The ACL Athlete Podcast

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...

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 in this, the sliding scale that can exist especially with human variation and biology, the gap vs. gain concept, honest reflections, and implementing some practical strategies to put this information in play for mindset and a more successful...

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 regarding a recent experience, how our expectations vs. reality might have a heavy influence on feeling behind, navigating the different inputs and voices we allow in, some honest checkpoints, and the n=1 concept. If you're an athl...

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 keep me grounded through the ups and downs of the long 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 cus...

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 lot about whether the rehab and medical professional is up-to-date on the current landscape of ACL rehab or not. It's not necessarily the fancy tech that's needed, but more about what's communicated regarding this particular fa...

In this episode, we cover the frequency and structure of testing for ACLers during their ACL rehab process. We discuss myths around testing, important buckets and athletic qualities to help know what we're looking for, and how frequency and structure plays into a successful ACL rehab. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of gue...

In this episode, we discuss shin angles and how they play a huge role in your ACL rehab. Something that can be often overlooked or missed, we break down it's important, the differences in angles, what's needed to achieve the right angles, what's limiting you, and a way for you to audit yourself to see how your shin angles look. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1...

In this episode, we discuss whether manual therapy or hands-on help with your ACL rehab is really needed in the process. We cover the skepticism that ACLers share, the active vs. passive approach, a perspective as a clinician and ACLer, and the benefits of the active approach. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab? 1 on 1 Remote ACL Coaching is for ACLers who are tired of guessing. Object...

In this episode, we cover a useful strategy using the reverse clause when managing unexpected challenges that will more than likely happen during your ACL rehab process. We cover defining what it is, where it comes from, dealing with perfectionism in this process, some real-life examples, and how you can use this as an opportunity for better or worse. _________ Want a clear plan for your ACL rehab...

In this episode, we cover how your ACL surgery timing can directly impact the success of your recovery. If you're someone who's approaching ACL surgery, this is a must listen to make sure you can have a successful rehab 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 are actuall...

In this episode, we discuss something that I've been thinking about for quite some time. Something I've noticed in terms of ACLers and their graft-type options. We break down choices (or lack thereof) and how you can go about making sure you navigate this process with selecting your graft type and surgeon. The ACL Athlete Resources Free eBook Download [PDF]: 8 Questions You Should Ask Yo...