Condition guide
ACL Injury Physiotherapy
Rehabilitation for ACL injuries, including conservative management and post-operative return-to-sport pathways.
ACL injuries can affect knee stability, confidence, and performance. Physiotherapy provides a staged plan from early control through to advanced return-to-sport criteria.
This guide is general information and does not replace a clinical assessment.
Common Symptoms
Knee instability or giving-way episodes
Pain and swelling after twisting injury
Reduced confidence with direction changes or impact
Difficulty returning to sport or high-demand activity
Seek Prompt Medical Advice If You Have
Acute locking or inability to fully extend knee
Major swelling and inability to weight-bear
Suspected combined ligament injury
Calf pain/swelling after recent injury or surgery
If you are unsure, call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical care.
Assessment
Injury history and current functional limitations
Knee stability, movement, and strength assessment
Baseline testing for progression and milestones
Pathway planning for conservative or surgical rehab
Treatment
Early swelling control and movement restoration
Progressive lower-limb and trunk strength training
Neuromuscular and landing-control work
Criteria-led return-to-running and return-to-sport progression
Aftercare & self-management
At your appointment, agree which exercises to do, how often to practise them and when to review your progress.
Follow staged rehab goals rather than calendar dates
Maintain home strength and control sessions
Avoid unplanned pivoting in early phases
Use objective criteria before full sport return
Plan your visitClinic, prices, insurance and home visits
- Your clinic & directions
- Newham clinic, Plaistow
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, London E13 8SD
- Self-pay
£60 for a 30-minute physiotherapy appointment.
Prices & self-pay- Health insurance
Cover depends on your plan and chosen physiotherapist.
Insurance & cash-plan guidance
Would a home visit suit you better?
If getting to the clinic is difficult, explore physiotherapy at your visit address. Suitability depends on your condition, care needs, travel and the available clinician; the clinic price and insurance arrangements above do not automatically apply to home treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ACL injuries be managed without surgery?+
Some people are suitable for conservative management. Assessment and goals help determine the best pathway.
How long is ACL rehabilitation?+
Rehabilitation is typically long-term and criterion-based. Timelines vary by injury pattern and activity demands.
Do you provide post-op ACL rehab?+
Yes. We provide structured rehabilitation following surgical protocols and return-to-sport criteria.
Related care and guides
Further reading
For public health information, self-care guidance and advice on when to seek medical help:
About your care at Nexus: meet our physiotherapists and read our clinical governance information.