The ACL Athlete Podcast

170 | Embracing "The Stall" in ACL Rehab

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss embracing the stall during the ACL rehab process. We cover what the stall is, the early ACL process, plateaus, and how ice...

169 | "It'll Get Better With Time" Illusion in ACL Rehab

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover why the notion of "it'll get better with time" can be an opportunity cost and what you can do to make sure yo...

168 | The Trade-Off Between Short- and Long-Term Goals in ACL Rehab

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into short- and long-term goals and how this can rear its head in ACL rehab. Most ACLers are goal-oriented. So, how can you p...

167 | DVTs - A Red Flag Often Missed After ACL Surgery

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into what a DVT is, what to look out for, how this could impact your ACL rehab, and common preventive measures you can take -...

166 | Do You Have to Be a "Gym-Person" For ACL Rehab?

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we answer the question on whether you have to be a "gym-person" to best success in ACL rehab.If you found value in today&ap...

165 | Your Insurance Ran Out. Now What? - Part 2

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of this 2-part episode series, we build on part 1 by diving into all of your available options once your insurance or healthcare coverage ru...

164 | Your Insurance Ran Out. Now What? - Part 1

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In part 1 of this 2-part episode series, we cover navigating your ACL journey when your insurance or healthcare coverage runs out. We dive into a conv...

163 | Who Should Clear You to Start Running in ACL Rehab?

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss who should make the call to clear you to start running. We cover a recent ACL case, how a driver's license relates to...

162 | Should You Push Through Pain in ACL Rehab?

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we answer a super common question we get from athletes - should I push through pain? We talk through a pro athlete example, why pain ...

161 | Why the Surgeon's Post-Op Sheet of Paper Is Failing ACLers

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss an ACLer call and story that I hear quite often. We cover the "typical path", when to start PT, a good rule of t...

160 | Three Whole Years + Three Lessons Learned

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we celebrate 3 years of the ACL Athlete podcast. We talk about the journey over the past 3 years and what we've accomplished tog...

159 | The Important Connection Between Newton's 1st Law and ACL Rehab

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how Newton's 1st law and ACL rehab are related more than you think outside of your typical physics lesson. We cover h...

158 | The Walking Milestone - Is It Slowing Down Your ACL Rehab?

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss why the walking milestone could be slowing down your ACL rehab. We talk about how this usually happens, what we see with a...

157 | The 4 Guiding Principles For Returning to Sport After ACL Injury - Part 2

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover part 2 of this 2-part episode series. We dive into the objective side of things and identify ways we can track these 4 guidi...

156 | The 4 Guiding Principles For Returning to Sport After ACL Injury - Part 1

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this 2-part episode, we cover the 4 guiding principles for returning back to sport after an ACL injury. We talk about these in detail of how they p...

155 | How to Build and Structure a Dynamic ACL Rehab Session

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how we build and design dynamic-focused rehab and training sessions with our ACLers. We walk through different themes to h...

154 | How to Reduce Overwhelm in Your ACL Rehab - Part 2

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover part 2 of this 2-part series in how to reduce overwhelm in ACL rehab. Today, we're tackling practical strategies you ca...

153 | How to Reduce Overwhelm in Your ACL Rehab - Part 1

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into how to reduce overwhelm in your ACL rehab process. We tackle very common root problems we see, a helpful framework to ta...

152 | Revisiting Expectations in ACL Rehab

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into revisiting expectations in ACL rehab. We discuss the complexity of ACL injuries, expectations early and later, an athlet...

151 | Why Offloading is Important for Post-Op ACL

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the importance of offloading after an ACL injury or surgery. We dive into this concept and how it applies to a knee that&a...

150 | The High-Low Approach in ACL Rehab

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover what the high-low approach is and how it applies to ACL rehab. We discuss how this plays into structuring your ACL rehab pro...

149 | A Simple Shift When Life Gets Busy For ACL Rehab

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a simple shift that can help you if you're finding yourself a bit thin on time and trying to manage ACL rehab, life, ...

148 | Breaking Down ACL Graft Types and The Big 3

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover a simple and general overview of the different ACL graft types that you will encounter in discussion with your surgeon, what...

147 | AnnKNEEversary - Imposter Syndrome

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're coming in with some gratitude and a thought on imposter syndrome. I think you'll find a lot of similarities in this i...

