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 year approaches and more athletes rush into ACL surgery due to holidays, insurance deductibles, and downtime, this episode explores why preparation, not the surgery itself, is often the difference between smooth momentum and months of frustration. Drawing from hundreds of ACL athletes’ experiences, we share the exact themes, systems, and mindset shifts that consistently lead to better early outcomes, quieter knees, and faster long-term progress. Whether you’re pre-op, early post-op, or a clinician guiding athletes through this process, this episode reframes ACL surgery as a continuation of momentum, not a starting line, and shows why being proactive beats reactive every single time.

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

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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 break down the recent wave of high-profile NFL ACL injuries, including Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons, and use them as a powerful lens to challenge how we think about why ACL injuries happen. Instead of chasing simple answers or assigning blame, we unpack the reality that ACL injuries are multifactorial, often unpredictable, and not a personal failure, even for athletes with world-class genetics, training, and resources. The conversation shifts from unproductive hindsight to where our energy actually belongs: rebuilding, reducing re-injury risk, and using the ACL journey as an opportunity to come back stronger, more resilient, and more intentional than before.

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 break down a powerful message from orthopedic surgeon Dr. Howard Luks - a message every ACL athlete needs to hear. After more than 30 years in the operating room, Dr. Luks says something surprising: "surgery is often the least important part of recovery — rehab is what truly shapes your outcome." We unpack this statement, share why even a “perfect surgery” can fail when rehab is inconsistent, and explain how an average procedure paired with great rehab can lead to outstanding results. Through personal experience, athlete stories, and evidence from the broader orthopedic world, this episode reframes ACL rehab as an active, long-game process - one built on consistent work, smart guidance, and a commitment to rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence over time. It’s a grounded, refreshing reminder that the real turning point is what happens after the operating room.

Add these two links for Dr. Howard Luks in the shownotes please:

• Post: https://x.com/hjluks/status/1945430702033650061
• Dr. Luks' Website: https://www.howardluksmd.com/about/

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.