we dive into comparing time vs. criteria in the ACL rehab process. We talk about how things have been done, how that might get us into…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
201 | Redefining the Older ACL Athlete: Does Age Matter?
In this episode, we are breaking down some barriers around the perception of the older ACL athlete. We dive into how older ACLers might be treated differently…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
200 | AnnKNEEversary - The Little Moments
In this episode, we have our annual AnnKNEEversary episode. This is where we take a deep dive on a theme, and this year, it's about the little moments. Life…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
199 | Avoiding the Range of Motion Regression in ACL Rehab: Key Self-Tests for Maintenance
In this episode, we cover range of motion regressions that might happen during ACL rehab. ACLers might achieve their target ROM and then move on to the next…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
198 | Changing Seasons, Changing Goals: How to Adapt in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we discuss how to be adaptive in the ACL rehab process. Life things will come up, sometimes you'll have more time, sometimes less, and…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
197 | "How Are You (Really) Doing?" Navigating the Emotional Check-Ins During ACL Rehab
In this episode, we dive into how to handle the question "how are you doing" in ACL rehab. While it might seem straight forward, this process is long. And…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
196 | This Too Shall Pass: Embracing the Journey of ACL Rehab
In this episode, we dive into the mindset required to navigate the ups and downs of ACL rehab. Drawing on the ancient wisdom of "this too shall pass," we…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
195 | One Common Mistake ACLers Make When Working on Knee Extension
In this episode, we cover a very common mistake I see when ACLers are working on their knee extension ROM and how you can make sure you avoid it to get your…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
194 | Should You Go to Your Surgeon’s Recommended Physical Therapy Clinic for ACL Rehab?
In this episode, we answer the question on whether or not you should go to the physical therapy clinic your surgeon recommends - maybe that's one that they…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
193 | Navigating Hyperextension in ACL Rehab: When Equal Isn't the Goal
In this episode, we discuss a scenario in which full matching hyperextension might not be the end goal with an ACLer. We break down a case, how hypermobility…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
192 | Cleared But Not Ready: Understanding the Difference in Medical vs. Physical Clearance in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we discuss the perception of getting "cleared" and what this means when an ACLer gets cleared (or graduates). We need to dissect this a bit…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
191 | Focus on What Matters: The MIT Approach in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we break down the MIT concept and how this can be a huge game changer in ACL rehab. There's a lot of noise in this process and many things to…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
190 | Flexion vs. Extension: What Should You Prioritize Post-ACL Surgery?
In this episode, we cover whether you should prioritize flexion or extension after ACL injury and surgery. This is something that often gets confused early on…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
189 | The "Honeymoon Phase" of ACL Rehab: Managing Expectations + Momentum
In this episode, we dive into what I call the "honeymoon phase" of ACL rehab. We cover what it is, the timing, the milestones surrounding it, and what happens…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
188 | DIY ACL Rehab: The Risks and Realities
In this episode, we dive into a recent experience and story with a problem I was having. We talk about DIY rehab and how that plays into your ACL rehab…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
187 | Why Your Terminal Knee Extensions Aren't Working: A Common Mistake in ACL Rehab
In this episode, we break down a common mistake we see with an exercise almost every knee patient and ACLer gets. One small shift can be a difference maker in…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
186 | The Role of the Screw Home Mechanism in Terminal Knee Extension + ACL Rehab
In this episode, we dive into the concept of the Screw Home Mechanism and how it impacts terminal knee extension and joint range of motion, something super…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
185 | 10 Ways To Improve Your Post-Op ACL Rehab Outcomes
In this episode, we cover 10 different ways to improve your outcomes after ACL surgery or injury. A very often overlooked part of the process that can really…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
184 | Do You Feel Behind In Your ACL Rehab? - Part 2
In part 2 of this 2-part podcast series, we continue the conversation around the topic of feeling behind in ACL rehab. We cover how how timelines play a role…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
183 | Do You Feel Behind In Your ACL Rehab? - Part 1
In part 1 of this 2-part podcast series, we tackle the feeling every ACLer experiences at one point or another - feeling behind. We dive into an ACLer's story…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
182 | 15 Timeless Reminders I Wish I Had During My ACL Rehab Process
In this episode, we dive into 15 helpful reminders that I hope serve you well during your ACL rehab process. Ones that I wish I had been reminded of to help…
- The ACL Athlete Podcast
181 | The #1 Red Flag To Look Out For In Your ACL Rehab
In this episode, we cover what I think is the #1 red flag to look out for in ACL rehab when choosing your rehab provider. This one specific factor tells me a…