ACL Tears

Physiotherapy for ACL Tear Recovery

Physiotherapy for ACL tear recovery focuses on reducing pain and swelling, restoring knee stability, rebuilding strength, and safely returning athletes to sport or daily activities—whether managed surgically or conservatively.

Physiotherapy for ACL Tear Recovery – What We Treat

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears are a common knee injury, particularly in sports involving pivoting, jumping, or sudden changes of direction, such as football, basketball, soccer, and skiing. ACL injuries can result in pain, instability, swelling, and reduced knee function.

We treat ACL tears in all patients—those who undergo ACL reconstruction surgery as well as those choosing conservative management without surgery. Our physiotherapists specialise in assessing knee mechanics, identifying contributing factors, and providing targeted rehabilitation to restore stability, prevent further injury, and support a safe return to sport or daily activities.

Common Symptoms of ACL Tear

• Sudden “pop” at the time of injury

• Immediate swelling and pain in the knee

• Instability or “giving way” during movement

• Reduced range of motion or difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee

• Weakness in quadriceps, hamstrings, or hip stabilisers

• Difficulty walking, running, or performing sports-specific movements

Areas We Treat

1. Knee Joint Stability & Ligament Protection

ACL tears compromise knee stability and function.
Treatment includes:

• Bracing guidance when required

• Neuromuscular and proprioception exercises

• Controlled strengthening and movement retraining

2. Muscle Weakness & Imbalance

Quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles often weaken after an ACL injury or surgery.
We provide:

• Targeted strengthening programs

• Functional exercises for leg and core stability

• Plyometric and sport-specific progression

3. Swelling & Pain Management

Post-injury or post-surgery inflammation can limit mobility.
Our approach includes:

• Soft tissue therapy and manual techniques

• Activity pacing and load management

• Ice/heat and other symptom-relief strategies

4. Gait & Biomechanical Correction

Altered movement patterns may increase risk of re-injury.
We address this through:

• Gait analysis and correction

• Functional movement retraining

• Sport-specific movement optimisation

5. Pre- & Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy supports patients both before and after ACL reconstruction:

• Pre-op: Maintain mobility, strength, and knee control

• Post-op: Gradual restoration of range of motion, strength, and stability

• Non-surgical ACL management: Targeted strengthening, stability, and activity modification to manage symptoms and prevent further injury

• Return-to-sport protocols tailored to your sport and level of activity

Our Physiotherapy Treatment Approach

Your individualised rehabilitation plan may include:

• Knee joint mobilisation and soft tissue therapy

• Strengthening of quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core

• Balance, proprioception, and functional exercises

• Gait and movement retraining

• Plyometric and agility training for safe return to sport

• Education on injury prevention, load management, and safe movement

All treatments follow current clinical guidelines for ACL tear management and rehabilitation, whether the injury is managed surgically or conservatively, and are tailored to your activity level and goals.

Book Your ACL Tear Recovery Assessment

If ACL injury or reconstruction is affecting your mobility, sport performance, or daily activities, physiotherapy can help restore strength, stability, and confidence in your knee—whether you have had surgery or are managing your ACL conservatively.

Contact us today to start your personalised recovery program.