Physiotherapy for ACL Rehabilitation in Toronto

Unmatched Expertise. Personalized Recovery. Complete Rehabilitation.

Book a discovery call today

Physiotherapy for ACL Rehabilitation in Toronto

Unmatched Expertise. Personalized Recovery. Complete Rehabilitation.

Book a discovery call today

Physiotherapy for ACL Rehabilitation

Unmatched Expertise. Personalized Recovery. Complete Rehabilitation.

Book a discovery call today

Physiotherapy for ACL Rehabilitation in Toronto

Unmatched Expertise. Personalized Recovery. Complete Rehabilitation.

Book a discovery call today

Physiotherapy for ACL Rehabilitation in Toronto

Unmatched Expertise. Personalized Recovery. Complete Rehabilitation.

Book a discovery call today

Trusted by Top Teams and Athletes

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Trusted by Top Teams and Athletes

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Your Biggest Hurdle Yet...Your Next Steps Matter

Recovering from an ACL injury is one of the most challenging journeys an athlete can face. At LiveActive Sport Medicine, our team provides comprehensive care to help you overcome physical, mental, and emotional hurdles. With personalized programs and a holistic approach, we’ve guided thousands of athletes back to peak performance.

Our facilities, equipment and proven methods ensure a full, lasting recovery. We focus on the entire body, addressing each issue and concern to support you every step of the way. Count on us to get you back in the game with confidence.

By booking a discovery call, an ACL physiotherapist can discuss how to best diagnose an injury, help guide how to best prepare for surgery, or help organize your next steps for post-operative care.

Your Biggest Hurdle Yet...Your Next Steps Matter

Recovering from an ACL injury is one of the most challenging journeys an athlete can face. At LiveActive Sport Medicine, our team provides comprehensive care to help you overcome physical, mental, and emotional hurdles. With personalized programs and a holistic approach, we’ve guided thousands of athletes back to peak performance.

Our facilities, equipment and proven methods ensure a full, lasting recovery. We focus on the entire body, addressing each issue and concern to support you every step of the way. Count on us to get you back in the game with confidence.

By booking a discovery call, an ACL physiotherapist can discuss how to best diagnose an injury, help guide how to best prepare for surgery, or help organize your next steps for post-operative care.
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Athletes that we've worked with...

Athletes that we've worked with...

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Our Unique Approach to ACL Rehabilitation

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Physiotherapy for ACL Rehabilitation - Start Here

Rehabbing an ACL can be overwhelming. During your discovery call and first assessment, we focus on education, clearly outlining the road to recovery ahead. We'll answer all your questions, build trust, and ensure you feel confident and prepared for the months ahead.

Let's Get You Ready for ACL Surgery

Pre-op preparation is crucial. The harder you work before the operation, the better your outcome will be. We'll focus on strength and conditioning to set the foundation for a successful recovery.
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Getting Started After ACL Surgery

Right after surgery, we guide you through pain management, swelling reduction, and gentle movement to kickstart your recovery. Early wins, like restoring range of motion, are crucial.

Access To Our Facility

Our rehab packages gives you unlimited access to our top-tier facilities, recovery tools, state of the art equipment, all at an affordable rate. Rehab five days a week and get back to the sport you love faster. Treatment begins right after surgery for the best outcomes.
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Intensify Your Training

As you progress, we focus on more intensive rehab and training. This includes personalized exercises, one-on-one support, and advanced techniques to build your strength and endurance. We start challenging you differently, introducing more complex and sport-specific movements to ensure continuous improvement.

Multidisciplinary Team Support

Throughout your rehab journey, whatever challenges arise, our in-house multidisciplinary team is here to collaborate and provide comprehensive support. Our team includes sport medicine doctors, sport psychiatrists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, sport dietitians, and more.
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Sport Specific Strengthening

Get ready for the demands of your sport with creative and tailored strengthening exercises. This phase focuses on sport-specific drills and activities to ensure you're fully prepared.

Return to Sport

As you near the end of your rehab, we focus on getting you back in the game. Engage in sport-specific runs and field sessions, complete a full return-to-sport block, and benefit from neuromuscular testing to ensure peak performance.
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Advanced Testing

Precise measurements are key to effective rehab. With our state-of-the-art equipment, we monitor your progress meticulously, ensuring you're ready for each step and a safe return to sport.

Our Approach to ACL Rehabilitation

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ACL-Injury-Assessment.png

Physiotherapy for ACL Rehabilitation - Start Here

Rehabbing an ACL can be overwhelming. During your discovery call and first assessment, we focus on education, clearly outlining the road to recovery ahead. We’ll answer all your questions, build trust, and ensure you feel confident and prepared for the months ahead.

