ACL Injury Physiotherapy
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury commonly occurs during sudden stopping, changing direction, landing, or twisting of the knee. Symptoms may include knee pain, swelling or instability, and some people may feel that the knee gives way during walking, stair use, running or sport.
If symptoms are mainly focused around the joint line, with pain during twisting or a catching sensation, you may also refer to [Meniscus-Related Knee Pain Physiotherapy].
Common symptoms
- Knee pain or swelling after a twisting injury
- A sense of instability during stopping, turning or landing
- Reduced confidence during walking, stair use or sport
- The knee may occasionally feel as though it gives way
- Difficulty returning to running, jumping or ball sports
How physiotherapy assesses
Physiotherapy usually begins by looking at how the injury occurred, such as during stopping, turning, landing or contact, together with changes in pain, swelling and knee stability afterwards. Where appropriate, knee movement, strength, gait, single-leg loading, movement control and knee stability may also be assessed to understand current function and rehabilitation needs. Further medical assessment may be appropriate after a more significant acute injury or where other knee structures may also be involved.
How physiotherapy may help
Rehabilitation varies according to the extent of the injury, knee function, activity needs, and whether surgery has been undertaken. Physiotherapy may include mobility work, strengthening and movement-control training, followed by graded single-leg loading, running, change-of-direction, jumping and other sport-related rehabilitation according to individual goals.
If you have undergone ACL reconstruction, you may also refer to [Post-operative Rehabilitation Physiotherapy].
Related Conditions
Meniscus-Related Knee Pain
Knee Pain
Ankle Sprain
Not sure whether your condition falls into this category?
You may first arrange a physiotherapy assessment to understand the more suitable management approach according to your symptoms, activity needs, and rehabilitation goals.