ACL Rehab

Ivy Rehab / Therapy Services / Athletic Therapy / ACL Rehab

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..

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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.

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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

Check out some of our 4 and 5 star reviews

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Kristin is quite frankly in the top 3 physical therapists I've worked with in the past 30 years. She listens really well, her hands are amazingly adept at finding the worst hurty knots first, and she knows when to push and when to focus on rest and relief. As someone who has had a 4-level neck fusion and 2 fusion surgeries lower down, it's very difficult to find a physical therapist who gets me, treats me without going too far too fast but encourages me to seek whatever improvements I can reach given my tons of scar tissue and old recurring trigger points over so much territory. Better yet, she's witty and funny and not stuffy or stuck up. I really enjoy going to PT here, even after a long, hard day of more than 10 hours at my office and riding NJT Access-a-ride to and from. Further, every staff member at this location of Ivy Rehab has been great to work with, from scheduling to paying to setting up my heat treatments. Everyone is courteous, thoughtful and shows their true human selves I haven't found this at most medical offices, never mind PT offices. I've already recommended Kristin and her office to 4 colleagues. In under a month.

The therapists and staff are all very kind, helpful, knowledgeable and positive! It is a wonderful place to go for therapy and to begin to feel so much better and stronger!!!

Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – New Hyde Park

Following a bad ski accident and required surgery (ACL replacement and meniscus tear), required PT . Although it has only been a 5 sessions, I feel significant improvement in my mobility . Stephen @ Ivy Rehab has been key with this process. Soft spoken but he gets results. Gradually increases the challenges… He was recommended by a friend and I want to pass on the recommendation! Eric VB

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Somerset

These technicians stay right with you. I've been to numerous physical therapy places around here and this one is by far the best. Matthew and the other physical therapists are obvious professionals. They answer every question I have expertly. I will be going here from now on for any physical therapy rehab I need. I will never hesitate again. My advice to anyone with a injury is to not wait! Get in there and take care of it.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Monroe

My wife is a patient here, and she's always telling me positive things about her experience. She says everyone is friendly and creates an environment that encourages the patients end goal. Seeing her progress over the past couple of weeks, I can attest that that's what goes on. Thanks to everyone there making her bad situation the best it can be!

Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us, thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Comstock Park

My 10 year old son had the best learning experience here. He enjoyed the atmosphere and the interaction with staff. A truly caring, understanding place to help your child. Very thankful

Response from the owner:We're so thankful for your kind words and positive review! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – Cincinnati – Western Hills

I have been coming here for more than 5 years and I have been in very good hands with all of the therapists I have had the pleasure of dealing with. They help me stay in great shape to keep moving and maintaining my mobility. The staff who run the "front office" of this location are always willing to assist you with your needs and appointments. Everyone here are like family to me after many years and new ailments they are always available to get you feeling good! Thank you

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Hoboken – Midtown

I can't say enough about the exceptional Ivy Rehab team in Hoboken. I came here for PT following elbow surgery. From my initial phone call with Liz, the entire Ivy team was helpful, personable, professional and encouraging. A big shout to t Liz, Nicole, Jerry, Gracie, Crystal, Alexis and of course Anthony (and anyone else I've forgotten). Thank you all for the helping me through the healing process to get back to normal! And best of luck to the other patients I met. You're in good hands!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Hoboken – Midtown

I had a great experience at Ivy Rehab on Washington as I was rehabbing an ankle injury. The whole staff from the front desk to the aides and physical therapists were very kind and friendly. Lauryn was a great physical therapist and was able to pin-point my pain areas. She was able to develop and modify exercises that helped speed along my healing process. I would definitely recommend using Ivy Rehab going forward.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Hoboken – Midtown

A shout-out of appreciation to each staff member of Ivy Rehab-Willingboro. It is through my participation and your guidance that I have been able to positively increase my psychological and physical well being . My initial/evaluation meeting with Robert Williams 04/25/22 determined the best physical therapy program which would meet my needs. My last/evaluation 11/10/22 meeting with Jennifer Stewart determined my increased mobility and how far I had come with physical challenges. Between my first and last meeting, all staff members participated with assisting me with achieving my goals. Thank you. All staff are professional/friendly and committed to their job. Although the rehab site is small (was undergoing expansion and remodeling at this time.) I felt comfortable because all staff/participants were required to wear masks and the exercise equipment was disinfected after individual use. I highly recommend Ivy Rehab-Willingboro for your physical therapy needs! I am a “happy camper” and I’m sure you will be too!😄

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Willingboro!