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ACL-Prehab.png

Let's Get You Ready for ACL Surgery

Pre-op preparation is crucial. The harder you work before the operation, the better your outcome will be. We’ll focus on strength and conditioning to set the foundation for a successful recovery.

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ACL-Surgery-Wound-Care.png

Right After ACL Surgery

Right after surgery, we guide you through pain management, swelling reduction, and gentle movement to kickstart your recovery. Early wins, like restoring range of motion, are crucial.

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ACL-Surgery-Treatment.png

Access To Our Facility

Our rehab packages gives you unlimited access to our top-tier facilities, recovery tools, state of the art equipment, all at an affordable rate. Rehab five days a week and get back to the sport you love faster. Treatment begins right after surgery for the best outcomes.

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Return-to-Sports-After-ACL-Injury.png

Intensify Your Training After ACL Surgery

As you progress, we focus on more intensive rehab and training. This includes personalized exercises, one-on-one support, and advanced techniques to build your strength and endurance. We start challenging you differently, introducing more complex and sport-specific movements to ensure continuous improvement.

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mental-Health-in-Sport-1.png

Multidisciplinary Team Support

Throughout your rehab journey, whatever challenges arise, our in-house multidisciplinary team is here to collaborate and provide comprehensive support. Our team includes sport medicine doctors, sport psychiatrists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, sport dietitians, and more.

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ACL-Sports-Injuries-in-Etobicoke.png

Sport Specific Strengthening

Get ready for the demands of your sport with creative and tailored strengthening exercises. This phase focuses on sport-specific drills and activities to ensure you’re fully prepared.

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ACL-Return-to-Sport.png

Return to Sport

As you near the end of your rehab, we focus on getting you back in the game. Engage in sport-specific runs and field sessions, complete a full return-to-sport block, and benefit from neuromuscular testing to ensure peak performance.

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ACL-Data-Driven-Success.png

Advanced Testing

Precise measurements are key to effective rehab. With our state-of-the-art equipment, we monitor your progress meticulously, ensuring you’re ready for each step and a safe return to sport.

Trusted by our community!

Thankful to be the sport medicine clinic of choice by our communities
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5 Star Reviews

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Patients

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5 Star Reviews

Recover with a Science-Backed Approach

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Prehabilitation:

Prepare Your Body for Surgery and Reduce the Risk of Complications

Key Outcomes

  • Increase your muscle strength and stability before surgery
  • Enhance your balance and proprioception, reducing the risk of injury
  • Improve body’s ability to recover faster after surgery

The Science Behind Prehab

Click Here to Read More

Optimizing the outcome of ACL prehabilitation involves a comprehensive approach that reinforces strength and proprioception while aiming to decrease the loss of functional capacity pre-operatively or if they decide to go the non-surgical route. By focusing on targeted exercises that build muscle strength around the knee, individuals can create a more stable joint environment, reducing the risk of further injury. Incorporating proprioceptive training enhances the body’s ability to sense and react to movements, which is crucial for maintaining balance and coordination. This holistic approach not only prepares the knee for potential surgery but also helps maintain overall functional capacity, ensuring that individuals can return to their daily activities and sports with confidence and reduced risk of complications.

Additional Resources – Effect of Prehabilitation on the Outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

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Post-Op Building Blocks:

Reduce Swelling and Maximize Early Recovery

Key Outcomes

  • Minimize swelling and promote faster healing
  • Regain full leg extension to prepare for more intense exercises
  • Maximize muscle function to speed up rehabilitation and prevent complications

The Science Behind Post-Op Building Blocks

Click Here to Read More

This is the most critical phase of ACL rehab as it sets us up for success for the entirety of the journey. Our goals during this phase are simple; to reduce swelling, achieve full terminal knee extension, and to maximize the quadriceps contraction. The initial stages after ACL surgery are the most critical phase of rehabilitation, setting the foundation for the entire recovery journey. During this period, the primary goals are straightforward yet essential: reducing swelling, achieving full terminal knee extension, and maximizing quadriceps contraction. Effective management of swelling helps to alleviate pain and prevent complications, while regaining full knee extension is crucial for restoring normal gait patterns and preventing long-term issues. Additionally, focusing on quadriceps activation ensures the strength and stability needed to support the knee as recovery progresses. This foundational work is vital for a successful and smooth rehabilitation process.

