23/07/2026
ACL SURGERY RETURN TO SPORT 🏉 📈
Research has shown that after ACL reconstruction, every additional month before returning to sport (up to 9 months) is associated with a 51% lower risk of reinjury.
That doesn’t mean sitting on the sofa for nine months. It means using that time well.
For years, return-to-sport decisions were heavily influenced by physical measures such as quadriceps strength and hop testing. While these are still an important part of the picture, we now know they don’t tell the whole story.
Recovery also means rebuilding confidence in your knee. Can you cut, pivot, decelerate and change direction without hesitation? Do you trust your knee when the game becomes unpredictable? Are you ready physically and psychologically?
Successful ACL rehabilitation isn’t about ticking one box or reaching a date on the calendar. It’s about making sure your knee is strong enough, your movement is efficient and, just as importantly, that you have the confidence to return to your sport safely.
If you’re recovering from an ACL injury, we’d be happy to help you navigate every stage of your rehabilitation. Reach out to find out more about our rehabilitation services.
Source: Grindem et al. (2016), British Journal of Sports Medicine.
