ACL rehabilitation · Alicante
Get back to your sport after an ACL injury
An ACL rupture does not end in the operating theatre. We support you from before surgery to the final hop test, with phased physiotherapy and rehabilitation and objective criteria to progress through each phase.
This programme is for you if…
- You have torn your ACL and are going to have surgery
- You have just had surgery and want to start well
- You are walking but your quadriceps is not responding
- You have been discharged but do not feel ready to go back
- You want to return to football, padel, basketball or skiing
- You have decided not to have surgery and want to stabilise your knee
The phases of your recovery
Timeframes are a guide. You move on when you meet the criteria, not by the calendar, and always following your surgeon’s instructions.
Before surgery
Prehabilitation
- Reduce swelling
- Regain full extension
- Activate and strengthen the quadriceps
To move on to the next phase
No effusion and full extension
Weeks 0–2
Protection and control
- Control pain and swelling
- Full extension from day one
- Activate the quadriceps (neuromodulation if it does not respond)
To move on to the next phase
Straight leg raise without the knee bending
Weeks 2–12
Strength and walking
- Walk without crutches or a limp
- Full flexion
- Quadriceps and hamstring strength
- Single-leg balance
To move on to the next phase
Enough strength and a well-controlled single-leg squat
Months 3–6
Running and control
- Start running in a straight line
- Jumping and landing
- Maximal strength and power
To move on to the next phase
Hop and strength tests with little difference between legs
Months 6–9+
Return to sport
- Changes of direction and pivoting
- Sport-specific training
- Prevention of new injuries
To move on to the next phase
Test battery passed and confidence to compete
What the programme includes
Initial ultrasound assessment
Knee condition, mobility, strength and swelling before we start.
Post-operative physiotherapy
Mobility, pain and swelling control, scar care and muscle activation.
Neuromodulation
When the quadriceps does not activate properly after surgery.
Learn more →Sports rehabilitation
Strength, running, jumping and changes of direction in our gym.
Learn more →Objective tests
Strength and hop tests comparing both legs before each new phase.
Coordination with your surgeon
We follow their protocol and keep them informed of your progress.
How we start
Message us on WhatsApp
Tell us when you were injured or had surgery and we will give you the first available appointment.
First assessment
We review your reports and scans, examine the knee and explain which phase you are in.
Phased plan
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions with home exercises in between.
Discharge with tests
You return to your sport when the data and you agree you are ready.
Techniques we use
Sports rehabilitation
From physiotherapy discharge back to your sport: strength, running, jumping and changes of direction.
Neuromodulation
Percutaneous electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves for pain and strength recovery.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound
We look at muscles, tendons and ligaments in the clinic to refine the diagnosis and track progress.
Magnetotherapy
Magnetic fields for bone oedema, fractures and bone healing.
Physiotherapy
Treatment of injuries and pain: we guide you and stay with you until you recover.
Your team for acl rehabilitation
Francisco Sevila Sánchez
Physiotherapist and osteopath (C.O.)
Clinical director
Jorge González Santos
Physiotherapist
Master’s in osteopathy · Neuromodulation
Andrea Cerdá Tripiana
Physiotherapist
Dry needling and sports physiotherapy
Carlos González Luarte
Physiotherapist
Master’s in manual therapy and invasive techniques
Daniel Jiménez Arias
Orthopaedic surgeon (traumatologist)
Pablo Aznar Esquembre
Sports rehabilitation specialist
Personal trainer
Frequently asked questions
When should I start rehabilitation?
Ideally before surgery, so you arrive with a settled knee and a strong quadriceps. Afterwards, as soon as your surgeon allows, usually within the first few days.
How long until I can play again?
For sports with pivoting and jumping it is usually from 9 months, and only once you pass the tests. Returning earlier increases the risk of re-rupture.
What if I do not have surgery?
Some people can lead a normal life and even play sport without surgery. We assess your knee stability and your activity to help you decide together with the orthopaedic surgeon.
Do you work with my surgeon?
Yes. We follow their protocol and send them progress reports if needed.
Content reviewed by Francisco Sevila Sánchez, physiotherapist and osteopath (C.O.) · Updated November 2026
Book an appointment: ACL rehabilitation
Message us on WhatsApp and we will reply with the first available appointment. If you prefer, we can call you.
WhatsApp 679 276 344 · Phone 965 29 55 33 · Phone and WhatsApp: Monday to Friday, 9:00–21:00