Additional Resources – Quadriceps Activation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/3.png

Motor Patterning & Neuromuscular Control:

Rebuild Strength and Regain Control of Movements

Key Outcomes

  • Regain full muscle function to move with confidence and stability
  • Restore proper motor patterns for smoother, safer movements
  • Rebuild your strength and stability to avoid re-injury and ensure long-term mobility

The Science Behind Motor Patterning & Control

Click Here to Read More

This phase focuses on restoring muscle mass postoperatively with a strong emphasis on lifting and movement patterns to rebuild strength. Alongside this, there is continued attention on neuromuscular control to ensure proper movement quality and knee stability. By targeting both muscle mass restoration and neuromuscular control, this phase is crucial for regaining confidence in movement. The emphasis on precise and controlled movements ensures that the knee can handle increased activity levels safely. This stage is significant as it sets the groundwork for preparing the individual for the return to run protocol, a key milestone in the rehabilitation journey.

Additional Resources – Neuromuscular Training following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

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Total Strength:

Maximizing Strength for Safe High-Intensity Activity

Key Outcomes

  • Build total body strength to prevent re-injury
  • Gain the power to perform high-intensity activities safely
  • Increase muscular endurance to perform longer activities

The Science Behind The Need to Build Strength

Click Here to Read More

This phase of ACL rehabilitation marks a shift from recovery to training, as it is where the return to run protocol is initiated. The primary focus is on building maximum strength while also working towards achieving optimal cardiovascular fitness. The strength-building exercises are designed to ensure the knee can handle the demands of running and other activities without compromising stability. Simultaneously, improving cardiovascular fitness supports overall endurance, which is essential for a full return to athletic activities. This balanced approach ensures that the body is well-prepared for the increased physical demands that come with returning to sport.

Additional Resources – Clinical practice guideline on rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/5.png

Unpredictability Training

Build Agility and Confidence to Handle the Demands of Your Sport

Key Outcomes

  • Build agility and adaptability for real-world activities
  • Challenge your knee's ability to handle unpredictable movements
  • Prepare for sports-specific movements like cutting, pivoting, and jumping

The Science Behind Unpredictability Training

Click Here to Read More

The implementation of this phase is usually the most motivating for athletes as we work into sport specific exercises including progressive cutting, pivoting, change of direction, plyometrics, agility, and maximum power and velocity. During this phase, the therapist is challenging the athlete in a multitude of ways to prepare them for a full return.

Additional Resources – Perturbation Training in Nonoperative Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6.png

Return to Sport

Get Back to Sport Confidently and Safely and Ready to Perform

Key Outcomes

  • Pass evidence-based testing to ensure you’re ready for return to play
  • Reduce the risk of re-injury with a clear path back to full athletic activity
  • Return to your sport with full confidence in your knee’s strength and stability

The Science Behind Returning to Sport

Click Here to Read More

AT LAST! Where all of the hard work has paid off. The athlete will return to sport following a comprehensive set of evidence-based tests, some of which they will have encountered at earlier stages. These tests are crucial for reducing the risk of re-rupture. For final clearance by the therapist, the athlete must meet specific performance criteria and demonstrate balanced side-to-side symmetry.

Additional Resources – Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation and Return to Sport: How Fast Is Too Fast?

At LiveActive Sport Medicine, our evidence-based approach to ACL rehabilitation ensures that each phase of your recovery is guided by the latest scientific research and clinical best practices. Our multidisciplinary team works together to provide comprehensive care, addressing every aspect of your rehabilitation journey. From pre-op preparation to your triumphant return to sport, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a full and lasting recovery.

Recover with a Science-Backed Approach

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-2.png

Prehabilitation:

Prepare Your Body for Surgery and Reduce the Risk of Complications

Key Outcomes

  • Increase your muscle strength and stability before surgery
  • Enhance your balance and proprioception, reducing the risk of injury
  • Improve body’s ability to recover faster after surgery

The Science Behind Prehab

Click Here to Read More

Optimizing the outcome of ACL prehabilitation involves a comprehensive approach that reinforces strength and proprioception while aiming to decrease the loss of functional capacity pre-operatively or if they decide to go the non-surgical route. By focusing on targeted exercises that build muscle strength around the knee, individuals can create a more stable joint environment, reducing the risk of further injury. Incorporating proprioceptive training enhances the body’s ability to sense and react to movements, which is crucial for maintaining balance and coordination. This holistic approach not only prepares the knee for potential surgery but also helps maintain overall functional capacity, ensuring that individuals can return to their daily activities and sports with confidence and reduced risk of complications.

