Expert ACL Physio & Rehabilitation Melbourne

ACL Injury Basics

What is an ACL injury?

Quick Answer: An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament in your knee, often caused by sudden stops, pivoting, or landing awkwardly.

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of four major ligaments in your knee that provides stability during movement. ACL injuries are common in sports involving cutting, jumping, and pivoting movements like AFL, soccer, basketball, and skiing.

ACL injury grades:

• Grade 1: Mild stretching, ligament still intact

• Grade 2: Partial tear with some looseness

• Grade 3: Complete tear, knee unstable

How do I know if I tore my ACL?

Quick Answer: Common signs include a "pop" sound, immediate pain, swelling within hours, knee instability, and difficulty bearing weight.

Immediate signs of ACL tear:

1. Audible "pop" when injury occurs

2. Severe pain that may improve after initial injury

3. Rapid swelling within 2-6 hours

4. Knee instability - feeling like knee will "give way"

5. Difficulty walking or bearing weight

6. Limited range of motion due to pain and swelling

Think you've torn your ACL? WhatsApp us immediately or book an urgent assessment

Can I walk with a torn ACL?

Quick Answer: Yes, many people can walk with a torn ACL, but the knee may feel unstable and give way during pivoting or cutting movements.

Walking straight ahead is often possible because the ACL isn't heavily involved in forward/backward knee movement. However, activities requiring side-to-side movement, jumping, or quick direction changes will likely cause instability and pain.

What you can typically do: Walking, stationary cycling, swimming What to avoid: Running, jumping, pivoting sports, uneven surfaces

What happens if I don't treat my ACL injury?

Quick Answer: Untreated ACL injuries can lead to chronic instability, increased risk of meniscus tears, early arthritis, and permanent activity limitations.

Short-term consequences:

• Continued knee instability and giving way

• Difficulty with sports and physical activities

• Muscle weakness and atrophy

• Compensatory movement patterns

Long-term consequences:

• Secondary meniscus and cartilage damage

• Early onset arthritis (within 10-15 years)

• Chronic pain and stiffness

• Significant activity limitations

The good news: Both surgical and conservative treatments can prevent these complications when started early.

How do I prevent ACL injuries?

Quick Answer: ACL injury prevention focuses on proper training techniques, strengthening exercises, balance training, and sport-specific conditioning programs.

Key prevention strategies:

• Strength training: Focus on quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes

• Balance and proprioception: Single-leg exercises and unstable surface training

• Jump training: Proper landing techniques and plyometrics

• Movement patterns: Correct cutting and pivoting techniques

• Warm-up routines: Dynamic stretching and activation exercises

• Equipment: Proper footwear and playing surfaces

Sport-specific programs: Many sports now have ACL prevention protocols (like FIFA 11+ for soccer) that reduce injury rates by 30-50%.

Treatment & Surgery

If I injured my ACL, do I need to have surgery?

Quick Answer: Not always. Surgery depends on tear severity, age, activity level, and stability. Many partial tears heal with physiotherapy alone.

Surgery Recommended Conservative Treatment Complete tear + instability Partial tear + stable knee High-level athletes Recreational/low-demand activity Young athletes (<25) Older recreational athletes (>35) Multiple ligament damage Willing to modify activities

Research from Sports Medicine shows conservative treatment can be highly effective for many patients.

Unsure about surgery? Book a consultation with our ACL specialists for personalised advice.

Can ACL injuries heal without surgery?

Quick Answer: Yes, partial ACL tears can heal with proper physiotherapy. Complete tears don't heal naturally but surrounding muscles can compensate.

Research shows 50-80% of people with ACL injuries can return to activities without surgery through specialised rehabilitation programs focusing on:

• Quadriceps and hamstring strengthening

• Proprioception and balance training

• Movement pattern retraining

• Activity modification strategies

Success factors: Partial tear, good muscle strength, low-demand activities, commitment to rehab

Learn more about non-surgical ACL treatment.

Is ACL surgery painful?

Quick Answer: ACL surgery causes moderate pain for 1-2 weeks, manageable with medication. Most patients rate pain 4-6/10 initially, improving to 1-2/10 within a month.

