In this episode, we unpack why “you’re cleared—just ease into it” isn’t a plan. Using an ACLer's real check-in, I break down the dimmer-switch approach to fear and confidence: gradually dosing exposure so sport feels less scary week by week. You’ll learn how to separate medical clearance from true readiness, map your return with participation → sport → performance phases, and manipulate levers like intensity, minutes, contact, reactivity, player numbers, and/or terrain. If you want a practical path back—one that respects psychology as much as physical—this one gives you the framework.

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 dig into seven must-know considerations for strength testing in ACL rehab—from why your first test is rarely the full story, to how pain can cap output, to the nitty-gritty of setup, padding, and eliminating compensations. You’ll learn how to test in a series (not a one-off), how to progressively earn high outputs, and why every score is a data point, not a verdict. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or clinician, you’ll leave with a clearer roadmap for interpreting results and steering programming with confidence.

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 mistakes ACL athletes make in their strength training — undershooting effort. We share a real example from an athlete who realized she’d been training too light and matching her stronger leg to her weaker ACL side. Through this story, we unpack why treating each leg as its own individual is critical, how to use anchoring sets and RPE to find your true limits, and why “two half-full tires” don’t equal full recovery. This episode is all about learning how to push harder, smarter, and confidently — so you can stop guessing and start rebuilding real strength.

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.