146 | What is EPIC Scoring and How Can It Be Helpful in ACL Rehab?

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into what EPIC scoring is. We cover what's used most often and how EPIC scoring can add a lot of value to your ACL rehab...

145 | 20 Red Flags To Consider in Your ACL Rehab - Part 2

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part series, we discuss the second half of the 20 red flags to consider in your ACL rehab. We cover ways to filter through the right envir...

144 | 20 Red Flags To Consider in Your ACL Rehab - Part 1

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this two-part series, we discuss 10 of the 20 red flags to consider in your ACL rehab. We cover what a red flag is, how to make decisions based on ...

143 | Choosing What's Available vs. What's Needed in Your ACL Rehab

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss choosing what's available vs. what's needed in your ACL rehab. We cover some real-life examples of conversations...

142 | Athlete Wins 8.0

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover an ACL athlete win. A long, hard 9+ month recovery for a college soccer player who now is finally back to the field. We dive...

141 | Should You Wait 2 Weeks For PT After ACL Surgery?

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we answer the question whether you should wait 2 weeks (or any extended amount of time) for physical therapy after ACL surgery. We di...

140 | Why You Should Know What's Done in Your ACL Surgery

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss why you should know what's being done in your ACL surgery. We cover how you can best do that and practical routes to ...

139 | Practical Application of Designing a Gym-Based ACL Rehab Session (Including a Case Study of 3-Month Post-Op ACL - Quad Autograft + Meniscus Repair)

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into an ACLer's case that's 3 months post op with a lot going on. We use a principles-based approach to their sessi...

138 | ACL Rehab Principle - Addition By Subtraction

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a crucial ACL rehab principle. We cover what this means, how it can be applied to your ACL rehab and process, a big player...

137 | The Value of Using Time in ACL Rehab

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss time and ACL rehab. We often talk about why time is a bad judge of readiness during this process. 3 months till your proto...

136 | Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) in ACL Rehab

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) in ACL rehab. We cover what is it, why it's done, when it's done, what the...

135 | The Moving Goalpost in ACL Rehab

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into a mindset episode. The moving goalpost is a phenomenon we all experience in life, but it rings especially true in the AC...

134 | "Graduating PT" for ACL Rehab

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the specifics of what "graduating PT" can mean for you and your road ahead. If we're not careful, it can ...

133 | Athlete Wins 7.0

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into 3 different ACLer stories, their process, and where they're at now. We pull lessons from these wins (and losses) an...

132 | Know Your Numbers (KYN) for ACL Rehab

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,  we dive into the current state of ACL rehab, a 3-step KPI framework, subjective vs. objective assessments, and a very practical app...

131 | Self-Audit for Movement Compensations in ACL Rehab Without Fancy Tools

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,  we cover a very practical application on how you can audit and improve compensations you might be dealing with in the ACL rehab pro...

130 | Your Uninjured Side Hurts. Why?

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,  we cover a very common question we get - why does the uninjured side hurt? If this is you, this episode will help shed some light o...

129 | Showing Up On the Bad Days - ACL Rehab Edition

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,  we dive into a mindset-focused episode for our ACLers. For a process that's so long, it's inevitable to have a setback or...

128 | Vetting Your Rehab Professional and Clinic for ACL Rehab - Beyond the Certifications and "Sports Clinic"

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,  we cover a question an ACLer asks in terms of finding the right rehab professional to be your guide and the best clinic for your en...

127 | ACL Rehab Must Do - 1 Prehab Visit

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover why even 1 prehab visit prior to ACL surgery can be an absolute game-changer for your process.Also, check out our new websit...

126 | The "Nice" PT

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a common reason ACLers stick with their PT despite feeling stuck or lost and how you can navigate this situation. Also, ch...

125 | ACL Surgery Essential - Planning your PT Early

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss an essential component to your post-op ACL care-- planning your PT early so you avoid potential delays and can hit the gro...

124 | Dealing with Fear When Returning to Sport after ACL Injury

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode,  we discuss fear and how to deal with it throughout your ACL journey.Also, check out our new website - filled with tons of VALUE and...

123 | 0 Degrees Extension - Good Enough for ACL Rehab?

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss optimal extension in ACL rehab, how individual differences can impact what that number is and what the best next steps is ...

122 | The "Pro Team" Surgeon

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss building their ACL team and vetting the professionals involved in the process.Also, check out our new website - filled wit...

