ACL REHAB PROGRAM
WHAT ACL REHAB LOOKS LIKE?
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a ligament responsible for limiting tibial anterior translation and internal tibial rotation. It plays a crucial role in knee stability, especially in change-of-direction sports like soccer, rugby, and basketball.
Traditional ACL rehab often involved surgery, but emerging evidence suggests surgery may not be necessary, depending on age and goals. Athletes like DeJuan Blair (NFL), Peter Wallace (NRL), and even Conor McGregor (UFC) fought with partial ACL tears, challenging the notion of mandatory surgery.
For those opting for surgery, the most common graft in Australia is the hamstring graft, compromising the hamstring. Due to the multifactorial nature of ACL rehab, a minimum of 9 months is recommended for the rehabilitation process.
The SportsFit ACL Rehab Program is our in-house system designed to help individuals recover from an ACL injury and return to peak performance—stronger than before. Each program is tailored to the individual and structured across five distinct stages over 9 to 12 months.
PHASE 1
PROTECTION
Focuses on minimising swelling and protecting the injured ligament through gentle, controlled movements. This phase ensures the joint's integrity while initiating light activities that support early healing.
PHASE 2
LOAD INTERGRATION
Introduces progressive loading to enhance joint stability and muscle strength around the knee. Exercises are tailored to gradually increase the weight and stress on the ligament without compromising the healing process.
PHASE 3
STRENGTH ACCUMULATION
Targets the building of muscle strength and endurance essential for more dynamic movements. This phase emphasises heavier and more complex exercises to prepare the muscles for high-intensity activities.
PHASE 4
SPORT SPECIFIC PHASE
Engages in activities that mimic specific sports movements to prepare the athlete for return to play. This phase fine-tunes the athlete's skills, ensuring they are sport-ready with improved biomechanical functions.
PHASE 5
RETURN TO PERFORMANCE
As the culmination of your rehabilitation journey, this phase is pivotal for sustaining or elevating confidence, strength, and biomechanics. Our tailored post-discharge program, conducted right here in the heart of the Inner West at SportsFit in Five Dock, focuses on advanced elements like plyometrics, balance, and strength. It's a holistic approach aimed at not just recovery but long-term injury prevention and performance optimisation.
THE ACL REHAB PACKAGE
The ACL Rehab Package is our flagship program designed for individuals recovering from an ACL reconstruction, on the waiting list for an ACL reconstruction, or undergoing conservative rehab.
This package includes:
Physiotherapy
Strength & Conditioning
Running Rehab
Semi-Private Training Sessions
Unlimited SportsFit ACL Tests
Access to Normatec Recovery Systems
It’s the most cost-effective way to safely return to your sport after an ACL injury, with a facility built specifically for rehabilitating injured athletes of all levels.
Want to learn more?
Visit our dedicated ACL website here for everything you need to know.
Read our ACL Injury Blog Series for expert advice.
OUR STATS
30+
Successful Return to Sport Post ACL Injury
21
ACL's Currently In Rehab
0
Re- Injury Post Discharge
