18 Nov 2024

Injured Your ACL? Here’s What You Need to Do Next

Everything was going well until you felt that unforgettable feeling in your knee. I get it. Having done my ACL twice, I know how you feel. Devastation doesn’t seem to cut it.

We’ve all heard stories of professional athletes going through this—surgery, long rehab, and months away from the sport they love. Whether you injured yourself on the football field in Chirnside Park, during training in Ringwood, or at a match in Croydon, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.

Here’s what you need to know as you take the first steps toward recovery.

Managing Your ACL Injury in the First Few Days

After an ACL injury, it’s common to see swelling appear rapidly. Whether it happened during a game at Lilydale or while playing socially in Mooroolbark, the best thing you can do is start treating it like any other ligament injury. Remember RICE—Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation—or more recently, POLICE (Protect, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, Elevation).

To manage swelling, ice your knee every two hours for the first 1–2 days and use a compression bandage for added support. The quicker you reduce swelling, the better your knee will function in the short term.

Should You Use Crutches?

Unless you’ve sustained a bone fracture, crutches might not be necessary. Many athletes arrive at our Chirnside Park clinic having been told not to move their knee or put weight on it. This approach can increase stiffness and delay recovery.

In my own experience, the first few steps felt strange but actually reduced discomfort. Focus on achieving a normal heel-toe walking pattern as soon as possible. The faster you restore a natural gait, the quicker you’ll progress.

Do You Need Surgery?

The good news? Not everyone needs surgery. Research shows that a 12-week strength program can sometimes eliminate the need for surgery entirely. Even if surgery is eventually required, completing 5+ weeks of pre-surgery strength training improves knee function, quality of life, and outcomes at 2 years post-surgery.

At Ryan Harris Physiotherapy, we’ve helped athletes from Croydon to Ringwood achieve incredible results with personalised ACL rehabilitation programs. These programs are designed to strengthen your knee, giving you the best chance to avoid surgery—or prepare for it if necessary.

Should You Get an MRI Straight Away?

Not necessarily. While you’ll eventually need imaging if you’re considering surgery, there’s no rush. Your knee will be swollen and tender, making an MRI uncomfortable and potentially unclear. A physiotherapist can often diagnose an ACL tear through clinical testing, helping you decide on the next steps without waiting for a scan.

If you’re in Chirnside Park or nearby suburbs like Lilydale, we can assess your injury and guide you through a strengthening program. By the time you decide whether surgery is needed, your knee will be in a better state for imaging and recovery.

How We Help Local Athletes Recover Faster

Having experienced two ACL reconstructions myself, I know how important expert guidance is after such an injury. At Ryan Harris Physiotherapy, located in Chirnside Park, we support athletes from Croydon, Ringwood, Lilydale, and Mooroolbark with tailored rehabilitation programs.

Whether you’ve just injured your ACL or you’re preparing for surgery, we’ll help you regain strength, stability, and confidence so you can return to your sport safely.

Book Your Appointment Today

At Ryan Harris Physiotherapy, we’re here to help athletes get back to their sport stronger than ever. If you’ve recently injured your ACL, don’t wait—reach out and let’s create your recovery game plan.