Pain timeline after ACL surgery:

1. Days 1-3: Moderate to severe pain (5-7/10), managed with prescription pain relief

2. Week 1-2: Decreasing pain (3-5/10), transition to over-the-counter medications

3. Week 3-4: Mild pain (1-3/10), mainly with movement and therapy

4. Month 2+: Occasional discomfort during rehabilitation exercises

Pain management strategies: Ice therapy, elevation, prescribed medications, gentle movement, physiotherapy

Read our post-surgery recovery tips for detailed pain management advice.

Should I ice my knee after ACL surgery?

Quick Answer: Yes, icing for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first 48-72 hours helps reduce swelling and pain. Continue as needed during rehabilitation.

Proper icing technique:

• Use ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in thin towel

• Apply for 15-20 minutes maximum

• Allow skin to return to normal temperature between sessions

• Elevate leg while icing

• Never apply ice directly to skin

When to ice: After surgery, after physiotherapy sessions, when swelling increases, before bedtime

Why does my knee hurt after ACL surgery?

Quick Answer: Post-surgical knee pain is normal and caused by tissue healing, swelling, muscle weakness, and scar tissue formation. Pain should gradually decrease over 4-6 weeks.

Common causes of post-surgical pain:

• Surgical trauma: Incisions and tissue manipulation

• Swelling: Fluid buildup creating pressure

• Muscle weakness: Quadriceps shutdown after surgery

• Scar tissue: Formation around surgical sites

• Rehabilitation exercises: Necessary stress on healing tissues

When to be concerned:

• Severe, increasing pain after first week

• Signs of infection (fever, red, hot, swollen incision)

• Inability to move knee at all

• Numbness or tingling that worsens

Is it normal to have pain after ACL surgery?

Quick Answer: Yes, pain is completely normal for 4-8 weeks after ACL surgery. Most patients experience significant improvement by 6 weeks post-surgery.

Normal pain patterns:

• Week 1: Moderate to severe pain, especially at night

• Week 2-3: Pain with movement and therapy

• Week 4-6: Mild pain during exercises

• Week 6-8: Occasional discomfort with increased activity

Not normal: Severe pain that prevents sleep after week 2, sudden onset of severe pain, or pain accompanied by fever

Recovery Timeline

How long does ACL rehabilitation take?

Quick Answer: Conservative treatment: 3-6 months. Post-surgery rehabilitation: 6-12 months for sport return. Timeline varies by individual goals.

Treatment Type Return to Daily Activities Return to Sport Conservative (No Surgery) 6-12 weeks 3-6 months ACL Reconstruction 8-16 weeks 6-12 months Elite Sport Return 12-16 weeks 9-12+ months

Read our detailed ACL recovery timeline guide for phase-by-phase expectations.

When should I start ACL rehabilitation?

Quick Answer: Immediately after injury for conservative treatment, or 1-2 days post-surgery. Early movement prevents stiffness and promotes healing.

Conservative treatment: Begin gentle exercises within 24-48 hours of injury Post-surgery: Start ankle pumps and quadriceps contractions day 1-2 after surgery
Formal physiotherapy: Usually begins within 1 week of injury or surgery

Ready to start your ACL recovery? Book your assessment today - early intervention = better outcomes.

How long before I can run after ACL surgery?

Quick Answer: Straight-line running typically begins at 12-16 weeks post-surgery, with full running resumption at 4-6 months depending on progress.

Running progression timeline:

1. 6-8 weeks: Walking without crutches

2. 10-12 weeks: Treadmill walking, stationary cycling

3. 12-16 weeks: Begin jogging straight lines

4. 16-20 weeks: Progress to steady running

5. 20-24 weeks: Return to pre-injury running distances

Prerequisites for running: Full knee extension, minimal swelling, adequate quad strength, good balance

Check out our return to running program for detailed guidelines.

When can I drive after ACL surgery?

Quick Answer: Left knee: 1-2 weeks. Right knee: 4-6 weeks. Must be off strong pain medication and able to emergency brake safely.

