An ACL injury is one of the most disruptive things that can happen to an athlete. The surgery is one part of the puzzle — the rehabilitation that follows is what determines whether you return to sport at the same level, and whether you stay there.

What’s involved in ACL rehab

A full ACL reconstruction rehab typically runs nine to twelve months from surgery to full return to sport. The journey isn’t linear — it’s a series of phases, each with its own goals, milestones, and exit criteria. Done well, it includes:

  • Pre-op (prehab): Restoring range of motion, calming swelling, and strengthening the limb before surgery. Better pre-op preparation = faster post-op recovery.
  • Early post-op (0–6 weeks): Protect the graft, restore range, normalise gait, get the quadriceps firing again.
  • Strengthening (6–12 weeks): Progressive loading of the knee and lower limb, building bilateral strength and addressing any compensations.
  • Power and plyometric phase (3–6 months): Reintroducing impact, jumping, and change-of-direction work.
  • Sport-specific phase (6–9 months): Sprint exposure, agility, and gradually reintegrating into training.
  • Return-to-play testing (~9 months): Objective testing battery to confirm readiness.

Why criteria-based return-to-play matters

Returning to sport too early after ACL reconstruction is a major risk factor for re-injury. The published data is striking: each month return is delayed (up to 9 months) reduces re-injury risk by around 51%. Returning before 9 months is associated with a four-fold higher re-injury rate compared with returning later.

But timing alone isn’t enough. Meeting a battery of objective criteria at 9 months — not just feeling ready — further reduces re-injury risk. That’s why I run a full RTP testing battery for every ACL patient: isokinetic strength, single and triple hop tests, sport-specific movement, and patient-reported outcomes. You leave with a written report that you can share with your surgeon or coach.

For a deeper read on the evidence, see my full article on ACL return-to-play and the 9-month rule.

Working alongside your surgeon

Every surgeon has slightly different post-op protocols — weight-bearing timelines, brace requirements, movement restrictions, milestones for progression. Your physio needs to follow that protocol exactly. Having previously worked in acute hospital physiotherapy at Brisbane Private Hospital, I’ve built strong working relationships with several of Brisbane’s leading orthopaedic surgeons. Your rehab stays tightly aligned with the surgical plan from day one.

What to expect in the first appointment

If you’ve had an ACL injury or are coming up to surgery, your first 45-minute consultation will cover the full picture: history, examination, current strength and movement testing, surgeon’s protocol review (if post-op), and a clear plan for the next phase. You’ll leave knowing exactly what to do and what milestones to expect next.

If you’re searching for ACL physio in North Brisbane, Brendale, Strathpine, Albany Creek, or surrounding suburbs, the clinic is at 1 Cribb Rd, Brendale. Book online via Halaxy or get in touch first.