The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee, particularly among athletes and active adults.
Clinics commonly treat partial and full ACL tears, whether a patient is preparing for ACL reconstruction surgery, recovering from it, or managing the injury without surgery under close guidance from their physical therapist. For all of our services, click here.
ACL tears typically happen during sudden stops, pivots, or direct blows to the knee during sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing, though they can also occur from an awkward step or fall.
Common symptoms include a popping sensation at the moment of injury, immediate swelling, a feeling that the knee is unstable or giving way, and difficulty bearing full weight on the leg in the hours after injury.
For patients recovering from ACL reconstruction, treatment follows a structured, phase-based progression that starts with reducing swelling and restoring range of motion before advancing to strengthening, balance training, and sport-specific movement.
Patients preparing for surgery can also start with a Pre-Op Prehab for ACL Surgery program, which is designed to build strength and range of motion before the operation.
For patients managing an ACL tear without surgery, therapists focus on rebuilding the surrounding muscles to compensate for the ligament’s reduced stability.
Research consistently shows that a well-designed rehabilitation program improves strength, stability, and confidence in the joint, whether or not surgery is part of the plan.
Physical therapy addresses the underlying movement patterns and muscle imbalances that often contributed to the original injury, which helps reduce the risk of re-injury once a patient returns to sport or daily activity.
Sessions are one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist, not an aide or technician. Your therapist will explain what is happening in your knee in plain language, set realistic recovery goals, and give you a home program that keeps progress happening between visits. Whether your symptoms started yesterday or have been bothering you for years, a structured PT program can make a meaningful difference.
Many patients can begin treatment without a physician referral, depending on their insurance plan and condition. We can help verify your eligibility before your first visit.
We accept most major insurance plans and can help you understand your coverage, benefits, and any expected out-of-pocket costs before starting care.