The ACL Athlete Podcast

Ravi Patel
  • 5.0 (77)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The ACL Athlete Podcast

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.

  1. 4D AGO

    231 | Regression ≠ Failure: Reframing Setbacks in ACL Rehab

    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.

    18 min

  2. JUN 26

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

    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.

    18 min

  3. JUN 19

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

    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 frustrations, the story unpacks the common—but often overlooked—issue of a cyclops lesion, and the emotional, physical, and systemic challenges that come with it. You’ll hear the importance of restoring full knee extension, the nuanced role of quads and graft types, and why trusting your gut (and advocating for yourself or your athletes) could be the key to unlocking progress. This is a must-listen for any ACLer or clinician who’s hit a frustrating plateau and wonders, “Am I crazy, or is something actually wrong?” 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.

    27 min

  4. JUN 12

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

    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. Speaking directly to both ACL athletes and clinicians, I'm sharing a candid conversation with an athlete feeling discouraged at four weeks post-op for not hitting this “milestone.” I unpack why this exercise can be problematic, especially for those with quad grafts, and emphasizing the need for tailored rehab strategies that prioritize principles over protocols. You’ll learn when this movement may have value, but more importantly, why most ACLers are better off focusing elsewhere early on. It’s a deep dive into one of ACL rehab’s most over-prescribed exercises—with plenty of empathy, experience, and practical takeaways. 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.

    30 min

  5. JUN 5

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

    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, the best and worst case scenarios, a helpful rating system, and accessing elite level care. 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.

    27 min

  6. MAY 29

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

    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, ACLers who feel they're "following the plan", case examples, and a very helpful 4-step framework for you to put into play for your own ACL rehab. If you're someone dealing with swelling or helping others to manage it, this will be a super helpful episode. 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.

    35 min

  7. MAY 22

    225 | Vacation or Setback? Navigating Travel During ACL Rehab

    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 rehab process. So how do you handle it? This episode covers the conversations we have with our ACLers and one you should consider in your own travel/vacation planning, being different than your normal routine, game planning it, exceptions to this, and what's the reality of how travel impacts your 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.

    18 min

  8. MAY 15

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

    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 problems, questions, and concerns regarding their cases. I want to break down the realities of these conversations and what it has costed them (them being 13 different ACLers) based on poor guidance and waiting. In majority of cases, it's not their fault. It's a bigger issue - the system as a whole failed them. But, once they realize it's a problem, it's on them to make some moves. Otherwise, it costs them even more - finances, time, physical health, mental health, and so much more. I wanted to do this episode to pull back the curtain on the realities of what's quite common in this space. I hope that this allows you to take control of your own ACL rehab and process. 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.

    38 min
See All (231)

5
out of 5
77 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ravi Patel
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    231
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The ACL Athlete Podcast
  • Show Website
    The ACL Athlete Podcast

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