121 | Is 9 Months Good Enough for ACL Rehab?

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the 9 month time frame in the ACL space, why it is known as the cutoff for minimizing risk for reinjury and the potential ...

120 | How To Know If You've Torn Your ACL

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how you can identify if you have a suspected ACL injury,  common myths surrounding them, and personal experiences from my...

119 | Going to the ER/Urgent Care After A Suspected ACL Injury

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss navigating an ER/Urgent care visit after a suspected ACL Injury and what the next steps should look like.  Also, check o...

118 | Why Waiting for ACL Surgery Might Be the Best Decision You Ever Make

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the benefits of waiting for ACL surgery. Also, check out our new website - filled with tons of VALUE and free ACL resourc...

117 | How Important Is Knee Status Going Into ACL Surgery?

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the importance of the status of the knee before ACL surgery and how it impacts the post op phases that follow.Also, check out our new...

116 | One Key Factor That Sets Good vs. Great ACLers Apart

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss  the one factor that we dial in on with all our ACLers because we see it make a huge difference in their ACL Rehab journe...

115 | How Does a Meniscus Injury Impact Your ACL Rehab and Recovery?

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss what your journey may look like when you have a meniscus injury in addition to your ACL injury and how that impacts your A...

114 | The Most Important Phase of ACL Rehab

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we answer the question: what is the most important Phase of ACL Rehab? Also, check out our new website - filled with tons of VALUE an...

113 | Athlete Wins 6.0

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of a specific ACLer story. We  share what we see in the athletes who end up with the best outcomes and r...

112 | Breaking Down Compound vs. Isolated Movements in ACL Rehab

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about compound and isolated movements for your ACL rehab. Which one is better and when? The human body is crazy good at figur...

111 | Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) - Is It Helpful for ACL Rehab and Return to Sport?

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss Limb Symmetry Index -- a common metric used in ACL Rehab and research. We dive into why it is important and how to best ut...

110 | Answering the Question - When Can You ______ In ACL Rehab?

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how to answer difficult questions regarding your timeline and how to understand when it is appropriate to get back to the ...

109 | You're Multiple Years Post-Op ACL. Is It Too Late to Rehab?

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a common question we get from our ACLers and why it is never too late.  Sign up for The ACL Athlete - VALUE Newsletter:ht...

108 | One Simple Strategy to Improve Consistency in Your ACL Rehab

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover a simple strategy we use with our ACLers to help improve consistency, especially once that initial momentum and honeymoon ph...

107 | Two Whole Years

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the podcast turns 2. We reflect on the past year of The ACL Athlete Podcast, a special message, what we together have accomplished, a...

106 | ACL Rehab Principle - KISS

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a simple yet important principle that will serve as a foundation throughout your ACL journey - the KISS principle.  Also,...

105 | Taking Action in ACL Rehab

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the ACL Mindset and discuss a helpful framework on taking action and how that's been helpful for me and our ACLers....

104 | ACL Rehab Considerations for the Older Athlete

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover some factors older athletes and ACLers might face - whether that's having surgery or not, graft types, and what are the...

103 | Managing Your ACL Graft Donor Site after ACLR

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how can you best manage your donor site early after ACLR. We will dive into some basics of ACL grafts, donor sites, and ho...

102 | Picking the Right Professional For Your ACL Team

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about an ACLer story and healthcare encounter that went wrong. We discuss the goals of healthcare and it can fall short, stor...

101 | Overcoming Barriers in ACL Rehab

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the one thing that is standing in the way of your ACL rehab. We discuss what your barriers might be and how we can creat...

100 | Forward Thinking & Backwards Planning for ACL Rehab

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover a simple, yet effective framework for our 2023 and ACL rehab goals. If you feel like you're needing some help getting b...

099 | Looking Back in Your ACL Rehab

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover the year in review. We dive into some reflection strategies for our ACLers that is very vital for goal planning, especially ...

098 | Health Insurance 101 for ACL Rehab

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Health Insurance is a major component to your ACL Rehab and we know it can be confusing! In this episode, we walk you through our experience with heal...

097 | Athlete Wins 5.0

11 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we cover a really cool ACL athlete win - full return to sport after her second ACL injury. We discuss her journey after 2 ACL injurie...

096 | Pain with Kneeling in ACL Rehab

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into an issue that is familiar to ACLers -- pain with kneeling. We take a look at how common it is, why it happens and how yo...

