The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the main stabilising ligaments in your knee, running diagonally through the middle of the joint. It controls rotation and forward movement of the shin bone. An ACL injury typically involves a partial or complete tear of this ligament, most often caused by sudden changes in direction, landing awkwardly, or contact during sport. It's one of the most common knee injuries we see — and with the right management, most people make a full recovery.

Common signs of an ACL injury include a "pop" or "crack" at the time of injury, immediate swelling in the knee (often within the first few hours), pain that makes it difficult to continue activity, and a feeling of instability or the knee "giving way." That said, symptoms can vary — and some people are surprised by how little pain they feel initially. The only way to confirm an ACL tear is through a clinical assessment and, in most cases, an MRI scan. Book in with us and we'll assess you properly and guide you on next steps.

Not all ACL tears require surgery — and the answer depends greatly on the type of injury, whether the meniscus is also involved, and most importantly, your goals. During your consultation we'll discuss what your ideal knee future looks like and help you work out the right path forward. For example, you can run a marathon or climb a mountain without an ACL. Many people with lower-demand activity goals do very well with physiotherapy rehabilitation alone. However, for cutting and pivoting sports like football, AFL, and netball, ACL reconstruction currently has the best evidence to support a safe return to play. There's no one-size-fits-all answer here — that's exactly the conversation we want to have with you at your first appointment.

Recovery depends entirely on what you're trying to get back to. Here's a general guide based on goals: Walking: ~2 weeks | Office work: 2–4 weeks | Trades and physical work: 6–12 weeks | Return to sport: 9–12 months+ For sport, we recommend a minimum of 9–12 months to ensure optimal recovery and minimise re-injury risk. We don't go by time alone — we use objective strength testing and performance criteria at every milestone, so you progress when you're genuinely ready, not just when the calendar says so.

Possibly. At Valley Physiotherapy, our team is trained in the Cross Bracing Protocol — an evidence-based bracing method that follows a structured protocol and has shown promising results in promoting stable ACL healing in certain types of tears, potentially avoiding the need for surgery altogether. Suitability depends on the type and grade of your tear, timing from injury, and your individual goals. Speak to us at your first appointment if you think this might be an option for you — the sooner we see you after injury, the more options are available.

As soon as possible — ideally within the first week post-op. Early physiotherapy after ACL reconstruction focuses on managing swelling, restoring range of motion, and activating the quad muscles. Getting this phase right sets the foundation for everything that follows. In fact, the research is clear that starting early leads to better long-term outcomes. Don't wait until you feel ready — come in and let us guide you from day one.

This varies depending on where you are in your recovery. In the early stages — particularly the first 6–8 weeks — most people benefit from coming in 1–2 times per week so we can closely monitor progress, manage swelling, and progress your exercise program as quickly as it's safe to do so. As you move into the strengthening and return-to-sport phases, sessions often shift to fortnightly or monthly check-ins alongside a structured home program. We'll map this out with you from your first appointment so there are no surprises.

It might — and it's absolutely worth checking before you assume you're paying out of pocket. Many sporting clubs include player insurance as part of your registration, and depending on your sport and club, this can cover a significant amount of physiotherapy treatment. Don't leave that on the table. Speak to your club or association directly to find out what you're entitled to — it could make a real difference to the cost of your recovery.