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The ACL Athlete Podcast

The ACL Athlete Podcast

By: Ravi Patel
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About this listen

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.© 2025 The ACL Athlete Podcast Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • 232 | You Had a Cyclops Lesion Removed—Now What?
    Jul 10 2025

    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 become a launchpad for major progress.

    Ways we can connect:
    My IG: www.instagram.com/ravipatel.dpt
    Our website: www.theaclathlete.com
    Email: ravi@theaclathlete.com
    _________________

    Submit a topic or a question you'd like me to answer.

    Check out our website and tons of free ACL resources

    Sign up for The ACL Athlete - VALUE Newsletter (an exclusive newsletter packed with value - ACL advice, go-to exercises, ACL research reviews, athlete wins, frameworks we use, mindset coaching, blog articles, podcast episodes, and pre-launch access to some exciting projects we have lined up)

    1-on-1 Remote ACL Coaching - A clear plan. Structured ACL program. Based on your goals. Expert guidance and support with every step. Objective testing from anywhere in the world.

    Send me a text and share anything about the podcast - an episode that hit home or how the podcast has helped you in your journey.

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • 231 | Regression ≠ Failure: Reframing Setbacks in ACL Rehab
    Jul 3 2025

    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 regression doesn’t mean failure and how reframing this makes a massive difference in this process. Drawing from personal coaching experience and thought leaders, we reframe setbacks and "missed milestones" as necessary adjustments rooted in readiness, not punishment. You'll learn why protocols based strictly on time can do more harm than good, how to recognize when an athlete simply isn’t ready for a task, and why adaptive, individualized programming is essential. Whether you're an ACLer or a clinician, this episode will shift your mindset and equip you with a more realistic and empowering perspective for the ACL rehab journey.

    Ways we can connect:
    My IG: www.instagram.com/ravipatel.dpt
    Our website: www.theaclathlete.com
    Email: ravi@theaclathlete.com
    _________________

    Submit a topic or a question you'd like me to answer.

    Check out our website and tons of free ACL resources

    Sign up for The ACL Athlete - VALUE Newsletter (an exclusive newsletter packed with value - ACL advice, go-to exercises, ACL research reviews, athlete wins, frameworks we use, mindset coaching, blog articles, podcast episodes, and pre-launch access to some exciting projects we have lined up)

    1-on-1 Remote ACL Coaching - A clear plan. Structured ACL program. Based on your goals. Expert guidance and support with every step. Objective testing from anywhere in the world.

    Send me a text and share anything about the podcast - an episode that hit home or how the podcast has helped you in your journey.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • 230 | Undercooked > Overcooked: The Golden Rule of ACL Rehab
    Jun 26 2025

    In this episode, we dive into a powerful analogy—the undercooked vs. overcooked concept—to reframe how we approach loading and progression in ACL rehab. We emphasize the importance of starting conservatively to avoid unnecessary flare-ups that can derail recovery, especially in the early stages post-injury or surgery. You’ll learn why “undercooking” is a safer and smarter strategy that still allows for consistent progress, how to read your body’s response to training, and why psychological wins from easier starts matter. This episode is packed with practical strategies for athletes and clinicians alike to better manage load, symptoms, and long-term outcomes for ACL rehab.

    Ways we can connect:
    My IG: www.instagram.com/ravipatel.dpt
    Our website: www.theaclathlete.com
    Email: ravi@theaclathlete.com
    _________________

    Submit a topic or a question you'd like me to answer.

    Check out our website and tons of free ACL resources

    Sign up for The ACL Athlete - VALUE Newsletter (an exclusive newsletter packed with value - ACL advice, go-to exercises, ACL research reviews, athlete wins, frameworks we use, mindset coaching, blog articles, podcast episodes, and pre-launch access to some exciting projects we have lined up)

    1-on-1 Remote ACL Coaching - A clear plan. Structured ACL program. Based on your goals. Expert guidance and support with every step. Objective testing from anywhere in the world.

    Send me a text and share anything about the podcast - an episode that hit home or how the podcast has helped you in your journey.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins

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