095 | AnnKNEEversary - Your Support System

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into what this time of year brings up for me and a detail many people don't know about my 2nd ACL surgery. I give you on...

094 | Is Numbness Normal after ACL Surgery? Part 2

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In part 2 of this 2-part episode series, we discuss how ACL graft types play a role in numbness experiences, what's normal vs. not with numbness ...

093 | Is Numbness Normal after ACL Surgery? Part 1

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this 2 part episode series, we dive into experiencing numbness after ACL surgery/reconstruction.  We discuss the background as to why ACLers might...

092 | Showing Up in ACL Rehab

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into life lessons, expectations and reframing mindsets so you can show up for yourself during your ACL rehab journey. Sign up...

091 | When Can You Return to the Gym after ACLR?

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the major factors associated with returning to the gym after your ACLR so you can prioritize your safety and performance d...

090 | Top 3 Non-Negotiables in Your ACL Rehab

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss your top three non-negotiables to create a successful rehab process and journey.  Sign up for The ACL Athlete Newsletter:...

089 | How Often Should ACLers Get Tested?

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the world of testing for our ACL athletes but more specifically we answer the common question-- how often should I get t...

088 | Should You Fire Your PT?

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into a challenging scenario you may find yourself in during your ACL rehab and how to navigate this tough situation. We will ...

087 | Athlete Wins 4.0

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into a unique ACL athlete's case and what he did to come out on the other side. We shed some light on the realities of a...

086 | The #1 Question to Ask Yourself in ACL Rehab

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The mental process during ACL rehab is difficult and there are a lot of emotions that come along with this journey. In this episode, we discuss tools ...

085 | The Cross Education Effect in ACL Rehab

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the cross education effect: the idea that we can impact the strength and performance of the operated limb by training the ...

084 | ACL Return to Sport - Who Should Clear You?

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are many members of the ACL Rehab the team. The surgeon, the PT, the AT, the Sport coach, and the Strength coach to name a few -- but who should...

083 | Playing the Long Game in ACL Rehab

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for the magic bullet, quick fix or single best exercise to speed up your ACL rehab? ACL recovery is the long game. In this episode, we discuss...

082 | When To Ditch Your Crutches Post-Op ACLR

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So you are thinking about ditching your crutches? In this episode, we discuss the intricate decision making around transitioning off of your crutches ...

081 | Is Your ACL Rehab Challenging You?

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to ask yourself -- are you being challenged in your ACL rehab?  In this episode, we discuss how you perform a self audit to makes sure...

080 | Are You An "Athlete"?

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you going through your ACL rehab but do not identify as an athlete? What defines an "athlete?"  In this episode, we discuss our definit...

079 | Subjective vs. Objective Wins in ACL Rehab

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the differences in subjective vs. objective wins. Why do these matter? How can you shift your mindset if you're not s...

078 | Movement Compensations in ACL Rehab

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

During ACL rehab, your body may not have the range of motion or strength to appropriately complete a task but our bodies are designed to figure out ho...

077 | The Major Key to ACL Rehab - Quadriceps Performance

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the major role the Quadriceps play in ACL recovery and how we need to focus on more than just strengthening to improve its...

076 | Explaining to Friends & Family About Your ACL Journey

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how you can help your friends and family understand the physical, mental, emotional and psychological aspects of your ACL ...

075 | Do You Need to Apply the Gas, Brakes, or Coast in Your ACL Rehab?

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss how to identify when you should be pressing the brakes, hitting the gas or just coasting in order to optimize your ACL reh...

074 | Using Your "Dial" in ACL Rehab

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we build off of last week's discussion on the principles of mechanics, consistency and intensity. We discuss how to use the &quo...

073 | Mechanics, Consistency, Intensity in ACL Rehab

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you earned the right to dial up the intensity? In this episode, we dive into a simple framework to help you understand the research based milesto...

072 | Nutrition + ACL Rehab with Emily Barnhart, Sports RD - Part 2

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Barnhart is a Registered Dietitian who created and operates as the Injury R.D, specializing in nutrition for injuries and rehab. Prior to that, ...

071 | Nutrition + ACL Rehab with Emily Barnhart, Sports RD - Part 1

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Barnhart is a Registered Dietitian who created and operates as the Injury R.D, specializing in nutrition for injuries and rehab. Prior to that, ...