
Done with ACL Surgery? Here's Why Rehab Is the Real MVP of Your Recovery

By
Dr. Michael Makher
Jun 19, 2025
ACL surgery (reconstruction or repair) might be the big headline, but the real success story is written in rehab. Learn more why.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It should not be seen as medical advice. Every case and person is unique, so treatment and prevention should be customized by a licensed professional.
ACL surgery (reconstruction or repair) might be the big headline—but the real success story is written in rehab. Many research and leading orthopedic experts often agree: your rehab—not just your graft—are often what predicts return to sport, strength, and long-term knee health.
At Pain & Performance Coach in Hillsboro, we help ACL patients finish strong with research-backed, goal-driven rehab.
Rehab > Surgery: What Really Matters?
Here’s what studies show:
Returning to sport depends on strength, hop symmetry, and knee control
Patients who stop PT early are more likely to reinjure their ACL
Patients who return to sport early, for every month before 9 months they return, they are 7x more likely to get reinjured
The Most Common ACL Mistake
Most people stop PT once they feel okay—but some orthopedists warn:
🗣️ “Far too many patients stop physical therapy early… Their muscle memory fades, and they lose the protection that training offered.”
That’s why at our clinic, we build rehab plans that last well beyond the 12-week mark—and include real testing, strength benchmarks, and sport reconditioning.
Our Advanced ACL Rehab System
✅ Hop testing, heel raise symmetry, dynamometry based quadriceps/hamstring testing, and force output tracking
✅ Personalized plans that adapt to your activity goals
✅ One-on-one coaching so you stay motivated and on track
You don’t just need movement—you need movement that protects your ACL for life.
Return-to-Sport Milestones
Phase | Must-Hit Milestones |
0–6 wks | Full extension, no limp, quad activation |
6–12 wks | Strong single-leg squat, control with step-downs |
3–6 mos | Hop symmetry ≥ 90%, controlled jump landings |
6+ mos | Pass return-to-sport testing, cutting and pivoting drills cleared [typically passed at earliest by month 9] |
Local ACL Rehab Pros in Portland Metro
We serve Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, and beyond with world-class ACL rehab that doesn’t cut corners. Our blend of expert care, high-tech testing, and personal coaching helps you move with confidence—for life.
Surgery was just the beginning. Let’s finish the right way.
Book your ACL recovery consult today.
Don’t Miss Out
Join our newsletter to get latest research insights.
ACL surgery (reconstruction or repair) might be the big headline, but the real success story is written in rehab. Learn more why.



