Do All ACL Injuries Need Surgery?
One of the most common questions we hear in the clinic is: “Do I need surgery for my ACL injury?”
The short answer: not always.
Your treatment pathway depends on your age, activity level, goals, and the type of tear. At our Rydalmere physiotherapy clinic, we support both surgical and non-surgical ACL rehab.
When Surgery is Recommended
ACL reconstruction is often recommended if:
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You’re a young or competitive athlete wanting to return to pivoting sports like soccer, rugby, netball, or jiu-jitsu.
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You’ve experienced multiple episodes of the knee giving way.
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There is additional damage to the meniscus or cartilage.
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Your job or lifestyle requires frequent twisting, pivoting, or heavy physical work.
When Non-Surgical ACL Rehab May Work
Not every ACL tear requires reconstruction. Many people can successfully manage their injury with physiotherapy alone, especially if:
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You’re not planning a return to pivoting sports.
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You’re older or have lower physical demands in daily life.
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You’re motivated to complete a structured rehabilitation program.
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Your knee is stable enough after the initial injury.
Our Rydalmere physios guide patients through progressive rehab, often achieving excellent results without surgery.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Both Pathways
Whether you go down the surgical or non-surgical route, physiotherapy plays a critical role:
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Before surgery (prehab): reduce swelling, restore movement, and strengthen muscles for better post-op recovery.
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After surgery: progressive rehab to regain mobility, strength, balance, and confidence.
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Non-surgical rehab: a structured program of manual therapy, strength training, and functional retraining to restore knee stability.
Our Advanced ACL Rehab Approach in Rydalmere
At our clinic, we combine:
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Manual therapy in the early phase to restore range of motion.
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Onsite gym facilities for progressive strengthening.
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Force plate technology to track muscle strength and detect imbalances.
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Return-to-sport testing to ensure you’re safe before resuming sport.
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Infrared sauna as part of recovery and wellness.
This approach means whether you’ve had surgery or not, your rehab is measured, structured, and tailored to you.
Local ACL Rehab in Rydalmere and Surrounds
We provide ACL physiotherapy services not just in Rydalmere but also for patients from Parramatta, Dundas, Ermington, Silverwater, Auburn, and West Ryde.
Choosing the Right Path for You
Still unsure whether surgery is the right option? Book an assessment with our ACL physios in Rydalmere. We’ll help you weigh up your goals, activity levels, and options, and guide you on the best pathway for recovery.
👉 Book your ACL rehab consultation today and start your journey back to strength and confidence.
