ACL Physiotherapy in Burnaby

The short answer: as soon as possible after the injury, and again right after surgery if you have it. Physiotherapy after ACL reconstruction usually begins within the first days after the operation.

Book an assessment if:

• You felt a pop and your knee swelled after twisting, landing or a sudden stop. See a doctor to confirm the diagnosis, since ACL tears often happen alongside meniscus or other ligament injuries.
• You are waiting for surgery. Prehab aims to settle swelling, restore full knee straightening and build quadriceps strength before the operation.
• You have just had ACL reconstruction and need a structured plan for the months ahead.
• You are managing an ACL tear without surgery. Rehab without surgery can be a reasonable choice for some people, for example those with partial tears and no instability, or people who do not play pivoting sports.
• Your knee still gives way or you do not trust it on stairs, slopes or the field.
• You want to return to sport and need testing to know when you are ready.

You do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist at BLVD, though some insurance plans ask for one if you plan to claim (BLVD pricing FAQ).

Important: get urgent medical care if your knee is locked and will not straighten, you cannot bear any weight, or you notice calf pain, swelling or redness after surgery.

ACL rehabilitation moves through stages. You progress when your knee meets the goals for each stage, not just when a set number of weeks has passed. The timeframes below are a general guide only; your surgeon's instructions and your own progress come first.

Typical stages after ACL reconstruction:

• Early recovery (roughly weeks 0 to 2): control swelling, regain full knee straightening, switch on the quadriceps and walk safely with crutches as advised.
• Restoring movement (roughly weeks 2 to 6): bend the knee further, walk without crutches when cleared, and begin basic strength and balance work.
• Building strength (roughly weeks 6 to 12): progressive strength training, single-leg control, and low-impact fitness such as a stationary bike.
• Running and jumping (roughly months 3 to 6): a return-to-running program once strength and control allow, then hopping and landing drills.
• Return to sport (often 9 months or later for pivoting sports): agility, cutting and sport-specific training, then return-to-sport testing.

Most people return to full sports within 6 to 12 months, depending on progress, strength and movement quality. Research suggests that waiting until at least 9 months after surgery, and having quadriceps strength close to the other leg, is linked to a lower risk of reinjury.

How we measure progress: knee range of motion, swelling, quadriceps and hamstring strength compared with your other leg, single-leg balance, hop tests and how confident your knee feels. These results guide each step forward.

Want the full week-by-week picture? Read our guide to ACL surgery recovery time.