Conditions we treat
ACL Damage
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
What is an ACL Injury?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key stabilising ligaments in the knee, and is commonly injured during sports that involve sudden changes of direction, pivoting or landing awkwardly from a jump — football, netball and basketball are common culprits. Injuries range from a partial sprain to a complete tear.
Symptoms
A sudden ACL injury is often accompanied by a “pop” sensation, rapid swelling within hours, pain, and a feeling that the knee is unstable or “gives way” under load.
Treatment
Not every ACL tear needs surgery — the right path depends on the severity of the injury, your activity level and goals, and how the knee responds to rehabilitation. Andrew’s assessment helps determine whether conservative management or a surgical referral is the better option, and either way, physiotherapy plays a central role.
Pre-surgical (“prehab”) physiotherapy focuses on reducing swelling, restoring range of motion and maintaining muscle strength ahead of surgery. Post-surgical rehabilitation follows a structured, staged programme — from early range-of-motion and swelling management through progressive strengthening, balance and control work, and finally sport-specific training to safely return to activity.
How we treat it
Treatments used for acl damage
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk with a torn ACL?
Often yes, though the knee may feel unstable or give way, especially on uneven ground or when changing direction. Walking ability alone doesn't tell you the severity of the injury — a proper assessment, and usually imaging, is needed to determine the extent of the damage.
Do all ACL tears need surgery?
No — the right path depends on the severity of the tear, your activity level and goals, and how the knee responds to rehabilitation. Andrew's assessment helps determine whether conservative management or a surgical referral is the better option for your specific situation.
How long is recovery after ACL surgery?
Full recovery, including a safe return to pivoting sports, typically takes around 9 to 12 months, following a staged rehabilitation programme from early range-of-motion work through to progressive strengthening and sport-specific training. Rushing this timeline significantly increases the risk of re-injury.
Can physiotherapy fix an ACL tear without surgery?
For some patients, particularly those with lower activity demands or partial tears, a structured physiotherapy programme focused on strength and control can be a viable alternative to surgery. This isn't right for everyone, so it's a decision Andrew works through with you based on your knee's stability and your goals.
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