ACL Injury Physiotherapy: Types, Recovery Phases & Why Rehab Matters
- elaineruzphysiothe0
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
An ACL injury (Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury) is one of the most common knee injuries in active individuals — especially in sports that involve pivoting, jumping, quick direction changes, or sudden stops (soccer, basketball, skiing, volleyball).
But ACL injuries can also happen during everyday activities — such as slipping, twisting the knee awkwardly, or stepping off a curb incorrectly.
At Uniphysio & Associates in Oakville, our team helps patients recover from ACL injuries through ACL injury physiotherapy, ensuring the knee heals properly, strength returns safely, and future injuries are reduced.
What Is the ACL and Why Is It Important?
The ACL is a key ligament inside the knee that controls:
forward movement of the tibia (shin bone)
twisting movements (pivoting)
knee stability during running, jumping, and cutting
When the ACL is injured, your knee may feel:
unstable (like it may “give out”)
swollen after activity
painful with twisting or stairs
weak or not trustworthy
Types of ACL Injuries
Not all ACL injuries are the same. Some can recover with rehab alone, while others may require surgery (especially for athletes).
1) Grade 1 ACL Sprain (Mild Stretch)
This is a mild ligament injury where the ACL is stretched but still intact.
Symptoms may include:
mild swelling
discomfort and stiffness
knee feels mostly stable
✅ Often treated successfully with ACL injury physiotherapy
2) Grade 2 ACL Injury (Partial Tear)
A partial tear means the ACL is damaged but not completely ruptured.
Common symptoms:
swelling after activity
knee feels unstable in twisting positions
difficulty running or pivoting confidently
✅ Some patients recover fully with physio
⚠️ Higher-level sports may still require surgery depending on instability
3) Grade 3 ACL Rupture (Complete Tear)
A complete ACL tear means the ligament is fully torn.
Symptoms often include:
a “pop” feeling at injury
swelling quickly after injury
knee instability (“giving way”)
difficulty returning to sport without reconstruction
➡️ Surgery is often recommended for active individuals
✅ Physiotherapy is needed before and after surgery
ACL Injuries Often Come With Other Knee Damage
Many ACL injuries also involve:
meniscus tears
MCL sprains
cartilage irritation
bone bruising
This is why proper rehab is essential. Without the right strength and stability training, the risk of long-term joint damage increases.
ACL Injury Physiotherapy Recovery Phases
Recovery after an ACL injury is not only about time — it is about hitting functional milestones safely.
Below is the typical physiotherapy timeline (non-surgical or surgical rehab).
Phase 1: Acute Phase (0–2 weeks)
Goals:
decrease swelling and pain
restore knee extension (ability to fully straighten)
re-activate the quadriceps
improve walking pattern
Physio treatment may include:
swelling control strategies
gentle range of motion work
quad activation exercises
gait training (crutches if needed)
✅ Early physio prevents stiffness and improves long-term recovery
Phase 2: Range of Motion + Early Strength (2–6 weeks)
Goals:
restore full knee range of motion
improve muscle control
begin strengthening safely
Physio focus:
step-ups
controlled squats
glute strengthening
hamstring activation
balance exercises
Phase 3: Strength + Knee Control (6–12 weeks)
Goals:
build strong quads, glutes, and core
improve knee control and alignment
correct movement patterns
Physio focus:
progressive loading strengthening
single-leg stability training
proprioception training (reaction + balance)
functional movements
Phase 4: Running + Power Phase (3–6 months)
Goals:
return safely to jogging/running
begin explosive movements
build confidence with knee loading
Physio focus:
graded running programs
jump training (landing mechanics)
agility foundation drills
dynamic knee control training
Phase 5: Return to Sport / Full Activity (6–12 months)
Goals:
sport-specific movement training
advanced pivot/cutting drills
reduce re-injury risk
testing for readiness
Physio focus:
return-to-sport strength testing
hop testing
reactive agility drills
sport-specific conditioning
✅ Rehab in this phase is key because returning too early is one of the biggest causes of re-tears
Why You Need Physiotherapy for an ACL Injury
Many people believe the ACL heals on its own or that surgery “fixes everything.”
However, even after surgery, it’s physiotherapy that restores real function.
1) Prevent knee instability
A weak knee increases the risk of:
repeated “giving out”
falls/injury
damage to meniscus and cartilage
2) Regain quadriceps strength
After an ACL injury, the quadriceps often shut down (quad inhibition).
Physio helps rebuild strength safely so the knee becomes stable and powerful again.
3) Protect the meniscus and joint long-term
Poor stability = more joint wear and tear.
Physiotherapy reduces the chance of:
secondary meniscus injury
cartilage breakdown
early arthritis
4) Improve balance and proprioception
ACL injuries reduce the body’s ability to sense joint position.
Physio retrains:
balance
reaction time
movement control
5) Safe return to sport and long-term confidence
Returning to sport without proper rehab increases risk of re-injury.
Physio ensures you return:
safely
confidently
with strength symmetry and control
ACL Injury Physiotherapy in Oakville & Mississauga
At Uniphysio & Associates, our ACL physiotherapy programs focus on:
restoring full movement
rebuilding strength and stability
progressive functional training
return-to-sport testing and progression
injury prevention education
If you recently injured your knee, or you’re recovering after ACL reconstruction, we can guide your recovery with a structured plan.
Book an ACL Physiotherapy Assessment
If you’re looking for ACL injury physiotherapy in Oakville or Mississauga, our team is here to help.
Or Call Us today!
(905) 997-1677