ACL Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Melbourne — Evolutio Sports Physio Richmond

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of four major knee ligaments providing stability during movement. Injuries are graded from Grade 1 (mild stretch) to Grade 3 (complete tear). They're common in sports involving cutting, jumping, and pivoting — AFL, soccer, basketball, and skiing being the most frequent culprits.

Common signs include an audible "pop" at the time of injury, rapid swelling within 2–6 hours, the feeling that your knee will "give way", and difficulty bearing weight. Not all ACL tears present dramatically — some people walk away from the field, only for instability to appear later. Book an assessment for an accurate diagnosis.

Not always. Surgery is generally recommended for complete tears with instability, high-level athletes, and younger active people. Conservative treatment can be very effective for partial tears, recreational athletes, and those in lower-demand roles. Our physios will give you an honest recommendation based on your scan results, lifestyle, and goals.

Yes — many people can walk straight ahead with a torn ACL. Side-to-side movement, jumping, or quick direction changes will likely cause instability. Walking doesn't mean you're fine — get it properly assessed.

Conservative treatment: 3–6 months. Post-surgery rehabilitation: 6–12 months to return to sport. Elite athletes may need 9–12+ months. Read our ACL Recovery Guide for a detailed breakdown.

As soon as possible. For conservative treatment, gentle exercises can begin within 24–48 hours of injury. Early intervention consistently leads to better outcomes — don't wait for the swelling to settle before booking.

Most people do. Research shows around 8 in 10 return to some form of sport after ACL reconstruction, and about two thirds get back to their pre-injury level, which is why we test your strength before clearing you. Post-surgery timelines: stationary cycling 6–8 weeks, running 12–20 weeks, CrossFit 16–24 weeks, contact sports 24–32 weeks. Psychological readiness is part of the program too — not just physical.

You can pay as you go: an initial ACL assessment is $185, or $235 with a senior physio, and follow-ups are $130 or $140. Or save with a full ACL package: Back to Life is $5,950 for 9 months of rehab (valued at $7,445), and Back to Sport is $9,495 for competitive and pivoting sports (valued at $12,015). Monthly payments are available. Most private health extras policies pay back $40 to $80 per physio session through HICAPS on the spot.

Public system: effectively free but expect 6–18 months waiting. Private without insurance: $13,000–$18,000 total. Private with insurance: typically $2,000–$5,000 out-of-pocket. Check with Private Health Australia.

Yes — if you hold private hospital cover including joint reconstructions. Check waiting periods (often 12 months for pre-existing conditions), out-of-pocket gaps for surgeon and anaesthetist, and whether your extras policy covers physiotherapy rehabilitation.

Yes. For TAC injuries we need a claim number at the time of booking. The TAC gap is $86.13 for your initial and $47.29 for follow-ups. For WorkCover, you'll need a case manager and claim number, and the gap is $41.76 for your initial and $48.40 for follow-ups. See our full FAQ page for details.

Sleep on your back with your leg elevated on pillows or a foam wedge under your calf. If side-sleeping, use your non-operated side with a pillow between your knees. Ice 15–20 minutes before bed. Sleep quality improves significantly as healing progresses.