The ACL Athlete Podcast

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...

In this episode, we cover a huge driver of your ACL rehab what to do when you've hit a setback the immense value in a single video a recent example from a fellow ACL athlete insight for a special surprise next week  _________ 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...

In this episode, we cover the most important questions to ask your PT bonus questions and advice to help in making your decision how to know when to pivot or change some reflection for rehab professionals _________ 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  the best approach to choosing your PT for ACL rehab top questions to ask your PT things for you to consider in your decision some honest truths _________ 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...

In this episode, we cover  the importance of small wins examples from other ACL athletes strategies you can use to help you through your own ACL rehab 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 AC...

In this episode, we cover  what is that clicking, popping, snapping (aka crepitus) in your knee how common it is how to know if it's a problem 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 program built around your goals, a...

In this episode, we cover  a special ACL mindset lesson from a high-level Navy Seal _________ 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 from anywhere in the world. You will always know whe...

In this episode, we cover  part 2 of the ACL injury journey (if you haven't listened to part 1, listen to that first) the rehab process explained what should drive your rehab program the 3 phases of an ACL rehab program return to sport decision making ongoing injury risk reduction _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of guessin...

In this episode, we cover  part 1 of the ACL injury journey steps on what to do as soon as you have an ACL injury gathering your team creating a shared treatment decision my own ACL experiences in this exact process Next week, in part 2, we look at the rehab process explained more in-depth. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of gu...

In this episode, we cover  the most important principle in ACL rehab different stories highlighting this  important principle how this can apply in your specific ACL recovery and life today why ice cubes are important _________ 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 + s...