Driving readiness checklist:

• Off prescription pain medications

• Can bend knee to 90 degrees comfortably

• Able to emergency brake with affected leg

• No significant swelling restricting movement

• Cleared by physiotherapist or surgeon

Note: Check with your insurance company about coverage during recovery period.

What are the signs of ACL healing?

Quick Answer: Signs of healing include decreased pain and swelling, improved range of motion, increased strength, better stability, and ability to perform daily activities.

Positive healing indicators:

• Pain reduction: Gradual decrease in pain levels

• Swelling improvement: Less puffiness around the knee

• Range of motion: Increasing ability to bend and straighten knee

• Strength gains: Improved muscle control and power

• Stability: Less feeling of knee "giving way"

• Function: Easier walking, stair climbing, daily activities

Timeline milestones:

• 2 weeks: Significant pain reduction

• 6 weeks: Good range of motion

• 12 weeks: Functional strength returning

• 6 months: Near-normal daily function

Sports & Activity Return

Can I return to CrossFit/running/cycling after ACL injury?

Quick Answer: Yes! 85-90% of people return to their chosen sport after proper ACL rehabilitation. Timeline varies: cycling (8-12 weeks), running (12-20 weeks), CrossFit (16-24 weeks).

Activity Conservative Treatment Post-Surgery Cycling (Stationary) 2-4 weeks 6-8 weeks Swimming 4-6 weeks 8-12 weeks Running 8-12 weeks 12-20 weeks CrossFit 12-16 weeks 16-24 weeks Contact Sports 16-20 weeks 24-32 weeks

See our sport-specific guides:

• CrossFit after ACL injury

• Return to running protocol

• Cycling after ACL injury

What exercises help ACL recovery?

Quick Answer: Key exercises include quadriceps strengthening, hamstring curls, calf raises, balance training, and progressive plyometrics. Start gentle, progress gradually.

Phase 1 exercises (0-6 weeks):

• Ankle pumps and circles

• Quadriceps contractions

• Straight leg raises

• Heel slides

• Stationary bike (when comfortable)

Phase 2 exercises (6-12 weeks):

• Wall sits

• Step-ups

• Hamstring curls

• Single-leg balance

• Mini squats

Phase 3 exercises (12+ weeks):

• Squats and lunges

• Jump training

• Agility drills

• Sport-specific movements

Want a personalised exercise program? Our physios create custom ACL rehab programs based on your specific needs.

Check out our ACL strengthening exercises guide for detailed instructions.

What should I avoid with an ACL injury?

Quick Answer: Avoid pivoting, jumping, contact sports, and activities that cause knee instability. Also avoid excessive rest - gentle movement promotes healing.

Activities to avoid (first 6 weeks):

• Running or jogging

• Jumping or plyometric exercises

• Pivoting or cutting movements

• Contact sports

• Deep squats or lunges

• Uneven surfaces or hiking

Long-term modifications may include:

• Using knee brace for pivoting sports

• Modified sports participation

• Continued strength and balance training

• Proper warm-up routines

Remember: Complete inactivity is also harmful - gentle, controlled movement promotes healing.

Cost & Insurance (Melbourne Specific)

How much does ACL physio cost in Melbourne?

Quick Answer: ACL physiotherapy in Melbourne costs $90-150 per session. Total rehabilitation typically costs $3,000-6,000 over 6-12 months.

Service Cost Range Frequency Initial Assessment $120-180 One-off Follow-up Sessions $90-150 1-3x weekly Group Classes $35-50 1-2x weekly Total Program (6 months) $3,000-6,000 Complete rehab

Private health insurance: Most extras policies cover 50-80% of physiotherapy costs Medicare: Limited rebates available with GP referral and chronic disease management plan

Want to discuss payment options? We offer package deals and payment plans - call us to discuss.

How much does ACL surgery cost in Melbourne?

Quick Answer: Public system: Free but 6-12+ month wait. Private: $13,000-18,000 total cost without insurance. With private health insurance: $2,000-5,000 out-of-pocket.

