ACLs, Jiu Jitsu & Recovery with Dr. X
Manage episode 492539754 series 3662880
Hey guys! I’m so excited to kick off this episode with none other than my mentor and friend, Dr. X—a fellow sports surgeon and a true expert in all things ACL. We dive into the world of sports injuries, especially in jiu jitsu, and break down everything you need to know about ACLs, meniscus, MCL injuries, and how to navigate surgery, recovery, and even whether you really need surgery at all. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or someone recovering from a knee injury, this one’s packed with insight. We also talk mindset, prehab, neuromuscular training, ice baths, and all the stuff no one tells you until you're in it. Let’s get into it.
Episode Highlights:
[0:03] Hanging out with Dr. X and chatting about how his sports injuries led him to ortho.
[2:10] Why your doc needs to understand your sport (especially jiu jitsu!).
[4:45] Wrestlers, boxers, and ACL mechanics—what every athlete should know.
[6:25] Meniscus repair vs trimming—breaking it down in simple terms.
[8:22] The most common jiu jitsu injuries (you’ll definitely relate if you’ve rolled a while).
[12:27] ACL injuries in BJJ: heel hooks, contact injuries, and deciding if you need surgery.
[15:00] Long-term effects of not fixing an ACL—yep, it matters.
[17:30] Prehab, swelling, quad shutdown, and the biggest mistakes people make early.
[22:20] Graft talk: cadaver, quad, patellar, and why we don’t love hamstring grafts.
[27:35] Other injuries that show up with ACL tears—and how they change recovery.
[29:06] Strength vs neuromuscular control in rehab (spoiler: you need both!).
[30:06] All about BFR training—why I love it and use it in my own recovery.
[33:39] Recovery tips: two-a-days, ice baths, and rebuilding after surgery.
[37:07] Why older athletes need to stay moving (my favorite part of the convo!).
[39:49] The mental side of recovery, fear index, and the importance of reps before return.
Thanks so much for listening! If this episode helped you—or made you feel a little less alone in your ACL journey—please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps us keep these conversations going. Catch you next time!
To learn more about Dr. Megan Jimenez, check out her website: doctorjiujitsu.com
4 episodes