Additional Resources – Effect of Prehabilitation on the Outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-2.png

Post-Op Building Blocks:

Reduce Swelling and Maximize Early Recovery

Key Outcomes

  • Minimize swelling and promote faster healing
  • Regain full leg extension to prepare for more intense exercises
  • Maximize muscle function to speed up rehabilitation and prevent complications

The Science Behind Post-Op Building Blocks

Click Here to Read More

This is the most critical phase of ACL rehab as it sets us up for success for the entirety of the journey. Our goals during this phase are simple; to reduce swelling, achieve full terminal knee extension, and to maximize the quadriceps contraction. The initial stages after ACL surgery are the most critical phase of rehabilitation, setting the foundation for the entire recovery journey. During this period, the primary goals are straightforward yet essential: reducing swelling, achieving full terminal knee extension, and maximizing quadriceps contraction. Effective management of swelling helps to alleviate pain and prevent complications, while regaining full knee extension is crucial for restoring normal gait patterns and preventing long-term issues. Additionally, focusing on quadriceps activation ensures the strength and stability needed to support the knee as recovery progresses. This foundational work is vital for a successful and smooth rehabilitation process.

Additional Resources – Quadriceps Activation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-2.png

Motor Patterning & Neuromuscular Control:

Rebuild Strength and Regain Control of Movements

Key Outcomes

  • Regain full muscle function to move with confidence and stability
  • Restore proper motor patterns for smoother, safer movements
  • Rebuild your strength and stability to avoid re-injury and ensure long-term mobility

The Science Behind Motor Patterning & Control

Click Here to Read More

This phase focuses on restoring muscle mass postoperatively with a strong emphasis on lifting and movement patterns to rebuild strength. Alongside this, there is continued attention on neuromuscular control to ensure proper movement quality and knee stability. By targeting both muscle mass restoration and neuromuscular control, this phase is crucial for regaining confidence in movement. The emphasis on precise and controlled movements ensures that the knee can handle increased activity levels safely. This stage is significant as it sets the groundwork for preparing the individual for the return to run protocol, a key milestone in the rehabilitation journey.

Additional Resources – Neuromuscular Training following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-2.png

Total Strength:

Maximizing Strength for Safe High-Intensity Activity

Key Outcomes

  • Build total body strength to prevent re-injury
  • Gain the power to perform high-intensity activities safely
  • Increase muscular endurance to perform longer activities

The Science Behind The Need to Build Strength

Click Here to Read More

This phase of ACL rehabilitation marks a shift from recovery to training, as it is where the return to run protocol is initiated. The primary focus is on building maximum strength while also working towards achieving optimal cardiovascular fitness. The strength-building exercises are designed to ensure the knee can handle the demands of running and other activities without compromising stability. Simultaneously, improving cardiovascular fitness supports overall endurance, which is essential for a full return to athletic activities. This balanced approach ensures that the body is well-prepared for the increased physical demands that come with returning to sport.

Additional Resources – Clinical practice guideline on rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/5-2.png

Unpredictability Training

Build Agility and Confidence to Handle the Demands of Your Sport

Key Outcomes

  • Build agility and adaptability for real-world activities
  • Challenge your knee's ability to handle unpredictable movements
  • Prepare for sports-specific movements like cutting, pivoting, and jumping

The Science Behind Unpredictability Training

Click Here to Read More

The implementation of this phase is usually the most motivating for athletes as we work into sport specific exercises including progressive cutting, pivoting, change of direction, plyometrics, agility, and maximum power and velocity. During this phase, the therapist is challenging the athlete in a multitude of ways to prepare them for a full return.

Additional Resources – Perturbation Training in Nonoperative Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation

https://liveactivesportmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/6-3.png

Return to Sport

Get Back to Sport Confidently and Safely and Ready to Perform

Key Outcomes

  • Pass evidence-based testing to ensure you’re ready for return to play
  • Reduce the risk of re-injury with a clear path back to full athletic activity
  • Return to your sport with full confidence in your knee’s strength and stability

The Science Behind Returning to Sport

Click Here to Read More

AT LAST! Where all of the hard work has paid off. The athlete will return to sport following a comprehensive set of evidence-based tests, some of which they will have encountered at earlier stages. These tests are crucial for reducing the risk of re-rupture. For final clearance by the therapist, the athlete must meet specific performance criteria and demonstrate balanced side-to-side symmetry.

Additional Resources – Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation and Return to Sport: How Fast Is Too Fast?

At LiveActive Sport Medicine, our evidence-based approach to ACL rehabilitation ensures that each phase of your recovery is guided by the latest scientific research and clinical best practices. Our multidisciplinary team works together to provide comprehensive care, addressing every aspect of your rehabilitation journey. From pre-op preparation to your triumphant return to sport, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a full and lasting recovery.

What our Athletes are Saying...

See how our patients have successfully recovered and returned to their sports. Our testimonials and case studies provide real-life examples of the transformative impact our ACL rehabilitation program can have.

What our Athletes are Saying...

See how our patients have successfully recovered with the team at LiveActive.
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ACL Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ACL injury?

An ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury involves a tear or sprain of the ACL, a key ligament that helps stabilize your knee joint. This type of injury often occurs during activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, jumping, or landing, and is common among athletes in sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing.

How long does the rehabilitation process take?

The rehabilitation process for an ACL injury typically takes between 6 to 12 months, depending on various factors such as the severity of the injury, the type of surgery performed, and the individual’s overall health and commitment to the rehab program. Your specific timeline will be discussed during your initial assessment and adjusted as you progress through the stages of recovery.

What can I expect during each phase of recovery?
  • Pre-Op Preparation: Before surgery, we focus on strengthening the muscles around your knee, improving range of motion, and reducing inflammation to create an optimal environment for healing post-surgery.
  • Post-Op Early Stages: The initial phase after surgery involves managing pain and swelling, preventing infection, and starting gentle movements to restore range of motion. Controlled exercises help activate surrounding muscles without stressing the healing tissue.
  • Post-Op Mid Stages: In this phase, the focus shifts to rebuilding strength, endurance, and functional mobility. You’ll engage in more intensive physical therapy exercises designed to enhance muscle mass and joint stability.
  • Return to Sport: The final phase prepares you for a safe return to your sport. This includes sport-specific drills, agility training, and neuromuscular re-education. Advanced testing and monitoring ensure your knee is ready for the demands of athletic performance.
How much does the program cost?

The cost of our ACL rehabilitation program varies based on the specific services and duration of your treatment plan. We offer a range payment options to provide access to our facilities and services. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the costs and discuss the best plan for your needs. All of our practitioners are registered with their respective governing bodies and most of services can be billed directly to extended health benefit plans.

We encourage you to call your insurance company to better understand that breakdown of your plan.

Will I be able to return to my sport?

Yes, our goal is to help you safely and effectively return to your sport. Through our comprehensive and evidence-based rehabilitation program, we prepare you for the dynamic demands of athletic performance. By the final phase of your rehab, you’ll engage in sport-specific drills and neuromuscular testing to ensure you’re ready to compete at your best and minimize the risk of re-injury.

How soon after surgery can I start physical therapy?

The timing of when you can start physical therapy after ACL surgery varies based on your surgeon’s recommendations. Typically, physical therapy begins within the first week after surgery. Early intervention is crucial for managing pain, reducing swelling, and starting gentle movements to restore range of motion. Always follow your surgeon’s specific rehab protocol to ensure the best outcomes.

What should I bring to my first physical therapy appointment?

For your first physical therapy appointment, please bring the following:

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for exercise
  • Any post-operative instructions or rehabilitation protocol provided by your surgeon
  • A list of any medications you are currently taking
  • Medical records related to your surgery
  • Insurance information
  • A water bottle to stay hydrated
How often will I need to attend physical therapy sessions?

The frequency of physical therapy sessions varies throughout the rehabilitation process. In the early stages, you may need to attend sessions 2-3 times per week to ensure close monitoring and rapid progress. As you advance and your knee gains strength and stability, the frequency may reduce to 1-2 times per week. Your therapist will tailor the schedule based on your specific needs and progress.

What can I do at home to aid my recovery?

To aid your recovery at home, consider the following:

  • Follow your home exercise program: Your therapist will provide specific exercises to do at home to complement your in-clinic sessions.
  • Stay active within your limits: Engage in gentle activities that do not strain your knee, such as walking or stationary biking, as advised by your therapist.
  • Use ice and elevation: Regularly apply ice and elevate your leg to reduce swelling and manage pain.
  • Maintain a healthy diet: Proper nutrition supports healing and overall recovery.
  • Rest adequately: Ensure you get enough rest to allow your body to heal and recover.
How will my progress be monitored during rehabilitation?

Your progress will be meticulously monitored through regular assessments and the use of advanced testing equipment. This equipment allows us to measure strength, asymmetries, and movement patterns with precision. Additionally, your therapist will track your improvements in range of motion, strength, and functional mobility, adjusting your rehabilitation plan as needed to ensure optimal recovery.

Do you offer support for the mental and emotional aspects of recovery?

Yes, we understand that recovering from an ACL injury involves mental and emotional challenges as well as physical ones. Dr. Taylor Armstrong, our sports psychiatrist, is available to support athletes dealing with the psychological impact of their injury and recovery. Additionally, Jeff Hendler, a life coach specializing in helping individuals who have suffered ACL injuries, is here to provide guidance and motivation throughout your rehab journey. Our holistic approach ensures you receive comprehensive care for both your body and mind.