The Athletic ACL · Office Hours · Free live session
Groundwork: what to master in the first 12 weeks after ACL surgery
Most of the conversation around ACL rehab is about running, jumping and getting back to sport. But how that part goes is largely decided early. This session covers the early checkpoints that set you up for everything after.
Save my spotWho it’s for
- You’re preparing for ACL surgery or in the first few months after it.
- You’re 3–6 months out and not sure if you’re on track or behind.
- You’re a parent trying to understand what your athlete should be working on right now.
What we’ll cover
Four early checkpoints, why each one matters for later stages, and simple ways to check where you stand.
Full extension
Getting the knee as straight as the other side, and why even a few degrees short matters years later.
Unlock the quad
Why the quad “shuts off” after surgery, how common it is, and how to get it firing again.
Swelling down
How lingering swelling holds back your strength, and how to manage it without stalling your progress.
Easy bend, and own it
Restoring bend, kneecap mobility and the knee’s natural lock, with real control of that range, not just range you can be pushed into.
We’ll also cover the common early mistakes that cost people months, and what hitting these checkpoints sets up: return to running and beyond.
How it works
Educational only, not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always follow your surgeon’s guidelines.
Your host
Dr. Ziad Dahdul, DPT, OCS has spent 16 years as a physical therapist and ACL specialist. In that time he’s had the privilege of guiding hundreds of athletes through ACL recovery, from youth and high school athletes to college players and professionals. He’s a board-certified orthopaedic clinical specialist, the founder of Ignite Phyzio & Sports Performance, and the creator of The Athletic ACL, a course where he teaches other clinicians how he approaches ACL rehab.
His focus is the part of recovery most people rush through: the early stage. Get it right, and everything that comes after, from running to jumping to getting back on the field, gets easier. Office Hours is his way of sharing what he’s learned with more athletes and families, wherever they’re doing their rehab.
Clinicians and coaches: our Office Hours session for clinicians is Tuesday, November 3. Register below and select “Clinician” to hear about it first.
Questions
Is it really free?
Yes. There’s no cost and no catch. Register below to get the link.
How do I join?
After you register, you’ll go straight to a page with a big “Join” button, the meeting ID and passcode, and add-to-calendar buttons. We’ll also email you the link, then send a reminder a week before and on the day. On the day, tap the link a few minutes before 4:00 PM PT and you’re in.
Do I need to download Zoom?
On a computer, no. You can join from your web browser. On a phone or tablet, you’ll need the free Zoom app, and your phone will prompt you to install it when you tap the link.
Do I have to be on camera or talk?
No. You’ll join muted, and your camera can stay off. Ask questions in the chat if you prefer.
What if I can’t make it live?
Register anyway. If a replay becomes available, registrants will be the first to get it.
I’m not a patient at Ignite. Can I still join?
Absolutely. This session is for anyone going through ACL recovery, no matter where you’re doing your rehab.
Can my parent or my PT join with me?
Yes. Parents are welcome on this session. Clinicians and coaches have their own session on Tuesday, November 3, built just for them.
Will you answer my specific case?
We’ll answer as many questions as we can, but this is general education, not individual medical advice. If you want your own situation looked at, we’ll share how to book an evaluation at the end.
I registered but can’t find the link.
Check your spam or promotions folder for an email from Ignite Phyzio. Still stuck? Email info@ignitephyzio.com or call 714-335-3182.
Save your spot
Fill out the form below and we’ll email you the Zoom link before the session. Can’t make it live? Register anyway.