3a/352 South Street O’Connor WA 6163 | (08) 93376460

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin Envelope
Book Now

ACL Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation in Perth

Book Now

Rebuild Confidence, Strength & Stability — Guided ACL Rehab to Get You Back to What You Love

At Next Wave Therapy, our ACL rehabilitation programs are designed to support both post-operative and non-surgical recovery with a comprehensive, evidence-informed approach. We guide you through five structured stages that reflect best-practice clinical pathways to ensure a safe, progressive return to full activity.

 

Whether you’re preparing for ACL surgery, recovering post-op, or managing a non-surgical injury, we offer a structured path to help you recover strength, restore control, and return to the activities you love with confidence.

 

Our O’Connor-based team works with recreational athletes, weekend warriors, school sports players, and adults wanting to return to an active lifestyle — no matter your starting point.

Understanding ACL Injury & Recovery

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a vital role in stabilising the knee. Injuries typically occur during sports that involve pivoting, twisting, or rapid deceleration. Whether your injury is managed with or without surgery, ACL rehab is essential to ensure long-term recovery, prevent instability, and reduce the chance of future injuries.

 

Research consistently shows that without structured physiotherapy, ACL injuries carry a higher risk of re-injury, early arthritis, and loss of performance. That’s why our team — led by Jonathan, a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (APA-recognised, PhD-equivalent) — provides advanced, evidence-based treatment that goes beyond standard physio.

Our 5-Stage ACL Rehabilitation Framework

Stage 1A: Preoperative Rehab

If you’re planning ACL reconstruction surgery, we begin with:

  • Reducing swelling and inflammation
  • Restoring full range of motion
  • Activating quadriceps and hamstrings (e.g. quad sets, straight leg raises)
  • Light cardio and proprioceptive drills (cycling, balance boards)
  • Goal setting in collaboration with your orthopaedic surgeon

Pre-surgery rehab has been shown to improve surgical outcomes and shorten overall recovery time.

Stage 1: Post-Injury / Non-Surgical Management

If you’re opting for conservative treatment, we focus on:

  • Pain and swelling management
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Strength training for surrounding muscles
  • Activity modification and movement control
  • Developing a personalised non-operative plan in consultation with your physiotherapist and specialist

We also integrate holistic support, such as tailored exercise therapy and education, to ensure you can confidently manage your knee day-to-day.

Stage 2: Early Postoperative Phase

In the early weeks after surgery, we support you with:

  • Pain relief and inflammation control
  • Safe reintroduction of movement with heel slides, passive extension, and cycling
  • Bracing or crutches as needed per your surgeon’s advice
  • Neuromuscular stimulation to minimise muscle inhibition
  • Initial activation of quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core

Close monitoring ensures you avoid complications like joint stiffness or muscle wasting.

Stage 3: Intermediate Phase

As healing progresses, we introduce:

  • Full weight-bearing and advanced strength work
  • Exercises: mini squats, lunges, bridges, step-ups, and calf raises
  • Balance training on unstable surfaces (wobble boards, stork stands)
  • Control of movement quality and single-leg stability
  • Introduction of low-impact functional training

This is where many people start to feel “normal” again — but careful guidance is key to avoid setbacks.

Stage 4: Advanced Rehabilitation

This phase focuses on restoring power, agility, and dynamic control:

  • Advanced strengthening (e.g. leg press, deadlifts, single-leg training)
  • Plyometric training: jump landings, bounding, lateral hops
  • Running mechanics and reintroduction to jogging
  • Change-of-direction drills, sport-specific footwork

For athletes, we also introduce sport-specific screening tests to simulate competition scenarios safely.

Stage 5: Return-to-Sport & Maintenance

Before clearance for return to full activity, we focus on:

  • Sport-specific movement patterns (cutting, pivoting, high-speed drills)
  • Return-to-sport testing (hop tests, strength symmetry, agility assessments)
  • Psychological readiness assessments (ACL-RSI scale)
  • Injury prevention strategies for long-term knee health
  • Transition to performance-based training or maintenance program

We continue to support you beyond rehab, offering tailored performance programs to keep you strong and resilient.

Why These Phases Matter

Research shows that returning to sport too early — especially before nine months — increases the risk of ACL re-injury. Our method ensures:

  • Strength symmetry between legs (≥ 90%)
  • Functional readiness through validated testing
  • Confidence and resilience through every phase
  • Measurable outcomes instead of guesswork

Your recovery is tracked using objective data, regular progress testing, and collaborative planning with your surgeon or GP, ensuring you progress safely and effectively.

How It Works

  • Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment
    We assess your injury, current mobility, strength, and goals. If you’ve had surgery, we’ll communicate with your surgeon to ensure a cohesive treatment plan.
  • Step 2 Tailored ACL Rehab Plan
    Based on your recovery stage, we design a personalised rehabilitation program using hands-on techniques, strength work, and education.
  • Step 3: Progress Monitoring & Testing
    We use performance testing (e.g. hop tests, range of motion, and strength benchmarks) to determine when you’re ready to move to the next stage.
  • Step 4: Return to Sport or Function
    Once you’ve passed all clinical and functional assessments, we guide you through your return—ensuring readiness and building confidence.

Unlike many clinics, we integrate mental readiness into our clearance process, acknowledging that fear of re-injury is just as important as physical strength.

Benefits of Our ACL Rehabilitation

  • Structured, Stage-Based Recovery
    A guided framework that prevents overload and under-rehab while accelerating safe outcomes.
  • Non-Surgical & Surgical Rehab Options
    Whichever path you choose, we tailor rehab around your specific needs.
  • Measurable Performance Testing
    Every phase includes objective criteria for safe progression—no guesswork.
  • Injury Prevention Built In
    We embed long-term injury prevention strategies into your plan to support knee health for years to come.
  • Support from Start to Finish
    We’re with you every step of the way—from injury to full return to movement.

Clients Who Trust Us

We’ve helped hundreds of Perth locals recover from ACL injuries, including:

  • Recreational and semi-professional athletes
  • Students and school sports players
  • Adults returning to active life post-injury
  • Patients undergoing reconditioning after failed rehab elsewhere
  • People choosing non-surgical management

As one client shared:

“I often smile as I drive past the Physio Clinic 2 mins from my house to go 30 mins to Next Wave. Why? Because they are consummate professionals in a warm and engaging setting.”

– Bob P

You don’t need to be a pro athlete to receive world-class care. Whatever your lifestyle, we’re here to help you move forward.

Our Gallery

Amy supervising a single leg squat
Man doing deadlifts as part of his sports physio appointment
Amy racking weights to prepare for a sports physio appointment in Fremantle
Patient on the bike during an osteoarthritis physio appointment as part of her GLA:D program

FAQs

ACL rehabilitation typically takes 9 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the injury and individual progress.

Yes. Many clients manage ACL injuries with physiotherapy alone, depending on the extent of the damage and their activity goals.

Most people can return to running after 12 to 16 weeks, once specific strength and control milestones have been met.

Yes — when you pass a range of validated physical and psychological readiness tests. We ensure you’re truly ready before return-to-sport clearance.

Yes, if you have extras cover for physiotherapy. Rebates depend on your level of cover.

Yes. We offer telehealth consultations and access to guided online exercise programs for those unable to attend in O’Connor.