In this episode, we unpack a big misconception in ACL rehab: the belief that if PT feels hard, it must be working. We break down why sweat, fatigue, and high heart rates don’t automatically equal progress, especially when your knee is swollen or stiff the next day. We dive into the difference between capacity and tolerance, explain why excessive plyometric volume can quietly stall recovery, and outline what intentional, criteria-driven rehab actually looks like. If you’ve ever walked out of a session exhausted but unsure if you’re truly moving forward, this episode will help you rethink what “good rehab” really means.

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 tackle one of the most frustrating and under-discussed parts of ACL rehab: your quad is still smaller months later, and you’re wondering if something is wrong. I break down what the research actually shows about quadriceps muscle mass before surgery, immediately after, and even years down the road. We walk through why atrophy starts earlier than most people realize, why surgery creates a second drop, and why full visual symmetry is not guaranteed within 9–12 months. You’ll also hear real-world examples from elite athletes, and why even world-class pros with top-tier resources don’t always regain identical quad size quickly. We unpack graft type differences, genetics, programming mistakes, and the biological realities that shape muscle recovery. Most importantly, I explain why muscle size and strength are not a perfect one-to-one match using a simple “cup” analogy. Bigger muscle increases potential capacity, but performance depends on more than just volume. If you’ve been staring at your leg wondering why it still looks different, this episode gives you clarity, normalization, and practical direction on how to approach hypertrophy the right way.

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 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.