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ACL Physio
ACL Physio London
Anterior Cruciate Ligament
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) health is a specialised field dedicated to treating knee injuries and related conditions.
Our experienced team of expert practitioners effectively treat individuals including athletes, ranging from young athletes to older adults. ACL health practitioners alleviate various conditions associated with the anterior cruciate ligament, such as injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, knee pain, and instability. Furthermore, they frequently assist individuals in avoiding unnecessary surgeries or additional complications.
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Private health cover for acL | However you don’t need this to come see us!
What to expect on your first appointment
On your first appointment, our specialists will tailor the treatment based on your presented complaints and needs. Although discussing delicate health issues can be challenging, understanding the onset of your symptoms and how they have affected your everyday life is crucial in determining the appropriate course of action.
A physical assessment will be done. We will thoroughly discuss the assessment findings with you and create a treatment plan based on your symptoms and our results.

What you need to know about ACL
F.A.Q.
The most frequently asked questions about ACL
What is the role of the ACL in the knee joint?
The ACL resists anterior tibial translation and rotational loads, providing stability and preventing excessive tibial rotation and varus/valgus stresses
How common are ACL injuries & who is more susceptible to them?
ACL injuries are relatively common, particularly among athletes. Females are two to eight times more likely to sustain an ACL injury than males.
What are the goals of ACL rehabilitation before surgery (prehabilitation)?
Prehabilitation aims to strengthen muscles, increase range of motion, and promote healing in the injured knee before ACL reconstruction surgery. It also focuses on minimizing pain, reducing swelling, and developing quadriceps control and strength
How long does ACL rehabilitation take?
The duration of ACL rehabilitation varies depending on various factors such as the individual’s progress, the surgical technique used, and the specific rehabilitation protocol. It generally takes several months to achieve full recovery and return to sports activities.
What evidence supports the effectiveness of prehabilitation exercises?
Research from the MOON Knee Group, an ACL research consortium, has shown that prehabilitation exercises improve outcomes after ACL surgery. Prehab can help optimize knee function and strength before surgery, leading to better rehabilitation outcomes
What are some common prehabilitation exercises for ACL injuries?
Examples of prehabilitation exercises include quad sets, short arc quads, hamstring curls, hip abduction exercises, balance training, and proprioception exercises. These exercises aim to restore normal knee range of motion, improve muscle strength, enhance hip stability, and maximize balance and proprioception.
What precautions should be taken to manage discomfort and swelling before ACL surgery?
Managing discomfort and swelling before surgery involves techniques such as crutch use, ice application, leg elevation, and rest. These measures help control swelling, inflammation, and pain in the injured knee.
What are the phases of ACL rehabilitation after surgery?
ACL rehabilitation typically consists of several phases that progress over time, addressing different goals and exercises specific to each phase. The specific phases may vary depending on the rehabilitation program, but they generally include early post-operative, intermediate, advanced, return-to-sport, and maintenance phases.
What are the options for ACL injury management?
ACL rehabilitation can be pursued through conservative (non-surgical) or surgical approaches, depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s goals.
What are the key factors for successful ACL rehabilitation?
Factors that contribute to successful ACL rehabilitation include compliance with the rehabilitation program, active participation in physical therapy, following surgeon and therapist instructions, maintaining good communication with the healthcare team, and gradually returning to sports activities based on medical guidance and readiness.
ACL tear treatments
Can I get away without surgery?
So you have injured your ACL, and now you need to know what to do…- Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be distressing, and deciding on the appropriate treatment approach is crucial. One of the primary considerations is whether a conservative or operative approach is suitable for your ACL injury. Let’s explore these options further and weigh the pros and cons of each.
Surgical
- ACL reconstruction surgery involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft (our guide on grafts), typically sourced from the patient’s own tissue (autograft) or a donor tissue (allograft). The procedure aims to restore stability, reduce the risk of further damage, and enable a return to pre-injury levels of activity. Surgical treatment is often recommended for individuals who experience persistent knee instability, participate in high-demand sports, or have specific occupational requirements that necessitate a stable knee joint.
Non-surgical
- Taking this approach can also depend on a variety of different factors just like the surgical approach. After an initial rest and recovery period the conservative approach will consist of an extensive progressive rehab program to restore the knee to as close to its pre-injury state as possible by restoring range of motion, strength and function. The key to non-surgical treatment is ensure the knee feels stable and educating the individual on how to prevent knee instability as people who opt out of having surgery may experience secondary injury to the same knee due to the instability.