Injuries we see most often
- ACL and meniscus injuries, before and after surgery
- Ankle sprains and recurring instability
- Hamstring, calf and groin strains
- Shoulder impingement, rotator cuff and throwing injuries
- Knee and patellar pain in runners and cyclists
- Tennis elbow, wrist and hand overload injuries
Why we test before clearing you to play
Pain-free does not mean ready. Returning too early is one of the strongest predictors of re-injury, especially after ACL reconstruction and ankle sprains. Clearance should be based on strength symmetry, hop tests, landing control and sport-specific drills, not on a calendar alone.
- 1Assess the injury and the sport: what movement, load and speed the sport demands.
- 2Control pain and swelling, then restore range of motion.
- 3Build strength through full range, including the uninjured side for comparison.
- 4Add power, plyometrics and change-of-direction work.
- 5Test against objective criteria before returning to training and competition.
Working with your coach or trainer
Rehabilitation works better when it matches what you actually do in training. We will ask about your program and, with your permission, share progress and restrictions with your coach or strength trainer so the gym work and the rehab plan do not fight each other.
About this guidance
This page is general information about physiotherapy for this problem, not a diagnosis. An assessment is the only way to know what is driving your symptoms and what treatment suits you.
Reviewed by Dr. Sneha Ramchandani, PT, BPTh, MIAP, Founder and physiotherapist at Muscle Lab, Andheri East.
Sources
Questions people ask
How long is ACL rehabilitation?
Return to sport usually takes nine to twelve months, and some athletes take longer. The timeline depends on graft type, strength recovery and the demands of the sport, not on how quickly the knee feels normal.
Can I train while I rehabilitate?
Usually yes, with modifications. Keeping the rest of the body strong is part of recovery. The program will say what to avoid and what can continue.
Do you treat non-athletes?
Yes. The same loading principles apply to anyone returning to walking, gym work or an active job after an injury.