An ACL injury changes daily life fast. Walking feels different. Bending the knee becomes a chore. Returning to sport feels far away. Our ACL rehabilitation program in Hillsboro helps athletes, active adults, and teens rebuild strength, confidence, and performance using a structured, evidence-based approach from day one.

We translate complex sports medicine research into a clear, step-by-step plan that restores motion, reduces pain, and prepares your knee to return to the activities you love.

What ACL Rehab Really Does

ACL rehab is more than exercise. It is a staged process designed to:

• Reduce swelling and pain

• Restore knee motion

• Reactivate the quadriceps muscles

• Rebuild strength safely

• Improve balance and control

• Retrain running

• Prepare you for cutting, jumping, and sport-specific movement

• Lower your risk of re-injury

Our clinic uses a criteria-based system, meaning you progress when your knee shows it is ready, not simply when a certain number of weeks have passed.

Why Early Rehab Matters Most

The first few weeks after ACL surgery set the direction for the entire recovery. Swelling, pain, and muscle shutdown can slow progress if not addressed quickly.

Our early-phase ACL rehab focuses on:

Restoring Motion

We begin gentle motion immediately after surgery to prevent stiffness and keep your knee from becoming “locked” in protective patterns.

Controlling Swelling and Pain

We use proven strategies based on elite clinical practice guidelines to reduce pain. Keeping swelling low is a top priority since it improves your ability to activate the quadriceps and regain normal walking.

Waking Up the Quadriceps

After ACL surgery, the brain often struggles to “find” the quads again. We use targeted muscle activation exercises and specialized neuromuscular electrical stimulation to restore early strength and control.

Strength, Control, and Functional Progression

Once swelling is down and motion improves, rehab shifts toward rebuilding strength and coordination.

Progressive Strength Training

We use a mix of closed-chain exercises like squats and step-downs, and open-chain exercises like controlled knee extensions and hamstring curls. All are safe when introduced at the right time and range of motion.

Eccentric Strengthening

This type of training focuses on controlling force as the muscle lengthens. Eccentric work improves strength, tissue quality, and confidence, and is especially helpful in preparing for running and jumping.

Balance and Movement Training

We retrain balance, single-leg control, and landing mechanics. These skills reduce reinjury risk and prepare you for more advanced work later.

Return-to-Running and Return-to-Sport

Running does not start at a certain week. It starts when your knee shows it can handle load with good mechanics. We use gold standard testing using top of the line equipment, strength metrics, and movement quality checks to determine readiness.

From Running to Cutting and Jumping

When your baseline strength returns, we add:

• Plyometrics

• Agility drills

• Change-of-direction training

• Sport-specific movement patterns

This progression ensures your knee can absorb force, generate power, and react quickly, the way your sport demands.

Sport-Specific Conditioning

Basketball athletes need acceleration and deceleration skills. Soccer players need multi-directional endurance. Runners need consistent load tolerance. We tailor the final phase of rehab to the demands of your sport or activity.

Why Athletes in Hillsboro Choose Us for ACL Rehab

• Individualized programs, not cookie-cutter timelines

• Clear progression criteria, so you always know what we are working toward

• Sports-specific rehab, built for return to competition or high-level activity

• Evidence-based methods, taken directly from the strongest ACL research available

• Experienced sports physical therapists, trained in biomechanics and strength progression

Whether you are returning to high school sports, club soccer, college athletics, recreational basketball, or ultimate frisbee in the Portland metro area, our program is designed to get you there safely and confidently.

Start Your ACL Rehab Right

Recovering from an ACL tear can feel like a long process, but with the right approach, athletes consistently return stronger than before. When early rehab addresses swelling and motion, and later rehab builds strength, power, and movement quality, outcomes improve across the board.

Your knee can get there. It needs a clear plan, consistency, and expert guidance.

Ready to rebuild your strength and return to sport?
Our ACL physical therapy team in Hillsboro is here to guide every step.