I tore my ACL and Meniscus in June and was able to get back to running and working out with full flexion thanks to Natasha and the team. Could not ask for a more hands on group of professionals and really thankful that I’m back to normal life again.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Cresskill

Absolutely LOVE them. I started off doing PT there, my eldest needed it, then my youngest. Apparently it’s my family’s choice to go to. Everyone there is amazing. Almost make me want to have another injury so I can go back they are that amazing. Wonderful people

I had an incredible experience this summer at the Midtown Hoboken location. Skyla was absolutely amazing—professional, knowledgeable, and so supportive throughout my entire rehab process. Thanks to her expertise, I’m feeling back to my pre-injury self and couldn’t be more grateful. The whole team at the office made me feel comfortable and cared for every step of the way. Highly recommend this place to anyone in need of physical therapy!

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Hoboken – Midtown

I cannot express how thrilled I am with the quality of service at this practice. Danielle, Kelly, Grace, and everybody I worked with was of the highest echelon of professionalism, knowledge, manners, and friendliness. Not to mention, I went in there a tense, painful mess. A few months later, I walked out with not only healed injuries but a healed self image. I am still working on maintenance of my injuries that I went in there for (we have some more work to do) but thanks to the crew at this location I am definitely armed with the proper tools for the job. I cannot stress enough; THIS IS THE PLACE TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPY. 🙌😫😭👍👍👍👍👍 EDIT! Hurt myself AGAIN this year, 2023. Yet again, Danielle and her team worked on and taught me the methods to heal my injuries. I am now back doing Shaolin Kung Fu and Hot Yoga at max capability thanks to the Ivy Rehab team. From out of commission to 110% thanks to Danielle, Katie, and Jeremy.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Virginia Beach – Kempsville

My therapist, Kelly S. has helped me so much. She’s really knowledgeable and very hands on. I have gotten much better, much stronger since I began to see her and a real reduction in pain. I plan on continuing to see her as long as I can.

Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – King of Prussia

My husband Joel was seen for sacroiliac pain by John Finneran who did a very thorough evaluation. He then worked on him to alleviate the pain and Joel had good results! John also gave us an email of videos of exercises that Joel can do at home to help improve his situation. They’re easy to follow and help ease the pain. John is kind and very professional. We recommend him highly!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Island Park

My experience at Ivy rehab has been nothing but astounding to me. From day one I was a little skeptical as I have never done rehab before. Kurt my therapist was incredibly insightful on the small things that really made a huge difference in My overall healing process of my shoulder that I thought would never get back to where it was when I was younger. I followed Kurt's guidance through the whole experience at Ivy which is ultimately what brought me back to Mobility and my overall psyche. When I'm home and I walked in and saw Shaquita at the front counter with the biggest smile it was very enlightening and I felt happy every time I walked in knowing I was at a good spot! I've lived with this pain for years and just couldn't take it anymore and that's when I seeked out Ivy through Word of Mouth. I checked out other rehab facilities all were very busy did not seem personal unlike Ivy rehab it was very personal and never too crowded. I highly recommend Ivory have for young and old by the way I'm 57 years old, a painter by trade and I feel great!! Thank you Ivy rehab, thank you Kurt and thank you Shaquita! It really is the small things that heal our bodies back to health. Without Kurt's persistence and knowledge, I would still be in pain every time I went to move my left arm. Well I can't say enough good things I hope I don't have to come back for the my shoulder ever has problems again I know where I'm going.

Response from the owner:It's always wonderful to hear such kind feedback , we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Grand Blanc

Jeff and Jenna are amazing at what they do. I came in after an ankle fracture and had to totally learn how to walk again. Without them I wouldn’t have learned the skills necessary to get back on my foot. If I ever need therapy again I will come here. Hopefully I will not. Also they can pick you up from your home and take you home after for free. The drivers and receptionist are so friendly. The entire staff is very dynamic.

I can't say enough good things about Ivy Rehab! Ross expertly crafted a rehabilitation program that was customized to my specific needs and goals. Additionally, the team had flexible scheduling options and made each session fun!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Philadelphia – Center City

Megan has been an incredible resource throughout my knee surgery recovery process. She focuses on the key pain points and recovery areas, and is all around a wonderful person to work with!

Response from the owner:It's great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Williamsburg

My daughter needed therapy after a car accident and the staff has been very kind. The therapist she has is very compassionate and attentive to her needs. The therapy room is small, but not cluttered and filled with an array of exercise equipment for their patients. The waiting time is always at a minimal.