The ACL Athlete Podcast

270 | The Challenging Dynamic When Friends or Family Help With Your ACL Rehab

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into one of the most common and least talked about situations in ACL rehab: what happens when the person guiding your recover...

269 | Feed the Rebuild: What ACL Athletes Get Wrong About Nutrition

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dig into one of the most overlooked mistakes in ACL recovery: undereating. It sounds logical on the surface: you are moving less, ...

268 | From ACL Adversity to Comeback: The Mindset Shift You Need Right Now

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we sit with a quote from Duke Women's Basketball coach Kara Lawson that stopped me in my tracks and immediately made me think of...

267 | The ACL Decision No One Talks About: Should You Even Return to Your Sport?

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dig into one of the most important and least talked about conversations in ACL rehab: the decision of whether or not to go back to...

266 | Complex ACL Cases: The More Complicated, The More Opinions You May Need

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we break down what it actually means to have a complicated ACL/knee case, from multi-ligament involvement and cartilage damage to pos...

265 | Five Years of The ACL Athlete Podcast + Five Lessons Learned

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we mark five years of The ACL Athlete Podcast by doing something I almost let pass entirely: sitting down with no agenda, and saying ...

264 | Your ACL Rehab Is Hard… But Is It Actually Helping?

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we unpack a big misconception in ACL rehab: the belief that if PT feels hard, it must be working. We break down why sweat, fatigue, a...

263 | Quad Size Still Smaller? The Science Behind Persistent Quad Atrophy after ACLR

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we tackle one of the most frustrating and under-discussed parts of ACL rehab: your quad is still smaller months later, and you’re w...

262 | The Human Body Is Resilient: Redefining ACL Limits Through Lindsey Vonn's Story

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we take a deeper, more grounded look at resilience through the lens of Lindsey Vonn's ACL journey. Not as motivation, but as a r...

261 | The ACL Is a Seatbelt: You Don’t Know You Need It Until You Do

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we unpack why “feeling good” late in ACL rehab can be one of the most misleading signals an athlete can rely on. Using the ACL-as...

260 | Arthrofibrosis After ACLR: Trusting Your Gut When Rehab Isn’t Adding Up

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked and misunderstood aspects of ACL rehab: what to do when your knee just doesn’t feel right. ...

259 | Why Your ACL Rehab Needs a Guide, Not Just a Protocol

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we tackle one of the most common (and costly) questions in ACL rehab: when you should bring in an ACL specialist: right away, or “l...

258 | The 24-Hour Rule: The ACL Rehab Mindset You Need in the New Year

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we kick off the new year with one of the most important conversations in ACL rehab: your mindset. Drawing inspiration from performanc...

257 | Stuck in ACL Rehab: Why So Many ACLers Fall Through the Cracks

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we break down the most common and frustrating path that ACL athletes take as they move through rehab and quietly fall through the cra...

256 | Proactive > Reactive: The ACL Surgery Prep That Separates Successful Recoveries

25 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we breaks down one of the most underestimated factors in ACL recovery: what happens before surgery even begins. As the end of the yea...

255 | ACL Injuries Happen - Re-Injuries Don’t Have To: Where Your Focus Actually Matters

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we break down the recent wave of high-profile NFL ACL injuries, including Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons, and use them as a powerf...

254 | An Orthopedic Surgeon's Perspective on What Matters More: Surgery vs. Rehab

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we break down a powerful message from orthopedic surgeon Dr. Howard Luks - a message every ACL athlete needs to hear. After more than...

253 | The Most Underrated Load Management Tool After ACL Surgery

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we break down one of the most underrated, yet most influential parts of ACL rehab: step count. While most athletes focus on rehab, gr...

252 | AnnKNEEversary - It Takes A Village

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we celebrate another “AnnKNEEversary” of my ACL surgery and use it as a checkpoint to zoom out on life, rehab, and the people who...

251 | Knee Flexion Truths in ACL Rehab: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What Actually Matters

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

250 | From Hopeless to Hopeful: The Mindset Shift After Another ACL Tear

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

249 | The Sweet Spot Debate: Can You Return to Sport in Less than 9 Months in ACL Rehab?

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

248 | Stop “Easing Into It”: The Framework to Make Return to Sport Less Scary in ACL Rehab

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

247 | 7 Key Considerations for Strength Testing in ACL Rehab

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

246 | Two Cars, Two Lanes: Undershooting Training in ACL Rehab

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked mistakes ACL athletes make in their strength training — undershooting effort. We share a re...

245 | The Rehab Gap No One Talks About (But Every ACLer Feels)

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 st...

244 | Why Junk Volume Is Holding Back Your ACL Progress

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into a very common issue many ACLers are unknowingly dealing with - junk volume. It's something that is preventing progr...

243 | Inside the OR: Important Lessons I Took From Watching ACL Surgery Firsthand - Part 3

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 impac...

