The ACL Athlete Podcast

In this episode, we cover EVERYTHING related to getting back to driving after ACLR.  We discuss the main factors that will impact when you can drive again, research that gives us parameters on timing, how graft type influences this, functional tests used in the research, prerequisites we need, and practical checklist for anyone who preparing for surgery and driving. _________ Want a clear plan for...

In this episode, we cover when you can get back to work (or school/daily things/life) after ACL reconstruction. We look at different occupations as examples and the needs and demands of each. We discuss the important factors that go into making the decision of returning to work and creating a good game plan to get there. We dive into common mistakes I see people make when returning back to work, a...

In this episode, we highlight a 3x ACL athlete win. We discuss her journey as an athlete who has gone through the ACL process THREE times as well as what she was able to get back to recently. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of guessing. Objective testing so you know you are actually ready, a custom + structured program built ar...

In this episode, we cover setting the proper expectations in your ACL rehab. We talk about certain expectations I didn't handle so well in my own ACL process and outline a helpful list of ones for you to utilize to make the most of yours. This directly impacts your mindset and our mindset drives our actions. Make sure you have these in place as you take this journey on. _________ Want a clear...

In this episode, we cover the importance of time at PT vs. time at home. If you're going to PT 2x per week, is that enough? Maybe you get a home exercise program with it.  Still, are you making the most of your time? We cover how to dissect this out and a helpful analogy and perspective to approach your own ACL rehab process and maximize the return on your time you have. _________ Want a clea...

In this episode, we dive into reframing your mindset about the ACL rehab process. How do we combat the overwhelming feeling that can some times take over? Listen to this episode and see why "brick by brick" can help answer that question and keep that overwhelming feeling from kicking in. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tire...

In this episode, we reflect on the past year of The ACL Athlete Podcast, a message, accomplishments, and a special giveaway at the end.  _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of guessing. Objective testing so you know you are actually ready, a custom + structured program built around your goals, and an expert ACL coach in your corner...

In this episode, we answer the question of when you should ideally start rehab after ACL surgery. We cover the best approach and how to strategize this as that time comes. We touch on the main priorities so you know how to navigate this process early and make the most of your ACL journey from day 1. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are ti...

In this episode, we discuss a recent conversation with one of my ACL athletes who had their 6 month follow-up after ACL reconstruction with their surgeon. We dive into what the surgeon cleared her for compared to what was assessed at the follow up. We cover the importance of objective testing, a team approach, and to make sure we check ALL the boxes before we get full clearance. This is incredibly...

In this episode, we cover cyclops lesions after ACL surgery. We dive into what exactly is a cyclops lesion, what are the signs/symptoms, how they happen, how to diagnose one, and what you can do about it. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of guessing. Objective testing so you know you are actually ready, a custom + structured pro...

In this episode, we cover why you might be walking with a limp after ACL surgery or injury. We break different factors influencing a limp, common patterns we might see, what makes up walking/gait specifically, and some practical methods to help improve your gait mechanics and get rid of your limp no matter where you are in the process. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote...

In this episode, we set our sights on 2022. When you sit here a year from now, what story do you want to write? We walk you through an easy framework to great ready for the new year ahead and to move the needle in the right direction towards your dream. We end with a special message to all of you listening out there. If you missed the ACL Strength Testing series, go check it out. ACL Strength Test...

In this episode, we discuss practical solutions to objectively test your strength in ACL rehab. We cover the why (part 1), what are your options, what's most practical, when to test, how to test,  principles important to testing, and what the numbers mean. There's also a sweet bonus for our listeners. The goal is to make strength testing accessible, practical, affordable, and easy to con...

In this episode, we have an open conversation about a major problem we face in the world of ACL rehab and return to sport. We analyze how we're doing with reinjury rates and return to sport rates based on research and what factors play into these statistics. We discuss how objective strength testing impacts these outcomes, how we're currently assessing strength in physical therapy clinic...

In this episode, we cover how our environment influences so much of our outcomes and how to best choose the right environment for your ACL rehab. We discuss being a product of your environment, 3 ways to shift your daily environment to get the most out of your ACL rehab as well as evaluating your rehab environment to make sure you are set up for success in your ACL process. _________ Want a clear...

In this episode, we cover the importance and intent of early return to running, background on conditioning/cardio/energy systems, off feet conditioning, equipment options, program design around developing your own conditioning, and training early on in ACL rehab. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of guessing. Objective testing so...

In this episode, we keep it short and sweet. We talk about why I name this episode AnnKNEEversary, a little reflection on the journey, and a special shoutout to all of you ACL athletes. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of guessing. Objective testing so you know you are actually ready, a custom + structured program built around y...

This is part 3 of 3 for Preparing for ACL Surgery.  In this episode, we continue the conversation on how you can best optimize your initial days and stages after ACL surgery. We cover other major buckets and categories related to movement, nutrition, sleep, recovery, stress, and support. We also cover areas that are often less discussed and left for you to figure out on your own - wound management...

This is part 2 of 3 for Preparing for ACL Surgery. This is a jam-packed episode to help you with planning your own ACL surgery/reconstruction and the days immediately after. In this episode, we cover what it looks like as soon as you get home from your ACL surgery, what you can expect, goals for the initial stages of ACL rehab, and some equipment to help get you set up. Then, we break things down...

This is part 1 of 3 for Preparing for ACL Surgery. In this episode, we cover getting ready for ACL surgery/reconstruction. I give insight into my own 2 ACL surgeries from the night before surgery, getting prepped, waking up, and going home as well as setting important expectations to make sure it's a smooth ride from the start.   _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote A...

In this episode, we cover the A-B-Z Framework for ACL rehab, how you can use this framework starting today, how it can help ease any anxieties you might currently have, and get you to your end goal.  _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of guessing. Objective testing so you know you are actually ready, a custom + structured program...

In this episode, we cover what 40 milliseconds mean, a mindset shift for opportunity, and how it can be a defining moment for you in your life and ACL journey. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of guessing. Objective testing so you know you are actually ready, a custom + structured program built around your goals, and an expert A...

In this episode, we cover what Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is, why it's important and why you should use it in your ACL rehab, when to use it, how to use it to improve your quad strength, and the science and research behind its use. This is an important one for anyone, especially ACL athletes early in their rehab process. Link to NMES device: https://www.amazon.com/Balego-Digi...

In this episode, we cover the top 5 priorities to address right after an ACL injury or surgery. A more simplified approach. ACL rehab can get complicated and it's more than just following a protocol. Check out this episode and see for yourself if you're checking the right boxes on the foundations and what you should be doing right after your ACL injury/surgery. _________ Want a clear pla...

In this episode, we cover the ACL Athlete Self-Assessment how to utilize the Self-Assessment how this assessment can be the difference between staying where you're at or getting to your end goal _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of guessing. Objective testing so you know you are actually ready, a custom + structured program...