ACL Rehab
If you have sustained an ACL injury and are planning your post-operative rehabilitation, you need to ensure that you seek out a physical therapist who not only will return your full range-of-motion and strength but will also uncover and correct any movement technique abnormalities that may have contributed to your ACL injury.
What you should know about ACL rehab.
Every year in the United States, between 100,000 and 200,000 ACL injuries occur, with reconstruction surgeries performed for nearly 100,000 to 200,000 cases annually. Athletes commonly suffer ACL tears due to sudden pivots, jumps, and improper landings while participating in sports such as soccer, basketball, and football. The majority—approximately 70%—of these injuries happen in non-contact situations, meaning the athlete’s own movement places the excessive force on the ACL.
While female athletes are at a considerably higher risk than males, most recent studies report the risk is around five times greater (not ten), depending on sport and age group. Factors such as anatomy, neuromuscular control, and hormonal differences contribute to this disparity.
Unfortunately, even after ACL surgery, athletes remain highly susceptible to a second ACL injury. The reinjury rate is estimated between 15% and 25%; among young athletes who return to sports, rates can approach 30% within two years. Long-term, about 30% of individuals who experience an ACL tear will develop knee osteoarthritis within 10–15 years.
The encouraging news is that many ACL injuries are preventable. Sports physical therapists utilize specific training techniques to teach athletes how to jump, land, and pivot more safely—reducing force on the ACL and lowering the likelihood of injury. These programs not only minimize risk but also enhance overall performance by improving movement efficiency.
If you are planning for post-operative rehabilitation, seek a physical therapist who will restore your range of motion and strength, and analyze your movement patterns to address any potential causes of your injury. The ultimate goal is to help you return to play safely, run, jump, and cut in ways that protect your knees and reduce the risk of reinjury.
If you have sustained an ACL injury, request an appointment today to learn more about our ACL Injury Prevention program and start your path to a safer recovery..
Ivy Rehab ACL Return-to-Sport program.
If you have sustained an ACL injury and are planning your post-operative rehabilitation, you need to ensure that you seek out a physical therapist who not only will return your full range-of-motion and strength but will also uncover and correct any movement technique abnormalities that may have contributed to your ACL injury. Our goal at Ivy Rehab is not only to get you back on the field, but to train you to run, jump, land, and cut in a manner that protects your knees and minimizes the risk of a second ACL injury. Second ACL injuries happen in as much as 30% of young athletes who return to sport after undergoing ACL surgery. The Ivy Rehab ACL Return-to-Sport program is part of a comprehensive ACL rehabilitation approach that takes the recovering athlete through a series of targeted, progressive tests designed to assess and improve your movement mechanics. This approach supports a safe and optimal return to sport, significantly reducing your chances of reinjury.
Some of the dynamics you’ll learn include:
- Proper warm-up methods
- Speed and agility techniques
- Technique drills for jumping, landing, pivoting and cutting to avoid injury
- Strength and flexibility training
Our sports physical therapists have helped professional athletes, coaches, and students learn the techniques proven to help prevent ACL injuries. Advanced movement assessments and personal one-on-one attention can help you return to or exceed your pre-injury level and reach your peak performance after ACL surgery, all while preventing second and third ACL injuries from happening in the future.
Request your appointment today at an Ivy Rehab Network location near you to learn more about our ACL Injury Prevention program.
What You’ll Learn in the ACL Return-to-Sport Program
Our sports physical therapists have worked with professional athletes, coaches, and student-athletes to deliver proven injury prevention strategies. Our approach includes:
- Proper warm-up methods
- Speed and agility techniques
- Drills for jumping, landing, pivoting, and cutting
- Strength and flexibility training
- Education on movement efficiency and joint protection
With advanced movement assessments and one-on-one attention, our goal is to help you return to (or exceed) your pre-injury level while building long-term protection against re-injury.
FAQs
Can physical therapy prevent ACL injuries?
Yes. Our ACL Injury Prevention Program uses evidence-based training techniques to teach safer movement patterns that reduce the stress on the ACL. Many ACL injuries are preventable with proper mechanics and strength training.
How long is the recovery after ACL surgery with therapy?
Most athletes return to sport within 6 to 9 months, but recovery time varies based on individual progress and goals. Ivy Rehab’s return-to-sport testing ensures you’re fully ready before you return to high-demand activities.
How soon should I start physical therapy after ACL surgery?
You can typically begin physical therapy within a few days after surgery. Early rehab is critical to reduce swelling, restore range of motion, and prevent stiffness. Your Ivy Rehab therapist will work closely with your surgeon’s guidelines to tailor your plan.
Speed up your recovery.
Schedule an appointment with an Ivy Rehab clinic near you.
References
- ACL Tear Statistics: Reports 2025 – WifiTalents: https://wifitalents.com/acl-tear-statistics/
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Knee Injury – StatPearls: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499848/
- Trends in the Treatment of ACL Tears in 2025 – Dr. Tingstad Presentation (PDF): https://www.inlandortho.net/hubfs/Dr.%20Tingstad%20Presentation%20PDF.pdf?hsLang=en
- Analysis: Serious knee injury among teen athletes grows 26% – ProjectPlay: https://projectplay.org/news/2023/11/22/analysis-serious-knee-injury-among-teen-athletes-grows-26
- When it comes to ACL injury, a dollar of prevention is worth more – Oregon State University: https://health.oregonstate.edu/news-and-stories/2025-03/when-it-comes-acl-injury-dollar-prevention-worth-more-seven-dollars-cure
