Rehab is a Journey, Not a Sprint
Recovering from an ACL injury is a step-by-step process. Whether you’ve had surgery or are pursuing non-surgical rehab, each stage has clear goals and milestones. Skipping steps or rushing ahead increases the risk of setbacks and re-injury.
At our Rydalmere physiotherapy clinic, we guide patients through each stage — from the very first day after injury, right through to safe return to sport.
Stage 1: Early Recovery (Weeks 0–2)
Goals:
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Reduce pain and swelling
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Restore basic movement (straightening and bending the knee)
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Begin gentle activation of quadriceps and hamstrings
What we do:
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Manual therapy to improve mobility
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Ice, compression, elevation guidance
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Gentle exercises to re-engage key muscles
Stage 2: Strength and Mobility (Weeks 2–12)
Goals:
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Regain full knee range of motion
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Build muscle strength around the knee and hips
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Improve walking pattern
What we do:
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Gym-based strengthening (using our onsite facility)
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Progression from simple to more challenging exercises
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Introduce balance and proprioception training
Stage 3: Dynamic Strength and Control (Months 3–6)
Goals:
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Develop single-leg stability
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Improve agility and functional strength
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Prepare the knee for higher-level activities
What we do:
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Force plate testing to measure progress
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Plyometric and agility drills
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Tailored exercise programs based on sport/lifestyle needs
Stage 4: Sport-Specific Training (Months 6–9)
Goals:
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Replicate movements required for your sport or daily life
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Achieve strength and movement symmetry
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Build confidence in the knee under pressure
What we do:
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Cutting, pivoting, and jumping drills
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Force plate analysis to confirm limb symmetry
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Training in our gym facility under supervision
Stage 5: Return-to-Sport Testing (Months 9–12)
Goals:
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Confirm readiness for full activity
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Prevent re-injury
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Safely transition back to competition or high-level activity
What we do:
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Comprehensive return-to-sport assessments using force plates and functional testing
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Final confidence and movement checks
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Recovery support (including infrared sauna for muscle recovery)
Why Structured Rehab Matters
Research shows that athletes who follow a structured ACL rehab program with objective testing (not just time-based clearance) have a far lower risk of re-injury.
At our Rydalmere clinic, we don’t guess — we measure. Our force plates and functional tests help ensure you’re truly ready before stepping back onto the field, mat, or court.
ACL Rehab in Rydalmere and Surrounds
We see ACL patients from Rydalmere, Parramatta, Dundas, Ermington, Silverwater, Auburn, and West Ryde. Whether you’re a teenager in sport or an adult wanting to return to an active lifestyle, our team supports every stage of your recovery.
Take Control of Your Recovery
If you’ve recently injured your ACL or are partway through rehab, book an appointment with our Rydalmere physiotherapists. We’ll guide you step by step, ensuring you recover safely and fully.
