The ACL Athlete Podcast

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 episode pulls back the curtain on how that experience felt from ACL #1 to ACL #2 and a real talk episode on what you need to make sure you get on the right track with your own ACL rehab journey. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL re...

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 process, putting yourself into a few different scenarios for comparison, making a choice not for yourself, doing a detailed analysis of multiple opinions, and a friend's message to make this really hit home. If you're someone who i...

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 for, ways to manage the symptoms, positioning, protecting the site, setting up your environment, and the big 3 to make sure you stay in check. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are t...

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 all-or-nothing mentalities. This mindset helps us reset our expectations, especially in such a long, hard, and nonliear process like ACL rehab. It also dives into how playing the long game allows to better find this .300 vs. expecting it right off the ba...

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 momentum - even just a little - matters a lot, the nonlinearity of ACL rehab, and some really practical ways you can put this into play for 2025 (or whenever you're listening to this) and your ACL rehab. _________ Want a clear...

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 ahead. Here, we share an ACLer breaking down, redirecting towards the gain vs. gap mindset, and unpacking this idea into some practical strategies for you to put it in play. A big way that pays massive dividends, especially from...

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 dive into this rule (or also known as the Pareto Principle), how this applies to modern day and different domains of society, how it can be applied to your ACL rehab, and be incredibly helpful as an audit - whether you're a PT, ATC, coach,...

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 trouble, and how setting up criteria and targets can be an absolute game-changer in this process. _________ 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...

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, an older ACLer's story, building your ACL team appropriately, knowing when you need to make a shift, and deciding which hard you'd like to cross and when. If you may categorize yourself as "older", I encourage you to giv...

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 and ACL rehab can feel like it's trying to get to the next thing. For this episode, we break down a different perspective and a useful strategy that can be helpful if you feel that you're in a rut or seeing more bad than good re...

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 without ever revisiting. Sometimes this may lead to a regression. We tackle some ways to self-test yourself and make sure that you avoid being one of these athletes that has that regression in the first place. _________ Want a clear plan for y...

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 different seasons come and go, which means goals and the plan needs to adjust with it. This can be a massive game-changer in setting you up for success during a hard season or possibly failure by overreaching and certain expectations. ________...

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, there are times where you won't feel like answering this question. But, we need to make sure we inform our support system, but do so in a way that we can make sure we are putting our mental health first.  _________ Want a clear p...

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 explore how embracing both setbacks and progress can build resilience and patience. _________ 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 ar...

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 full extension back. Exercise Breakdown Link _________ 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 progra...

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 like or one connected to their company and office. This can put you in a tough position as an ACLer, especially when this is all new and you're going on a bit of blind faith and trust. So, what do you do? _________ Want a clear plan f...

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 plays into this, normal and abnormal ranges, my approach to tackling hyperextension in unique cases like this, and other considerations for regaining knee hyperextension. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coach...

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 more and ask some questions on how this decision is made, who is making it, and what it actually means. Many times, it's a blanket clearance, when in reality it might just be "medical clearance". If you're an ACLe...

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 juggle at the same time - making it very overwhelming. How do we know what to focus on? We tackle the MIT concept that will help streamline this process for ACLers, clinicians, and coaches. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab...

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 in the process and then athletes are having to play catch. We're going to make sure you tackle and prioritize this the right way so you have a solid game plan after your ACL injury and surgery. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL r...

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 after. A big part of this is managing our expectations and energy around the ACL rehab process. If you're prepared for it, then you'll be able to stay steady cruising playing the long game. _________ Want a clear plan for...

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 outcomes - both the risks and the realities. This one is for my ACLers who are doing it on their own and feeling lost in the process. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of guessing...

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 getting that full knee extension or not. _________ 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 dive into the concept of the Screw Home Mechanism and how it impacts terminal knee extension and joint range of motion, something super important, after ACL injury and surgery. _________ 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 bui...

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 impact the way the rest of the journey goes and potential setbacks you may face. _________ 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 actuall...