Claim OwnershipThe ACL Athlete Podcast
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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 standard of care and revolutionize the field of ACL injuries and rehab.
251 Episodes
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In this episode, we unpack the real truth about knee flexion after ACL surgery — what’s normal, what’s not, and how much it actually matters in your recovery. We break down the key milestones you should hit, why extension still reigns supreme early on, and the single most useful test you can do at home to track your progress. You’ll learn why some athletes regain full flexion quickly while others take months, how swelling and your symptom profile influence the timeline, and why small daily “m...
In this episode, you’ll hear a fired-up deep dive on answering an ACLers question after another ACL injury. We dive into why they happen more than they should, what actually moves the needle on reducing them, and how to navigate the emotional whiplash of “here we go again.” We break down re-injury rates, calling out timeline-based clearances, and making the case for rigorous return-to-sport testing plus truly individualized programming. You’ll also get a candid take on unhelpful medical narra...
In this episode, we unpack the Tucker Kraft ACL news to zoom out on what “typical” return timelines really look like, even for pros with round-the-clock resources. We walk through why nine months remains a common benchmark across elite sport, then break down new research suggesting earlier returns can be safe when strict, objective criteria are met. You’ll hear what those criteria look like in a world-class, highly supervised setting, plus the key limitations that matter for real-world athlet...
In this episode, we unpack why “you’re cleared—just ease into it” isn’t a plan. Using an ACLer's real check-in, I break down the dimmer-switch approach to fear and confidence: gradually dosing exposure so sport feels less scary week by week. You’ll learn how to separate medical clearance from true readiness, map your return with participation → sport → performance phases, and manipulate levers like intensity, minutes, contact, reactivity, player numbers, and/or terrain. If you want a practica...
In this episode, we dig into seven must-know considerations for strength testing in ACL rehab—from why your first test is rarely the full story, to how pain can cap output, to the nitty-gritty of setup, padding, and eliminating compensations. You’ll learn how to test in a series (not a one-off), how to progressively earn high outputs, and why every score is a data point, not a verdict. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or clinician, you’ll leave with a clearer roadmap for interpreting results...
In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked mistakes ACL athletes make in their strength training — undershooting effort. We share a real example from an athlete who realized she’d been training too light and matching her stronger leg to her weaker ACL side. Through this story, we unpack why treating each leg as its own individual is critical, how to use anchoring sets and RPE to find your true limits, and why “two half-full tires” don’t equal full recovery. This episode is all a...
In this episode, we tackle a widespread problem in the ACL rehab space: the drop-off in support and structure between the early stages and mid-late stages. We unpack why this happens—from insurance visit limits to gaps in clinic skillsets and facilities—and how this gray zone aka "the gap" leaves ACLers feeling uncertain, unsupported, and stuck. More importantly, we outline a practical 3-question audit (testing, planning, and expert guidance) to assess whether you’re truly on track or flying ...
In this episode, we dive into a very common issue many ACLers are unknowingly dealing with - junk volume. It's something that is preventing progress. If you’ve ever felt stuck, having a swollen or painful knee, or just burnt out from doing too much—this one’s for you. We explain why piling on exercises, reps, and sets without clear purpose isn’t helping (and might be hurting), and share real stories of athletes doing 10-20+ exercises a day and seeing zero progress. You’ll learn how to shift t...
In this episode, we wrap up a powerful 3-part series diving into what happens inside the operating room during ACL surgery—and how it directly impacts everything that follows in rehab. I share final takeaways after shadowing a respected orthopedic surgeon, offering clinical pearls you won’t find in textbooks. From the surprisingly vascular nature of the torn ACL to the nuanced realities of graft fixation and proprioception loss, this episode connects the surgical process with real-world rehab...
In this part 2 of the 3-part podcast episode series, we dive into my OR experience with an orthopedic surgeon to uncover the real-world nuances of ACL surgery. From patellar tendon grafts vs. quad tendons, to the impact of graft harvest sites and overlooked donor site rehab, this conversation reveals the “unseen” elements that can make or break ACL recovery. You’ll hear candid insights on graft placement, nerve sensitivity, and the decisions surgeons make that aren’t always driven by what’s b...
In this part 1 of the 3-part podcast episode series, I take you inside the OR to share fresh, front-row takeaways from watching multiple ACL surgeries—BPTB autografts, meniscectomies vs repairs, and lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). You’ll hear how surgical volume and precision matter, why symptoms compound when procedures stack, and what real-time decisions look like when a surgeon weighs repairability and patient compliance. Clinicians and ACLers alike will walk away with practical i...
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 testing protocols, we talk through how unfamiliarity with machines, cues, and even the environment can drastically skew test results—often underestimating an athlete’s true capacity. I share personal experiences, common clinical pitfalls, and real-world athlete examples to highlight why repeated exposure, consistent setup, and managing...
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 like “bandwidth” and the “cup”, we explain how setbacks are data points, not failures, and why the real danger is often being underloaded rather than pushing too far. You’ll hear how to adapt when your knee acts up, why flare-ups + setbacks should be reframed as part of the growth process, and how the goal is building resilience and lo...
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 differences—from the role of prehab and long-term outcomes to the massive resources, contracts, and career timelines that drive pro athletes into faster surgeries. You’ll also hear why rushing into surgery can set you back, why a “quiet knee” matters most, and why comparing yourself to an NFL or NBA star isn’t the best blueprint for your...
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 with fitness or rehab backgrounds can miss critical blind spots, the hidden costs of “DIY rehab,” and the importance of finding qualified, specialized help. Whether you’re frustrated by slow progress, feeling lost, or piecing together your own program, this is your reminder: the right expert can save you time, energy, and setbacks—while...
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 every athlete. We break down the difference between blindly following time-based protocols and tailoring progressions to individual goals and readiness. You’ll learn why running isn’t always the ultimate benchmark, how it may open the door to more dynamic athletic movements, and why some ACLers may benefit from delaying or even skippin...
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 of security around knee extension — and why zero degrees is not good enough. You’ll learn why regaining hyperextension is crucial, the pitfalls of conservative post-op bracing protocols, and how to avoid the mistake that slows so many ACLers down. Whether you’re fresh out of surgery, months into recovery, or a clinician guiding athletes,...
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 missed session, or life throwing curveballs—sh*t happens. I share my personal story of a recent setback, the emotional rollercoaster that followed, and how I navigated it using mindset and movement strategies. You’ll learn how to reframe these “detours,” apply practical decision-making tools like the traffic light system, and understand why ...
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 you’re ready—and DIY-ing your own rehab using Instagram exercises or generic templates can cost you months or even years of progress. We dive into the complexity of ACL rehab, why social media is a minefield of misinformation, and how proper guidance—whether remote or in-person—is essential. We talk through powerful analogies, insights...
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 game plan is essential to avoid setbacks—especially with extension and quad activation. We cover why managing pain, swelling, and load is critical in those first few weeks, how to approach crutch use strategically, and why every athlete’s response must be treated uniquely. With a proper post-op strategy, what feels like a setback can b...
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