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 real, physical, and mental demonstration of what the human body is capable of when given time, intention, and the right environment. From multiple ACL tears and degenerative knee changes to a partial knee replacement and a late-career Olympic push, Lindsey’s story challenges rigid narratives around timelines, imaging, and “what should be possible” after injury. This episode unpacks the difference between structure and function, why feeling good doesn’t always mean being ready, and how capacity, tolerance, and informed decision-making matter far more than labels. Most importantly, it reframes the ACL journey with a powerful reminder: it’s never too late to rebuild, adapt, and return to what matters to you.

Links:

• https://www.instagram.com/p/DUI-ajQDTCc/
• https://www.espn.com/olympics/skiing/story/_/id/47776769/vonn-crashes-limps-final-test-run-week-olympics
• https://www.instagram.com/p/DUTSTCvDdIp/
• https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/47816576/vonn-confident-race-olympics-ruptured-acl
• https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUTcSDGEfPn/

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.

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-a-seatbelt analogy, we break down why the ligament stays quiet during controlled rehab and daily activities, why clinic exams and timelines often provide a false sense of security, and why symptoms disappearing does not equal readiness for sport. This episode reframes ACL recovery away from confidence and calendar time and toward objective evidence, chaos tolerance, and worst-case scenario preparedness, so athletes and clinicians understand what truly reduces reinjury risk.

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.

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. You can be doing everything “by the book,” checking every rehab box, yet still feel stuck with stiffness, blocked motion, or regression that doesn’t add up. We unpack why blindly pushing through isn’t always the answer, how arthrofibrosis and cyclops lesions can quietly derail progress, and why listening to your gut (and advocating for yourself early) can save months of frustration. This episode is about separating normal rehab discomfort from true red flags and empowering ACLers and clinicians to stop wasting time fighting the wrong problem.

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.