An ACL injury can feel like it stops everything in its tracks. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a major role in stabilizing your knee. When it’s torn or sprained, walking, running or even standing can become a challenge. Whether your injury happened during sports, exercise or a sudden movement, recovering well takes time and the right support.
If you or someone you know has torn their ACL, you know how important it is to get back on your feet. While surgery is often necessary, the most important part of recovery is physical therapy (PT). PT isn’t just a few exercises; it’s a planned, step-by-step journey tailored to you to safely rebuild strength and stability.
5 physical therapy insights for rebuilding ACL strength
Recovering from an ACL injury takes time and dedication, but with the right help, you can return to the activities you love. Your physical therapist will help you safely progress through these key phases:
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Restoring motion and managing swelling
Right after injury or surgery, the knee is stiff and swollen. Your physical therapist will focus on gentle techniques to reduce swelling and carefully regain range of motion. This initial phase is crucial, as stiffness can slow down the rest of your recovery.
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Activating key muscles
An injury can cause muscles around the knee, like the quadriceps (thigh muscles) and hamstrings, to “turn off.” Your physical therapist will use specific, low-impact exercises to teach these muscles how to activate again. This lays the groundwork for more strength training later on.
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Building strength progressively
This is where the hard work pays off. Your physical therapist will introduce exercises that progressively increase the load on your muscles. The focus is on rebuilding overall leg strength, including the hips and core. Stronger surrounding muscles help take pressure off the newly repaired ACL.
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Training for balance and stability
The ACL is essential for knee stability. As you heal, your physical therapist will guide you through exercises like standing on one leg and controlled movements. This neuromuscular training helps your brain and muscles communicate better, improving your balance and making your knee more stable during quick movements.
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Training to return to sport (sport-specific drills)
For those returning to athletics, your physical therapist will introduce drills specific to your sport, like jumping, landing, cutting and running. These exercises help ensure that your knee is better prepared to handle the demands of competition before you step back onto the court or field.
Trust your ACL recovery to REPAIR SI
At REPAIR SI, we understand that ACL recovery is more than just regaining movement. It’s about restoring confidence in your body. Our dedicated team of professionals uses evidence-based, personalized care to help you rebuild strength and stability after injury. We listen, support and guide you through each phase of recovery, ensuring that every milestone brings you closer to moving freely again. With REPAIR SI, you’re not just healing; you’re getting stronger, step by step.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.