Cost Component Public System Private (No Insurance) Private (With Insurance) Surgeon Fee $0 $4,000-7,000 $500-3,000 gap Hospital/Theatre $0 $3,000-6,000 Usually covered Anaesthetist $0 $1,000-2,000 $500-1,500 gap Imaging (MRI) $0 $300-500 $0-200 Physiotherapy Limited coverage $4,000-6,000 $1,000-3,000 Total Cost $0-500 $13,000-18,000 $2,000-5,000

Wait times in Melbourne:

• Public hospitals: 6-18 months depending on urgency

• Private hospitals: 2-6 weeks

For more information, visit Medicare's website or read our ACL surgery cost guide.

Does Health Insurance in Australia cover ACL Surgery?

Quick Answer: Yes, health cover in Australia can support ACL surgery, but coverage depends on whether you have public healthcare (Medicare) or private health insurance.

Public System (Medicare) ACL surgery is covered under Medicare if you go through the public hospital system. However, waiting times can be long—sometimes 6 to 12 months or more, depending on the hospital and urgency. You'll usually have minimal out-of-pocket costs, but rehab and physio may not be fully covered.

Private Health Insurance If you have private hospital cover (usually under policies that include joint reconstructions), your insurance can cover a significant portion of the surgery costs. You'll need to check:

• Waiting periods (often 12 months for pre-existing conditions)

• Out-of-pocket costs (surgeon, anesthetist, hospital fees, etc.)

• Extras cover for physio and rehab, which are crucial for recovery

The benefit? Shorter waiting times and more choice of surgeon & hospital compared to the public system.

Check with Private Health Australia for more information about coverage options.

Choosing Treatment in Melbourne

Where can I get ACL physio in Melbourne?

Quick Answer: Melbourne has many ACL specialists. Evolutio Sports Physio in Richmond offers specialised ACL rehabilitation with experienced physiotherapists and a convenient inner-city location.

What to look for in an ACL physiotherapist:

• Specific ACL rehabilitation experience

• Post-graduate sports physiotherapy qualifications

• Understanding of your sport/activity

• Modern rehabilitation techniques

• Convenient location and hours

• Good communication and rapport

Evolutio Sports Physio advantages:

• 40+ ACL recoveries in 2025

• Specialists in sports physiotherapy

• Convenient Richmond location (5 min from Richmond Station)

• Flexible hours including Saturday appointments

• WhatsApp communication with physiotherapists

• Non-clinical, relaxed environment

Ready to start your ACL recovery in Melbourne? Book online or WhatsApp us for immediate response.

Who is the best ACL physio in Melbourne?

Quick Answer: The best ACL physio for you depends on your specific needs, location, and goals. Look for specialised experience, good communication, and proven outcomes.

Key factors to consider:

• Experience: Years specialising in ACL rehabilitation

• Qualifications: Sports physiotherapy post-graduate training

• Results: Track record of successful returns to sport

• Communication: Clear explanations and responsive to questions

• Location: Convenient for regular appointments

• Approach: Matches your treatment preferences (conservative vs surgical)

What makes Evolutio different:

• Team of ACL specialists with complementary expertise

• Experience with elite athletes (AFLW, Carlton FC)

• Understanding of Melbourne's active lifestyle

• Flexible communication options

• Proven track record (40+ successful recoveries in 2024)

Meet our ACL specialist team to find the right fit for your recovery.

How do I choose an ACL physiotherapist?

Quick Answer: Choose an ACL physiotherapist based on their specific ACL experience, qualifications, communication style, location convenience, and understanding of your activity goals.

Essential qualifications to look for:

• University degree in physiotherapy

• Post-graduate sports physiotherapy training

• Specific ACL rehabilitation experience

• Continuing education in latest techniques

• Professional association memberships

Questions to ask potential physiotherapists:

1. How many ACL patients do you treat per year?

2. What's your experience with my specific sport/activity?

3. Do you work with surgeons I'm considering?

4. What's your typical treatment timeline?

5. How do you communicate between sessions?

6. What are your success rates for return to sport?

Red flags to avoid:

• Limited ACL-specific experience

• One-size-fits-all treatment approaches

• Poor communication or rushed appointments

• Unwillingness to work with your surgeon

• No clear progression plan

Ready to meet our ACL team? Book a consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals.

