What Is An ACL Injury?

​

The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the major stabilising ligaments inside the knee joint. It helps control forward movement and rotational stability of the knee, particularly during activities involving running, jumping, pivoting, or sudden changes in direction.

An ACL injury can range from a mild sprain to a complete rupture of the ligament. These injuries commonly occur during sport but can also happen during work, gym training, or accidental twisting movements.

​

Common Symptoms Of An ACL Injury

​

• A popping sensation at the time of injury

• Immediate swelling and/or bruising of the knee

• Pain with walking or weight-bearing

• Knee instability or “giving way”

• Reduced movement and range of motion

​

How Do ACL Injuries Occur?

​

As a ligament, the ACL serves as an attachment between your femur and tibia and helps restrict how much movement occurs in each bone relative to each other during exercise. Due to the location of these attachment points, some knee movements stress the ACL more than others. 

​

Common Mechanisms Of Injury

​

Sudden Change Of Direction

Rapid pivoting or twisting movements while the foot is planted can overload the ACL.

​

Landing From A Jump

Poor landing mechanics or awkward positioning after jumping may place significant force through the knee and injure structures including the ACL.

​

Deceleration Movements

Quick stopping or cutting movements during sport can stress the ACL.

​

Direct Contact

A collision or tackle causing the knee to twist or collapse inward can injure the ligament.

​

Hyperextension Injuries

Forcefully straightening the knee beyond its normal range may damage the ACL and surrounding structures.

​

ACL Rehabilitation Tailored To Your Recovery

​

At Winston Hills Physiotherapy, we guide patients through every stage of ACL rehabilitation with structured treatment plans and progressive exercise programs.

​

Conservative management

Not all ACL’s require surgery and it does depend on factors like your age, level of activity/sport/work and history of injury. In cases where surgery is not warranted, we can help to manage initial symptoms such as pain, swelling and decreased range of motion. Additionally, we can progress to a tailored rehabilitation program designed to restore strength, tolerance and stability in the knee so that you can continue to move with confidence without an ACL. 

​

Pre-Surgery Rehabilitation

Preparing for ACL reconstruction surgery can improve recovery outcomes. We help reduce swelling, improve mobility, and build strength before your operation. The better position that your knee is in prior to surgery, the more likely a positive outcome is. 

​

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Following surgery, rehabilitation focuses on restoring knee movement, rebuilding strength, improving balance, and gradually progressing toward functional activities.

​

Return To Sport & Performance

For athletes and active individuals, we provide advanced rehabilitation including strength testing, agility training, running progression, and return-to-sport planning. We utilise VALD's elite performance equipment such as dynamometry and force plates to measure key variables such as strength in different phases of movement, rate of force development (RFD) in muscles and help identify any asymmetries between sides and help guide your return to sport.

 

 

Why Choose Winston Hills Physiotherapy?

​

✔ Individualised rehabilitation programs
✔ Evidence-based physiotherapy care
✔ Strength and conditioning approach
✔ Clear rehabilitation milestones
✔ Ongoing progress tracking
✔ Access to sophisticated VALD equipment

​

Our physiotherapists work closely with you throughout your recovery to ensure each stage of rehabilitation is appropriate, measurable, and goal-focused.

​

Frequently Asked Questions

​

Do all ACL injuries require surgery?

No. Some ACL injuries can be managed successfully with structured physiotherapy rehabilitation, depending on your lifestyle, activity demands, knee stability, and goals. Our physiotherapists can help guide you through the best management approach.

​

How long does ACL rehabilitation take?

Recovery timelines vary between individuals. Post-operative ACL rehabilitation commonly takes 9–12 months before returning to full sport participation safely.

​

When should physiotherapy begin after an ACL injury?

Physiotherapy should ideally begin as early as possible after injury to help reduce swelling, restore movement, and maintain strength. There is no minimum time before it is okay to see your physio and we are happy to see you regardless of if your injury was yesterday or a week ago. 

​

Can I walk after tearing my ACL?

Many people are still able to walk after an ACL injury, although the knee may feel unstable, swollen, or painful. Often an inability to walk is the result of acute swelling or pain in the knee, and quickly improves as we control those symptoms regardless of the status of the ACL.

​

Will I have to wear a brace?

Most post operative ACL’s reconstructions DO NOT require you to wear a brace. If there are other structures that have been repaired, such as the meniscus, a brace may be recommended. We work closely with local surgeons to ensure that you're following the correct protocol, and we are able to supply all necessary braces and are more than happy to help with fitting and management.