ACL Rehabilitation
- Low, Medium Impact
- Adults, Teens
- Rehabilitation, Strength
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
8-visit Program Pass for $320 12-visit Program Pass for $480
Pivotal Motion's ACL Rehab Program is focused on helping patients return to activity and avoid the risk of secondary complications after ACL injury or surgery. Carefully managed ACL rehabilitation is critical for restoring knee function, reducing pain, and preventing re-injury. In fact, research shows that quality movement and regaining strength symmetry are more important for long term health than the surgery itself! (Di Paolo, S., et al. (2022). The Risk of Injury Signature in ACL Reconstruction. The American Journal of Sports Medicine.)
We see a lot patients pass through the clinic with ACL injuries. Whether they’re caused by everyday activity or elite-level sport, we know the huge impact it can have on your life. That insight prompted our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists to develop this tailored rehabilitation program. Based on evidence-based criteria, the sessions provide a phased approach for every step of your ACL recovery. We'll provide the right exercises, support and education to help you to meet your specific movement, function and strength milestones at a pace that's right for you.
What our ACL Rehab Program focuses on
- Resolving joint effusion (swelling)
- Restoring full range of motionBuilding symmetrical leg strength to ensure the injured leg matches the healthy one
- Developing safe landing and pivoting
- Restoring confidence and overcoming fear of movement or activity
- Preparing for a safe return to sports or daily activities.
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Our EPs will use the specialised AXiT system to collect measurable data on your muscle strength, power, flexibility and balance. They’ll reassess your progress throughout the program to measure how far you’ve come, then use the data to help remove any uncertainty and focus on what matters most to keep you progressing. You can read more about how we use AXiT strength testing in our clinic here.
Phases
Participants will be grouped according to the phase of their recovery, with progress based on clinical criteria for specific function and strength milestones, rather than a strict timeline since injury or surgery. A typical estimate might be:
Phase 1: Resolving Inflammation and Restoring Range (typically weeks 0 to 6)
The focus is on eliminating swelling, regaining full passive extension, and re-establishing active quadriceps contraction
Phase 2: Hypertrophy and Strength Foundation (typically weeks 6 to 16)
This phase focuses on heavy resistance training to reverse muscle wasting and regaining single-leg balance and control.
Phase 3: Power and Plyometric Loading (typically months 4 to 6) Once basic strength symmetry is established, we introduce impact loading and explosive movements to prepare the joint for higher forces.
Phase 4: Reactive Agility and Return to Sport (typically months 6 to 9+) The final stage focuses on unpredictable movements, high-speed cutting, and deceleration mechanics, verified by a strict battery of discharge tests.
Our specially designed program offers a tailored approach for every step of your rehab journey - from the time of injury (or pre-surgery preparation), through to 9+ months post-injury or surgery …and even well beyond!
Get started
An individual assessment will be required prior to commencing the program to collect and review your initial AXiT data, and so our Exercise Physiologist can assess your history, current condition and rehab goals.
Book a 60-minute AXiT assessment online to get started!
Book online and purchase an 8-visit Program Pass for $320 or a 12-visit Program Pass for $480 - and don’t forget that private health rebates will apply.
FAQs
Is this program suitable for non-athletes?
Absolutely. The program is designed for anyone recovering from an ACL injury—whether from sport, work, or everyday activity.
Do I need a referral to join the program?
No referral is required, but you must complete an initial assessment with our EPs before starting. This will allow us to bring you into the program at the appropriate level and tailor the approach to your specific needs and goals.
How long does the Program go?
Each session goes for 60 minutes. The program runs every week and will continue indefinitely, allowing you to join at any time and to progress at a pace that’s right for you and your recovery stage. You can purchase an 8-visit pass or a 12-visit pass, although our EPs may recommend more or less than one session per week, depending on your recovery stage.
Can I do ACL rehab without surgery?
Yes. Some ACL injuries can be managed non-surgically with a structured rehabilitation program focused on strength, stability, and movement control. An individual assessment helps determine the best pathway.
What if I’ve already started rehab elsewhere?
You can still join. Your initial assessment will identify exactly what stage you’re at and allow us to integrate you into the appropriate phase of the program.
When can I return to sport after an ACL injury?
Return to sport usually occurs around 6–9+ months post-injury or surgery, but only once specific strength, stability, and movement criteria are met to minimise re-injury risk. ACL recovery is best guided by meeting strength and function milestones rather than following a strict timeline.
