Building better health, together
“A Lifetime of Health”
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most serious knee injuries in sport, common in football, netball, basketball and soccer. At our Corio and Norlane clinics in Geelong we take athletes through every stage of ACL rehab, from the first days after injury or surgery to a safe return to their club.
ACL injuries
The ACL helps keep the knee stable when you change direction, land or pivot. It is usually injured in a non-contact twist or awkward landing, often with a pop, quick swelling and a feeling that the knee gave way. A proper assessment is important, as other parts of the knee such as the meniscus can be injured at the same time.
Surgery or rehab first?
Many people have an ACL reconstruction, especially if they want to return to pivoting sports. Some people do well with structured rehab alone. Your physio and surgeon will help you weigh up the options based on your knee, your sport and your goals. Either way, rehab before surgery (prehab) helps: getting swelling down, the knee straight and the thigh muscles working usually makes recovery afterwards smoother.
The stages of rehab
- Early: swelling, a straight knee, walking normally
- Strength: building quads, hamstrings and hips
- Running and landing: a graded return to impact
- Agility: cutting, pivoting and sport-specific drills
- Testing: strength and hop tests before return to play
- Return to sport, then injury prevention
How long does it take?
Return to cutting and pivoting sport after an ACL reconstruction usually takes at least nine to twelve months. We don’t go by time alone: you progress when you pass strength, hop and movement tests, which reduces the risk of injuring the knee again.
For local clubs
We keep coaches and parents (for junior players) up to date on where a player is in their rehab and when they can start training drills, contact and match play. See our return-to-sport rehab page for more.
Related services
- Return-to-Sport Rehab: Structured rehab to get athletes back to training and competition safely, and stronger.
- Physiotherapy: Assessment, hands-on treatment and exercise for pain, injury and recovery after surgery.
Help with ACL rehab is available at both of our clinics, Corio on Bacchus Marsh Road and Norlane on Melbourne Road, for patients across Geelong including Lara, North Shore, Bell Park and North Geelong. No referral is needed.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Please book an assessment or speak to your doctor about your own situation.
ACL Rehab FAQs
Do I need surgery for an ACL tear?
Not always. Some people return to activity with structured rehab alone, while others, particularly those wanting to play pivoting sports, choose reconstruction. Your physio and surgeon will help you decide.
When can I play again after ACL surgery?
Usually not before nine to twelve months, and only once you pass return-to-sport testing. Returning too early increases the risk of injuring the knee again.
Should I see a physio before my ACL surgery?
Yes. Prehab to reduce swelling, regain a straight knee and strengthen the thigh muscles usually makes rehab after surgery easier.