ClinicalAthlete Podcast Episode 125: Everything You’d Ever Possibly Need to Know About Early to Mid Stage Management of ACL Rehab
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Aug 8, 2025 In this episode, Steph Allen from ACL Resolve, a remote ACL rehab specialist, shares her expertise on ACL recovery. She addresses the crucial early to mid-stage rehabilitation process, offering insights on the role of braces and factors influencing recovery timelines based on graft types. Steph emphasizes the significance of communication between athletes and healthcare providers, while also discussing strategies for quadriceps activation and the importance of individualized rehab approaches. Her tips aim to enhance recovery confidence and readiness for returning to sport.
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Zach Suggested The Topic — Then Ghosted
- Zach volunteered the podcast idea and then bailed, which the hosts joked about.
- This light moment framed the relaxed tone of the episode.
Nudge Movement, Don't Bulldoze Range Of Motion
- Early rehab should 'nudge' movement to show the body movement is safe without aggressively forcing range or pain.
- Aggressively forcing ROM early often causes more harm than measured, frequent progress does.
Use Braces Strategically, Not Permanently
- Use a brace early for sleep and safety but avoid 24/7 wear and avoid keeping crutches only because of the brace.
- Prefer keeping crutches for gait practice and wean the brace gradually as swelling, gait, and quad control improve.