When Returning to Sport Isn’t as Simple as It Seems
It was almost a year ago when he tore his ACL for the first time. Like many athletes, he was determined to get back on the pitch quickly. With minimal guidance and mostly self-directed rehab, he pushed through the early recovery phases. After about seven to eight months, he felt ready and jumped back into football.
Then, just as he started to find his rhythm, the worst happened. A sudden twist, a sharp pain, and the familiar but devastating feeling of his knee giving way. His ACL had ruptured again.
The Frustration of a Second ACL Injury
He wasn’t alone in this story. Many people who suffer an ACL injury believe that if they work hard on their own, they can get back to sports without ongoing professional support. But rehab is more than just exercises. It’s about having the right structure, progression, and tests to make sure the knee is truly ready.
After the second injury, he knew things had to change. After following Sharp Physiotherapy, he reached out for help.
From Self Rehab to Structured Recovery
When he came to us, he was frustrated but hopeful. The first rehab had been mostly self-directed, with little input from NHS physio services. There were no clear milestones, no staged progression, and no exit tests to confirm he was ready to return to football safely.
We explained that returning to sport after an ACL injury isn’t just about time passing or muscle strength. It’s about regaining control, confidence, and ensuring the knee can handle the demands of football.
A Rehab Program That Works
Our approach was different. We designed a structured rehab plan with clear stages and goals. Each stage had specific exercises and functional tests to measure progress.
We focused on:
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Regaining full range of motion and strength
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Controlled strengthening exercises tailored to his stage of recovery
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Functional tests that mimic football movements
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Plyometric exercises to improve power and control
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Specific exit strategies including an isokinetic test to assess strength, knee stability and readiness
Each week, he could see the progress. The functional tests gave him confidence that his knee was improving and not just feeling stronger.
Passing the Test and Getting Back on the Pitch
After months of hard work and expert guidance, he passed all the exit tests. When he returned to football, he wasn’t just back to where he was before—he felt stronger and more stable.
He learned the importance of proper rehab, professional guidance, and not rushing the process. The knee wasn’t just healed; it was ready.
Many people re rupture their ACL not because they don’t want to put in the work but because they don’t have the right support or knowledge to rehab safely.
Self-directed rehab, while well-intentioned, can miss critical stages and tests that help prevent reinjury. A good rehab program guides you step by step, making sure you are fully ready before returning to your sport.
If you’re recovering from an ACL injury or know someone who is, remember expert guidance isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity.
Joe Sharp
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
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