Our ACL Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Services

Our 5-Stage ACL Rehabilitation Framework

Stage 1: 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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.