242 | Inside the OR: Important Lessons I Took From Watching ACL Surgery Firsthand - Part 2

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

241 | Inside the OR: Important Lessons I Took From Watching ACL Surgery Firsthand - Part 1

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

240 | A Hidden Factor in ACL Strength Testing – Familiarization

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we break down a rarely talked-about but crucial concept in ACL rehab: familiarization with strength testing. From isometric quad test...

239 | Normalize the Setback: Why Never Having One Can Be A Problem in ACL Rehab

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 simpl...

238 | Pro Athletes vs. The Rest of Us: The Truth About ACL Surgery Timing

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

237 | The $200 Lesson That Could Save Your ACL Rehab

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 wh...

236 | Running Optional: Redefining Milestones in ACL Rehab

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

235 | The Bracing Illusion: Why Your Knee Isn’t as Straight as You Think

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

234 | When Sh*t Happens in ACL Rehab: What to Do (and What NOT to Do)

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 stra...

233 | Stuck, Lost, and Piecing It Together: The ACL Rehab No One Talks About

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 clear...

232 | You Had a Cyclops Lesion Removed—Now What?

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

231 | Regression ≠ Failure: Reframing Setbacks in ACL Rehab

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore one of the most misunderstood aspects of ACL rehab: setbacks. We dive deep into the non-linear nature of recovery and how ...

230 | Undercooked > Overcooked: The Golden Rule of ACL Rehab

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into a powerful analogy—the undercooked vs. overcooked concept—to reframe how we approach loading and progression in ACL ...

229 | From Stuck to Seen: How Advocating Changed This ACL Rehab Trajectory

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the real-life case of a 14-year-old female athlete navigating a complex ACL rehab journey. From prehab through post-op f...

228 | The One ACL Exercise Everyone’s Told to Do—That I Rarely Prescribe

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we break down a specific exercise—often a staple in early ACL rehab—isn’t the universal must-do exercise it’s made out to be....

227 | Why The Best Surgeon Can’t Save You From Bad ACL Rehab

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a common theme that I often see with ACLers when it comes to choosing their ACL team. We dive into how this search looks, ...

226 | The #1 Mistake After ACL Surgery That Keeps Swelling Around

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we tackle the #1 mistake I often see that makes swelling stick around. We dive into the downsides of swelling, diagnosing the problem...

225 | Vacation or Setback? Navigating Travel During ACL Rehab

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into navigating travel during ACL rehab. Inevitably, travel will happen for many folks over the course of 9-12+ months of a r...

224 | The Real Price of Waiting: Opportunity Cost in ACL Rehab

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss opportunity cost in ACL rehab. Every decision we make has an opportunity cost. Each week, I have people reach out with pro...

223 | Rehab Realities vs. The Reel: The Social Media Illusion of ACL Recovery

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the realities behind a true ACL rehab journey vs. what you might see on social media. Understanding the purpose of these p...

222 | Your Built-In Benchmark: Why the Uninvolved Side Can Be Your ACL Rehab Guide

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a commonly overlooked benchmark in ACL rehab - your uninvolved side. While this leg has to take on the load early on, it c...

221 | How to Build Your ACL Athlete Dashboard - Measure What Matters

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the building your ACL athlete dashboard - a big part of pulling from the quote: "what gets measured gets managed&qu...

220 | The One Question Every ACL Athlete Must Ask Their PT

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we share the number one question to vet and see if your physical therapist/rehab provider is legit for you and your ACL rehab. We bre...

219 | I'm Having Surgery: Pulling Back the Curtain - Part 2

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of this 2-part podcast episode series, I discuss an upcoming surgery I'm having. I pull back the curtain on my own journey getting here...

218 | I'm Having Surgery: Pulling Back the Curtain - Part 1

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss an upcoming surgery I'm having. I pull back the curtain on my own journey getting here, being super open and transpare...

217 | 8 Ways to Finally Get Rid of Swelling After ACL Surgery - Part 2

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of this 2-part podcast episode series, we continue the conversation on our 8 proven strategies to help with swelling management in ACL rehab...

216 | 8 Ways to Finally Get Rid of Swelling After ACL Surgery - Part 1

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In part 1 of this 2-part podcast episode series, we dive into all things swelling management. We discuss the background on swelling and the why, how i...

215 | The 0-100% Assessment: A Simple Tool for Addressing Gaps + Confidence in ACL Rehab

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the 0-100% assessment I use with all of my ACLers. It's a very simple tool to get context with where ACLers are as ...

214 | When Should You Schedule ACL Surgery?

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we provide guidance on when you should schedule your ACL surgery. While it might seem super straight forward to just jump in the next...

213 | Keeping Your "Floor" High: Maintaining Fitness During ACL Rehab

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how to keep your floor high after ACL injury and surgery. We often find that ACLers go from one extreme, moving and being ...

212 | Can You Prevent A Cyclops Lesion in ACL Rehab?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we answer whether you can prevent a cyclops lesion from happening in ACL rehab. We give some background on a cyclops lesion, theories...

