ACL rehabilitation in Rotterdam

Have you torn your anterior cruciate ligament, or are you facing ACL surgery? Good rehabilitation determines how strong and stable your knee will become. At Fysico Rotterdam our (sports) physiotherapists guide you step by step, from the first days after the injury to a safe return to sport and work.

What is an ACL injury?

The anterior cruciate ligament provides stability in your knee, especially when twisting, landing and changing direction quickly. A tear often happens during sport, for example football, hockey, basketball or skiing. Typical signs are a popping sensation, a knee that swells up quickly and the feeling that the knee 'gives way' or is unstable.

Surgery or not?

Not everyone with a torn ACL needs surgery. Together with your orthopaedic surgeon or GP, you decide what suits you: rehabilitation without surgery, or an ACL reconstruction followed by rehabilitation. In both cases, physiotherapy plays a leading role.

What rehabilitation looks like

Immediately after the injury or surgery: reducing swelling and pain, fully straightening and bending the knee again, and learning to walk normally.

Build-up phase: systematically building strength, stability and balance in the leg and core.

Sport-specific phase: practising running, jumping, landing and turning again.

Return to sport: based on tests of strength, stability and jumping ability, we decide together when you can return safely.

Full rehabilitation often takes 9 to 12 months before you can play sport fully again. That requires patience, but it reduces the risk of a new injury.

Before surgery: get a head start

Are you going to have surgery? Start physiotherapy before the operation. A knee that straightens well, has little swelling and strong muscles often recovers faster after surgery.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral?
No, you can come to us without a referral. After surgery, please bring the information from your orthopaedic surgeon, such as the surgical report or rehabilitation protocol.

Is rehabilitation covered by insurance?
Physiotherapy is usually covered by your supplementary health insurance. How many treatments are covered depends on your policy. Read more about insurance cover.

How soon can I start after ACL surgery?
Usually within a few days to a week after surgery. Contact us and we'll schedule your first appointment.

Can I return to my previous level of sport?
For many people that is the goal, and with good rehabilitation it is often achievable. We work step by step towards your personal goal.

Our approach

At Fysico Rotterdam you work with your physiotherapist on a rehabilitation plan that fits your goals, whether that's competitive sport, recreational sport or work. We combine treatment with targeted training, and at our Bentinckplein location you can use our training room for this. That way you can also keep training independently after your treatment period.

Physiotherapy for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury