From injury to return to sport
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most significant injuries an athlete can face. Whether you have surgery or not, the quality of your rehabilitation has a major influence on how well you return to sport and how well you protect your knee in the future. Our sports physiotherapists guide you through every stage, from the day of injury to your first game back.
Surgery or no surgery?
Not every ACL injury needs a reconstruction. Some people, depending on their sport, goals and knee stability, do well with structured rehabilitation alone. Others are better suited to surgery. We will help you understand your options and work closely with your GP and orthopaedic surgeon to make the right decision for you.
The stages of ACL rehab
- Prehab (before surgery): settle swelling, restore full knee straightening and build strength. People who go into surgery with a calm, strong knee tend to recover faster afterwards.
- Early recovery: control pain and swelling, regain movement and switch the quadriceps back on.
- Strength and control: progressive strength training for the quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves, plus balance work.
- Running and power: return to running, then jumping, landing and change of direction once strength targets are met.
- Sport-specific training: drills that match the demands of your sport, building up to full training.
- Return to sport: cleared using objective testing, not just time since surgery.
Why criteria, not just the calendar
Research shows that returning to sport too early increases the risk of re-injury. Many people are not ready until at least nine months after reconstruction, and some need longer. That is why we progress you through each stage based on measurable goals for strength, hopping and movement quality, and finish with our return to sport testing.
Reducing future injury risk
Once you are back, a continued strength and injury prevention program helps protect both knees. We can also help your club or team with warm-up programs designed to reduce ACL injuries.
Recently injured your knee? Book an appointment with our sports physiotherapy team. No referral is needed. Read more about knee and ACL injuries.
Information on this page is general and does not replace individual medical or physiotherapy advice. Your clinician will explain the most appropriate options after assessing you.