By Dr. Colleen Aubrey, PT, DPT

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common injuries in high school and collegiate athletes and can significantly impact an individual’s ability to participate in sports and daily activities. The ACL is a key ligament in the knee that connects the shin bone (tibia) to the thigh bone (femur). It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee during rotational and forward-backward movements and contributes to proprioception—your sense of joint position and balance.

ACL injuries often occur due to muscular imbalances or weaknesses in the lower body, which can affect knee stability and mechanics.

Treatment Options

Following an ACL injury, individuals typically pursue one of two treatment paths: conservative (non-surgical) care or surgical reconstruction.

Conservative care may be appropriate for those not intending to return to high-level athletic activity. This route can be ideal for older adults or individuals whose lifestyle and goals do not require intensive knee demands.

Surgical intervention is generally recommended for those who plan to return to sports involving cutting, pivoting, planting, or jumping. Choosing the right treatment plan should be a collaborative decision between you, your surgeon, and your healthcare provider, taking into account your overall health, goals, and lifestyle.

At Optimal Physical Therapy, we’re equipped to support patients through both conservative and post-surgical recovery plans.

Recovery Timeline After ACL Surgery

It’s important to set realistic expectations. Full return to sport following ACL reconstruction can take 9 to 12 months or longer. Recovery times vary based on the individual, surgical approach, and adherence to rehabilitation.

In fact, research shows that every month you delay returning to sport after 9 months post-op decreases your risk of reinjury by 51%. Rushing recovery simply isn’t worth the risk.

What to Expect from ACL Rehabilitation

ACL Rehabilitation often begins even before surgery. Pre-operative physical therapy (“prehab”) helps optimize strength and mobility to set a strong foundation for post-surgical recovery.

After surgery, we typically see patients within the first few days. Early intervention is critical to:

• Restore range of motion
• Activate key muscle groups
• Improve walking patterns
• Begin strength training

While your surgeon may recommend a knee brace, much of physical therapy will be performed outside of it to promote natural movement and muscle control.

What If You Can’t Start Therapy Right Away?

If your physical therapy clinic that was recommended to you has a long wait time and you can’t get in for 2+ weeks, don’t wait! Early ACL rehabilitation is crucial in preventing long-term complications and delays in healing. Typically, you have the ability to choose where you do your rehab, and we will check if your insurance is in network or discuss our cash based options with you. 

At Optimal Physical Therapy, we can typically schedule your first visit within 24 hours. Starting therapy as soon as possible after surgery leads to better outcomes

Our Return-to-Sport Program

At Optimal, we are not only able to help during early recovery but also we’ve developed a specialized Return-to-Sport Program for athletes who are 3–4 months post-op and ready to advance beyond traditional rehab.

Our program includes four progressive phases, spaced over six-week intervals, and extends through the 9–12 month post-surgery period. These stages are carefully designed by our team of Doctors of Physical Therapy to help restore athletic performance safely and effectively.

When Am I Ready to Return to Sport?

This decision is highly individualized and made through a team approach involving you, your physical therapist, and your surgeon.

Key considerations include:

• Psychological readiness and confidence
• Strength and movement symmetry
• Biomechanical testing (jumping, running mechanics, agility drills)
• Clearance from your surgeon based on healing progress
• Time-based healing will also be considered.

Once cleared, you’ll begin a gradual transition back into sport, with close monitoring to reduce the risk of reinjury.

Key Takeaways

• Recovery is a long journey, but a rewarding one. You can return to doing the activities you love.
• Start physical therapy early, whether pursuing conservative treatment or post-surgery rehab.
• Choose a knowledgeable, experienced rehab team you trust—especially one that understands ACL recovery.
• You should have clear benchmarks for strength, movement, and function before returning to sport.
• Reinjury is a risk, which is why we take your recovery seriously and guide you with evidence-based care every step of the way.

Ready to take the next step in your recovery and ACL Rehabilitation? Contact Optimal Physical Therapy today—your return to sport starts here.

Call or Text 920-648-2400 to schedule today!