Additional Common Questions

Can you travel Australia with an ACL injury?

Quick Answer: Yes, you can travel around Australia with an ACL injury, but it depends on the severity of your injury and planned activities. Plan for swelling management and avoid high-risk activities.

If your ACL is partially torn or you've begun rehab and built up strength, you'll likely manage day-to-day travel with a knee brace or crutches. Sightseeing, road trips, and relaxed travel are generally manageable as long as you avoid high-impact activities.

Travel considerations:

• Long flights or car rides can cause swelling

• Uneven terrain can increase reinjury risk if your knee isn't stable

• Avoid strenuous hikes or water sports

• Ensure medical support access in remote areas

• Inform travel insurers of your ACL injury as some policies won't cover pre-existing conditions unless declared

Check Travel Insurance Australia for coverage options.

How to sleep after ACL surgery

Quick Answer: Sleep on your back with your leg elevated using pillows or a foam wedge. This position helps reduce swelling and keeps your leg supported throughout the night.

Best sleeping positions:

• Back sleeping: Most recommended with leg elevated

• Side sleeping: On non-operated side with pillow between knees

• Avoid: Stomach sleeping as this strains both knee and lower back

Sleep improvement tips:

• Take pain medication 30-60 minutes before bedtime

• Ice your knee for 15-20 minutes before sleep

• Wear your brace if recommended by surgeon

• Keep essentials (water, medication, crutches) within reach

• Use multiple pillows to find comfortable position

Sleep quality improves as healing progresses, so be patient and adjust your setup as needed. Read our post-surgery sleep guide for detailed tips.

How long is ACL Reconstruction surgery?

Quick Answer: ACL reconstruction surgery typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on complexity and whether additional repairs (meniscus, cartilage) are needed.

Surgery duration factors:

• Graft type: Hamstring, patellar tendon, or donor graft

• Additional procedures: Meniscus repair, cartilage treatment

• Complexity: Revision surgery takes longer

• Surgeon experience: Experienced surgeons may be faster

Hospital timeline:

• Pre-op preparation: 1-2 hours

• Surgery time: 1-2 hours

• Recovery room: 2-4 hours

• Total hospital time: 6-8 hours (day surgery)

Most patients go home the same day unless complications arise or additional procedures are required.

For more information about ACL surgery procedures, visit the Australian Orthopaedic Association website.

Why Should I See an ACL Physiotherapist in Melbourne?

Quick Answer: Seeing an ACL physiotherapist in Melbourne ensures you receive specialised care tailored to your injury, access to the latest techniques, and support for returning to Melbourne's active lifestyle.

Benefits of specialised ACL physiotherapy:

1. Expert assessment: Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning

2. Tailored programs: Customised to your specific injury and goals

3. Latest techniques: Evidence-based rehabilitation methods

4. Sport-specific training: Understanding of your activities and demands

5. Injury prevention: Education to prevent future ACL problems

6. Local knowledge: Understanding of Melbourne's sports culture and venues

Melbourne-specific advantages:

• Access to top sports medicine professionals

• Proximity to elite sporting facilities

• Understanding of local sports (AFL, cycling, running events)

• Integration with Melbourne's healthcare system

• Knowledge of local gyms and sports clubs

Evolutio's Melbourne advantage:

• Located in sports-focused Richmond

• Understanding of inner Melbourne lifestyle

• Connections with local sporting community

• Experience with Richmond Tigers supporters and local athletes

• Convenient for CBD professionals

By seeking the expertise of an ACL rehab program and ACL physio in Melbourne, you address your current injury and gain valuable knowledge and tools to protect your knee health in the long run, ensuring a more active and pain-free life.

Ready to Get Back to Your Active Lifestyle?

Join the 50+ successful ACL recoveries we've guided in 2025. Whether you're training for Melbourne Marathon, getting back to weekend footy, or just want to cycle to work pain-free – we've got you covered.

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