Dr. Tim Stone: The Art of Coaching in ACL Rehab and Sports Physical Therapy

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tim Stone, Chief Operating Officer at True Sports Physical Therapy, former NCAA National Champion lacrosse player, and one of the most respected voices in ACL rehabilitation and coaching within sports physical therapy.

Dr. Stone shares his unique journey from collegiate athletics to clinical leadership, detailing how he balances executive-level operations across multiple clinics while still delivering elite-level care to athletes. This conversation centers on the art of coaching: what separates simply instructing exercises from truly coaching athletes through high-stakes rehab. 

In this episode, we dive deep into how great clinicians create exceptional sessions by combining preparation, adaptability, and communication. Tim explains how to structure rehab sessions with clear goals, how to regress and progress exercises in real time, and how to read the room to meet athletes where they are emotionally and physically. 

We also cover how to build trust with high-level athletes, manage frustration and emotional moments during rehab, and balance athlete autonomy with authoritative coaching when it matters most. Tim shares practical strategies for navigating return-to-sport decisions, interpreting objective testing like force plates and dynamometry, and knowing when data does, and does not, tell the full story. 

Whether you’re a sports physical therapist, student, strength coach, or clinician working with ACL athletes, this episode delivers a masterclass on coaching, leadership, and delivering meaningful rehab experiences that drive confidence and performance.

Watch now to learn how Dr. Tim Stone approaches ACL rehab, athlete communication, and the art of coaching at the highest level.

#TrueSportsPT #TrueSportsPodcast #TimStone #ACLRehab #SportsPhysicalTherapy #RehabToPerformance #PerformancePT #CoachingInPT #AthleteRehab #ReturnToPlay #SportsMedicine #PTPodcast #ClinicalLeadership #SportsRehab #PhysicalTherapyEducation #AthletePerformance #ACLRecovery #RehabInnovation