Torn: Overcoming the Psychological Challenges Post-ACL Injury

Starting the chapter with a quote that resonates with the contents of each chapter brings a much deeper meaning and awareness of what will happen. Keagen describes his journey as an ACL patient and what he has gone through as a an athlete and how he bounced back from it. I hope that people who reads this understand that injuries are more psychological than physical most of the times and using some approaches that Keagen have described would be a great way to start 😄

I really enjoyed Keagan's book Thrive. I was expecting a rather dry, medical type of book, but Keagans story is actually really moving. The way he is both a high level athlete and a doctor of occupational therapy makes his message resonate much more than if he was only one or the author. Add to that he is a great writer, makes this a great book and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!!!

The media could not be loaded.  I’m writing this review and I’m only a few pages in but the opening had me in tears. I’m so thankful my PT recommended this to me. I’ve been in a depressive slump, haven’t gone out and am moving back home. Even the words “you are not alone, I dedicate this book to you in hopes that it will assist you in finding your way. You are brave, capable and deserving of respect. Never give up on yourself” was enough for me to write this review. I’m on my second ACL tear and never had the first one treated. Will update when I finish. Just wanted to write a little blurb. It’s only 18 chapters and roughly 135 pages. So it’ll be a great read! To Keagan, thank you for writing this.Finally finished. Amazing read!!!

Author shares his struggles through ACL surgery and return to what he loves. Introducing ACT as a beneficial mental health support.

I found this book through the recommendation of my strength coach, shortly after tearing my ACL in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament. My emotional health has been a disaster from the moment I received my MRI results, and while I don’t have professional aspirations for my athletic endeavors, the author could otherwise have been telling my own story. His honest recollection of his emotional state and social withdrawal after his injury helped me feel less alone in my struggle and to mentally prepare for the challenges ahead.Perhaps more importantly, he explains Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in a way that is helpful for those of us who are wholly unfamiliar with the concept. He divided this information into manageable bites by weaving in motivational quotes and relevant accounts of his own past. The latter clearly depicts a man who had hit rock bottom, or close to it, and knowing that he was able to use ACT to overcome his struggles gives me hope. Better yet, understanding the principles of ACT provides me with a plan of action leading up to - and coming out of - ACL reconstruction surgery. I don’t need to feel like a victim anymore.

I am so thankful to Keagen for writing this book! Healing from my injuries has been a major challenge and his book literally felt like a lifejacket. Even though I am not an athlete, I found his book to still speak to me in all my roles.