ACL Injury Treatment and Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy and structured post-surgical rehabilitation are essential for restoring knee movement, stability, and function after an ACL injury. This is especially important if you are an athlete who wants to return to training and competition safely and confidently.

The rehabilitation process typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the ACL injury, whether you have undergone surgery, your age, and your activity level. For patients who have ACL reconstruction, it is important to understand that surgery alone is not enough, consistent, well-guided physiotherapy is crucial. Poor compliance with rehabilitation greatly increases the risk of a stiff knee, reduced range of motion, ongoing pain, and difficulty returning to sport or daily activities.

ACL rehabilitation is usually divided into phases, each with specific goals and treatments:

• Early Phase – Pain, Swelling & Range of Motion
  The focus is on protecting the knee, reducing pain and swelling, and restoring movement. This may include:
  • Gentle range of motion (ROM) exercises to safely bend and straighten the knee
  • Quadriceps activation exercises (e.g. quad sets, straight leg raises) to prevent muscle wasting
  • Hot and Cold Therapy to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and ease stiffness
  • Ultrasound Therapy to support tissue healing, improve blood flow, and reduce discomfort
  • Electrotherapy or TENS Therapy to help reduce pain, muscle spasms, and promote healing
  • Manual therapy, such as gentle joint mobilisation and soft tissue release, to improve comfort and mobility
• Strengthening & Stability Phase
  As pain settles and motion improves, the program progresses to rebuilding strength, balance, and control:
  • Sports Physiotherapy to guide corrective exercises, improve movement patterns, and address sport-specific demands
  • Strength and Conditioning focusing on quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal and calf strength, as well as core stability
  • Balance and proprioception training (e.g. single-leg stance, unstable surfaces) to enhance knee stability
  • Sports Injury Management to monitor healing, adjust load, and prevent further injury
  • Sports Massage and Deep Tissue Massage to reduce muscle tightness, relieve tension, and improve flexibility
  • Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy to release trigger points and ease “knots” in surrounding muscles
• Advanced Functional & Return-to-Sport Phase
  In the final stage, the focus shifts to high-level function and safe return to sport:
  • Progressive functional strengthening (e.g. squats, lunges, step-downs)
  • Gradual plyometric training (hopping, jumping, landing drills) when appropriate
  • Agility and change-of-direction drills to prepare for cutting, pivoting, and sudden movements
  • Sport-specific drills tailored to your sport (e.g. football, basketball, netball)
  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation follow-up to ensure your knee is strong, stable, and ready for full return to play

Throughout your recovery, our physiotherapist will combine these treatments as needed, adjusting intensity, monitoring your progress, and guiding each stage of rehabilitation. By following your program closely and working together with our physiotherapist, you can optimise your recovery and work towards a safe, confident return to your usual activities and sport.