Returning to Sport After ACL Surgery: What It Really Takes (And Why We’re Built for It)

The Truth About Returning to Sport After ACL Surgery

Rebuilding strength is just the start—returning to sport after ACL reconstruction requires a structured, measurable process backed by clinical data and performance testing. Unfortunately, many athletes are cleared to return too soon, without meeting the proven criteria needed to avoid re-injury.

At Pain & Performance Coach LLC, we serve athletes and active adults in Hillsboro, Beaverton, and surrounding areas like Forest Grove, Banks, Cornelius, and Portland with ACL return-to-sport programs that are:

✅ Data-driven
✅ Individually tailored
✅ Technology-enabled
✅ Backed by international best practices

Why Return-to-Sport Testing Matters

Up to 30% of athletes suffer re-injury within two years of returning to sport post-ACL surgery. Why? They weren’t truly ready.

We use clinical practice guidelines and protocols from the top institutions around the world like Aspetar which emphasize that clearance for return to sport should be based on:

• Strength symmetry (≥ 90% limb symmetry index [LSI] if the non dominant limb is impacted and >=100% if the dominant limb is affected)

• Plyometric and reactive strength testing

• Agility and change-of-direction mechanics

• Psychological readiness (e.g. ACL-RSI scale)

Our Proven Return-to-Sport Criteria

At Pain & Performance Coach LLC, you won’t be told to return to sport until you pass a battery of objective tests including:

Strength Testing

• Isokinetic Testing (e.g. Humac or as a partial measure the Beyond Power Voltra): Confirms quadriceps and hamstring torque within 90-100% of your uninjured limb (need 100% if the dominant limb is the injured side)

• Dynamometer Testing: For knee, hip, core, and ankle strength testing

• Force Plate Testing: For ankle strength testing (achilles and calf region specifically)

Reactive & Plyometric Ability

• Single-leg drop jump RSI (Reactive Strength Index) ≥ 90% LSI (or 100% if the dominant limb is the one that’s injured)

• Double- and single-leg countermovement jump analysis

• Force plate testing to assess landing symmetry, impulse, jumping/running endurance, and joint loading

Agility & Movement Control

• Hop test battery (single, triple, crossover hop with LSI ≥ 90%)

• Planned and unplanned change of direction tests

• Video gait and landing mechanics review

Psychological Readiness

• ACL-RSI Scale to assess fear of movement, confidence, and mental preparedness

These are not arbitrary checklists—they’re clinically validated standards used in elite sports medicine facilities around the world.

Why Pain & Performance Coach LLC Is Uniquely Equipped

Most clinics stop at “feels good” or “pain-free.” We go further:

Serving Hillsboro, Beaverton & Beyond

Our athletes come from Hillsboro, Beaverton, Portland, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Banks, and North Plains to access next-level care that blends elite sports science with personalized rehabilitation.

Whether you’re a competitive soccer player or a recreational weekend warrior, our ACL pathway ensures you don’t just get back—you get back stronger, smarter, and safer.

Ready to Test Your Knee?

If you’re wondering, “Am I really ready to return to sport after ACL surgery?”—we’re here to answer that with clarity and confidence.

Book a Return-to-Sport Readiness Evaluation Today

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