The Knee Gurus

Can a torn ACL heal — and can you do anything to improve the chances of it happening?

In this episode of The Knee Gurus Podcast, we sit down with Patrick to hear his experience of tearing his ACL and choosing the Cross Bracing Protocol in an attempt to allow the ligament to heal.
Patrick had an excellent healing result, but what makes his story particularly interesting is the way he approached the process. Rather than simply following the bracing protocol, he looked at every aspect of his health and recovery that he could control — from rehabilitation and nutrition to sleep, recovery and lifestyle — to create the best possible environment for his body to heal.
We discuss:
Patrick's ACL injury and initial diagnosis
Why he chose Cross Bracing rather than immediately pursuing ACL reconstruction
What the Cross Bracing Protocol was actually like as a patient
The physical and psychological challenges of the early weeks
What Patrick did to optimise his health and recovery
Sleep, nutrition, training and lifestyle during ACL healing
Seeing his healed ACL on follow-up imaging
Rebuilding strength and confidence after bracing
What his knee is capable of today
What he'd do differently if he had his time again
His advice for someone who has just torn their ACL
Patrick's story is a fascinating example of the emerging conversation around the healing potential of the ACL and how we might think more broadly about creating an environment that supports recovery.
Important: This episode shares one person's experience and is not medical advice. Cross Bracing is not appropriate for every ACL injury. If you've injured your ACL, seek assessment from a healthcare professional experienced in ACL management to discuss the options appropriate for you.
The Knee Gurus Podcast — conversations about ACLs, knees, rehabilitation and the evolving science of helping people get back to doing what they love.

In Episode 24 of the Knee Gurus Podcast, we are joined by Dr Tom Cross and physiotherapist Ryan Kerr for an in-depth discussion on one of the most common and significant injuries in skiing: the ACL tear.

Dr Tom Cross, co-founder of the Cross Bracing Protocol and one of Australia's leading voices in ACL management, brings decades of experience in sports medicine and knee injury treatment. Alongside him is Ryan Kerr, a physiotherapist with over 10 years of experience working in ski resorts and helping injured skiers safely return to the slopes.

Together, we explore why ACL injuries are so common in skiing, what to do if you suffer an ACL injury while on a ski trip, rehabilitation strategies, return-to-sport considerations, and practical ways to reduce your risk on the mountain.

Whether you're a skier, physiotherapist, sports medicine professional, or someone recovering from an ACL injury, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

Topics covered:
Why ACL injuries happen in skiing
Immediate management after a ski injury
The Cross Bracing Protocol and ACL healing
Rehabilitation and recovery timelines
Returning safely to skiing and sport
Injury prevention strategies for skiers

Tune in for an expert conversation on ACL injuries and how to get back to doing what you love.

In Episode 23 of the Knee Gurus Podcast, we are joined by Dr Tom Cross and physiotherapist Ryan Kerr for an in-depth discussion on one of the most common and significant injuries in skiing: the ACL tear.

Dr Tom Cross, co-founder of the Cross Bracing Protocol and one of Australia's leading voices in ACL management, brings decades of experience in sports medicine and knee injury treatment. Alongside him is Ryan Kerr, a physiotherapist with over 10 years of experience working in ski resorts and helping injured skiers safely return to the slopes.

Together, we explore why ACL injuries are so common in skiing, what to do if you suffer an ACL injury while on a ski trip, rehabilitation strategies, return-to-sport considerations, and practical ways to reduce your risk on the mountain.

Whether you're a skier, physiotherapist, sports medicine professional, or someone recovering from an ACL injury, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

Topics covered:
Why ACL injuries happen in skiing
Immediate management after a ski injury
The Cross Bracing Protocol and ACL healing
Rehabilitation and recovery timelines
Returning safely to skiing and sport
Injury prevention strategies for skiers

Tune in for an expert conversation on ACL injuries and how to get back to doing what you love.

In this educational episode of The Knee Gurus, we break down the full recovery journey after an ACL tear. From the moment of diagnosis through surgery, rehab, strength training and return to sport, we explain what to do at every stage to protect your knee, reduce setbacks and achieve the best long-term outcome.

Kate Ryan is an avid skier from New Zealand who unfortunately sustained an ACL tear in Niseko in January this year. We discuss her journey from injury through to choosing the right treatment pathway for her