211 | Breaking Down the 3-Step Return to Performance Continuum After ACL Injury

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover the 3-step return to performance continuum in detail. We explore the most important question to answer for our ACLers, the R...

210 | Four Whole Years + Four Lessons Learned

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we celebrate 4 years of The ACL Athlete Podcast. We talk about the journey over the past 4 years and what we've accomplished tog...

209 | Torn ACL? How to Process Your ACL Injury

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ta...

208 | Should You Get A Second Opinion For ACL Surgery?

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 dur...

207 | 10 Key Strategies For Better Sleep After ACL Surgery

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

206 | The .300 Mindset: Embracing Progress Over Perfection in ACL Rehab

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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-...

205 | Never Zero: Building Momentum in ACL Rehab

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 mi...

204 | Gains Over Gaps: Shifting Your Mindset in ACL Rehab

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

203 | How to Design Effective ACL Programs Using the 80/20 Rule

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover the 80/20 rule and how this can be incredibly effective in helping design efficient, personalized, and effective ACL program...

202 | The KPI-Driven ACL Athlete: Anchoring Your Process to Criteria, Not Time

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 int...

201 | Redefining the Older ACL Athlete: Does Age Matter?

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 dif...

200 | AnnKNEEversary - The Little Moments

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 mo...

199 | Avoiding the Range of Motion Regression in ACL Rehab: Key Self-Tests for Maintenance

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

198 | Changing Seasons, Changing Goals: How to Adapt in ACL Rehab

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 les...

197 | "How Are You (Really) Doing?" Navigating the Emotional Check-Ins During ACL Rehab

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 proces...

196 | This Too Shall Pass: Embracing the Journey of ACL Rehab

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

195 | One Common Mistake ACLers Make When Working on Knee Extension

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ge...

194 | Should You Go to Your Surgeon’s Recommended Physical Therapy Clinic for ACL Rehab?

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

193 | Navigating Hyperextension in ACL Rehab: When Equal Isn't the Goal

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 hyperm...

192 | Cleared But Not Ready: Understanding the Difference in Medical vs. Physical Clearance in ACL Rehab

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the perception of getting "cleared" and what this means when an ACLer gets cleared (or graduates). We need to di...

191 | Focus on What Matters: The MIT Approach in ACL Rehab

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

190 | Flexion vs. Extension: What Should You Prioritize Post-ACL Surgery?

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover whether you should prioritize flexion or extension after ACL injury and surgery. This is something that often gets confused ...

189 | The "Honeymoon Phase" of ACL Rehab: Managing Expectations + Momentum

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

188 | DIY ACL Rehab: The Risks and Realities

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 reha...

187 | Why Your Terminal Knee Extensions Aren't Working: A Common Mistake in ACL Rehab

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

186 | The Role of the Screw Home Mechanism in Terminal Knee Extension + ACL Rehab

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join the waitlist for next cohort for The ACL Athlete Mentorship.In this episode, we dive into the concept of the Screw Home Mechanism and how it impa...

185 | 10 Ways To Improve Your Post-Op ACL Rehab Outcomes

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join the waitlist for next cohort for The ACL Athlete Mentorship.In this episode, we cover 10 different ways to improve your outcomes after ACL surger...

184 | Do You Feel Behind In Your ACL Rehab? - Part 2

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

183 | Do You Feel Behind In Your ACL Rehab? - Part 1

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

182 | 15 Timeless Reminders I Wish I Had During My ACL Rehab Process

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join the waitlist for next cohort for The ACL Athlete Mentorship.In this episode, we dive into 15 helpful reminders that I hope serve you well during ...

181 | The #1 Red Flag To Look Out For In Your ACL Rehab

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 tel...

180 | Testing Frequency and Structure in ACL Rehab

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover the frequency and structure of testing for ACLers during their ACL rehab process. We discuss myths around testing, important...

179 | What Shin Angles Tell Us About Your ACL Rehab

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 do...

178 | Is Manual Therapy Needed for ACL Rehab?

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

177 | Managing Unexpected Challenges in ACL Rehab Using The Reverse Clause

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover a useful strategy using the reverse clause when managing unexpected challenges that will more than likely happen during your...

176 | You Need ACL Surgery - How Timing Impacts Your Success

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

175 | ACL Graft Types - Why You Might Not Have a Choice For Surgery

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

174 | Can You Accelerate the ACL Rehab Process? - Part 2

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of this 2-part podcast episode series, we answer the question of whether you can accelerate your ACL rehab process and get back to your spor...

173 | Can You Accelerate the ACL Rehab Process? - Part 1

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In part 1 of this 2-part podcast episode series, we lay the groundwork for answering the question of if you can accelerate your ACL rehab process and ...

172 | Should Your Knee Feel The Same After An ACL Injury?

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we answer the question on whether your knee should feel back to "normal" after you've had an ACL injury and/or surgery...

171 | How To Navigate Different PT's For Your ACL Rehab

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we tackle a question from an ACLer who is juggling multiple providers within their same clinic and feeling lost. We describe how to n...