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ACL

Returning to Sport After ACL Rehab in Rydalmere

A Local Athlete’s ACL Recovery Journey

Meet “Alex”* — a teen soccer player from Parramatta who tore their ACL during a weekend match. Alex wanted to return to sport safely while minimising the risk of re-injury.

*Name changed for privacy.


Phase 1: Immediate Rehab

After the injury, Alex visited our Rydalmere physiotherapy clinic. Initial focus was on:

  • Reducing swelling and pain

  • Regaining basic knee movement

  • Gentle manual therapy and home exercises

Early intervention helped Alex maintain strength and mobility, laying the foundation for a smoother rehab journey.


Phase 2: Strength and Stability

Once swelling subsided, we progressed to:

  • Gym-based exercises targeting quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves

  • Balance and proprioception drills

  • Monitoring progress using our force plate technology

These steps ensured Alex built a stable, strong knee while avoiding overloading the joint too soon.


Phase 3: Sport-Specific Training

As strength improved, we introduced:

  • Agility drills

  • Jumping and landing exercises

  • Soccer-specific cutting and pivoting drills

We continued objective testing to ensure symmetry and readiness for on-field movements.


Phase 4: Return-to-Sport Assessment

Before Alex returned to competitive play, we conducted a full return-to-sport assessment including:

  • Functional tests

  • Force plate strength analysis

  • Sport-specific skill simulations

Once Alex met all criteria, they were cleared to play — confident, strong, and with a much lower risk of re-injury.


Supporting Recovery Every Step of the Way

Alex’s story demonstrates the value of a structured, evidence-based ACL rehab program. Our Rydalmere clinic combines:

  • Manual therapy

  • Onsite gym-based strength training

  • Force plate assessments

  • Infrared sauna sessions for recovery

This approach ensures patients return to sport safely, whether you’re a teen athlete, weekend warrior, or adult returning to an active lifestyle.


ACL Rehab in Rydalmere and Surrounding Suburbs

We support patients from Rydalmere, Parramatta, Dundas, Ermington, Silverwater, Auburn, and West Ryde through every stage of ACL recovery — from injury to safe return to sport.


Start Your Recovery Journey Today

Every ACL injury is unique, and every recovery path should be personalised. Book an appointment with our Rydalmere physiotherapists today and get structured, evidence-based ACL rehab designed for your sport, lifestyle, and goals.

👉 Book your ACL consultation now.

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