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Your comeback season starts here

ACL Rehabilitation

One-on-one ACL rehab with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, from before surgery to game day. We rebuild your strength, test your readiness with real data, and get you back to your sport stronger than before your injury.

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Athlete performing a single-leg squat with a physical therapist during ACL rehab at Souva PT & Performance in Shelby Township, MI

Why Athletes Choose Us for ACL Rehab

Athlete training lunges with a medicine ball during ACL rehab

An ACL injury isn’t just a long physical recovery. It’s a mental and emotional challenge that can shake your confidence as an athlete.

Full rehab often takes 9–12 months, and success depends on more than time and going through the motions. At Souva PT & Performance, we guide athletes through every phase of ACL rehabilitation with a clear plan, consistent support, and performance-focused care.

Your rehab is delivered 1-on-1 by a Doctor of Physical Therapy. That builds a working relationship centered on trust, accountability, and long-term results. From the earliest stages, we prioritize restoring quadriceps function, improving single-leg control, rebuilding strength, and progressively exposing you to the demands of your sport, so nothing is left to chance.

As you progress, objective return-to-sport testing measures strength, symmetry, and movement quality before you step back onto the field or platform. Your rehab is coordinated with your surgeon, coach, and training staff, so the transition from rehab to performance is seamless and you return stronger, more confident, and ready for high-level training.

  • Cutting-Edge Testing TechObjective measures from VALD and OVR force plate data guide every progression
  • ACL Rehab SpecialistsPre-op to return to sport, every phase mapped out with your physical therapist.
  • 1-on-1 Care, 24/7 AccessMessage your PT anytime through our app
  • Rehab Like A ProExperience a sports rehab that pushes you to become stronger and more confident than ever before.
Physical therapist measuring knee strength with a handheld dynamometer

Cleared by Data. Not by the Calendar.

Nine months doesn’t mean you’re ready. We test strength, symmetry, and movement quality throughout your rehab, so every progression and your final clearance are backed by numbers you can see.

  • StrengthLower body strength and advanced force metrics measured with VALD DynaMo
  • Power & SymmetryForce plate and OVR jump and landing testing to find asymmetries the eye can miss
  • SpeedSprint and change-of-direction testing using OVR speed.
  • Movement QualitySingle-leg control, cutting mechanics, and sport-specific drills under fatigue with video movement analysis.
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Your road back, from day one

ACL Rehab Phases

Every ACL recovery follows a path. Here's what each phase of rehab looks like with us, from before surgery to the day you're cleared to compete.

  1. Phase 01Before surgery

    Pre-Operative ACL Rehab

    The pre operative phase prepares your body for ACL surgery by restoring range of motion, activating the quadriceps, and improving single-leg strength and control. By reducing swelling and reinforcing proper movement patterns before surgery, athletes enter the post-op phase stronger, more confident, and better positioned for a smoother recovery.

    Focus

    • Range of motion
    • Quad activation
    • Single-leg strength
    • Swelling control
    GoalWalk into surgery stronger and more confident
  2. Phase 020 days to 6 weeks

    Early Post-Op ACL Rehab

    The early post-op phase focuses on quieting down the knee by controlling swelling, restoring knee motion, reactivating the quadriceps, and restoring normal walking pattern.

    We emphasize safe loading, proper movement patterns, and early strength work to protect the graft and set the foundation for long-term progress.

    Focus

    • Swelling control
    • Knee motion
    • Quad reactivation
    • Normal walking
    • Graft protection
    GoalA quiet knee and a normal walking pattern
  3. Phase 036 weeks to 6 months

    Mid-Stage ACL Rehab

    The mid-stage phase focuses on rebuilding strength, improving single-leg control, and increasing load tolerance through the knee.

    Training progresses to more demanding activities like running and jumping as you pass strength testing and your movement quality improves.

    Focus

    • Strength rebuilding
    • Single-leg control
    • Load tolerance
    • Running and jumping
    Unlocked byPassing strength testing and quality movement
  4. Phase 046 months and beyond

    Late-Stage ACL Rehab

    The late-stage phase emphasizes advanced strength, power, and sport-specific movement as athletes prepare for return to training and competition.

    We progress jumping, cutting, and change-of-direction work while using objective testing to confirm readiness and reduce re-injury risk.

    Focus

    • Advanced strength
    • Power
    • Cutting and change of direction
    • Sport-specific movement
    Unlocked byObjective testing that confirms readiness
  5. Phase 059 months to 12 months

    ACL Return to Sport

    The return-to-sport phase is where all your hard work comes together. Athletes progress through game-speed movements, reactive drills, and sport-specific challenges.

    Clearance is based on objective testing and performance benchmarks, no guessing. We use real, data-driven metrics to ensure you return confident, prepared, and fully ready to compete.

    Focus

    • Game-speed movement
    • Reactive drills
    • Sport-specific challenges
    • Performance benchmarks
    Cleared byData, not the calendar

Wherever you are, start here

Just tore it? Waiting on surgery? Months out and still not feeling right? We'll meet you at your phase and take you the rest of the way.

Request AppointmentFree 15-Min Phone Consult

acl rehabilitation framework

Our sessions are 60 minutes of 1 on 1 care with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. You have our undivided attention, no techs or aides.

A fully customized rehab plan is a must for an athlete.

You’ll have lifetime access to the Souva PT & Performance app, where your personalized program lives.

Every detail is laid out clearly. No guesswork, no confusion.

It's crucial that you feel heard. That’s why communication is a core part of our ACL rehabilitation.

You’ll have direct access to your physical therapist through the Souva PT & Performance mobile app.

Questions? Send a message and your PT will respond within 24 hours, so you can stay on track without waiting for your next session.

We specialize in ACL rehab. We see so many. ACL's per year at our clinic because we love seeing you get back to sport and we know exactly what it takes to help get you there. 

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rehab meets performance

We opened our sports physical therapy clinic inside Umbra Strength in Shelby Township because athletes deserve more than traditional rehab.

Our performance-focused environment allows us to challenge you appropriately and truly rebuild the strength and confidence an athlete like you needs to get back and dominate your sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to start physical therapy?+
In most cases, no. You can request an appointment directly. Some insurance plans may require a referral before benefits apply, and our team will help you understand what is needed before your first visit.
What insurance and payment options do you offer?+
We’re in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan PPO, Medicare, Medicare Plus Blue PPO, auto insurance and workers’ compensation. For all other plans, you pay up front and we bill your insurance as a courtesy so you’re reimbursed directly. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
What makes PT with you different from traditional physical therapy?+
Every session is one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy with no aides or generic exercise sheet. We combine hands-on care, objective strength and movement testing, and sport-specific training inside an 11,000-square-foot performance gym so you can return stronger than ever.
What happens during my first appointment?+
Your first visit is a one-on-one evaluation with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We'll discuss your injury, training history, and goals; assess mobility, strength, movement, and sport demands; and map out a clear plan. You'll leave knowing what we found, what comes next, and what you can begin doing immediately.
Do you only treat competitive athletes?+
No. We work with competitive athletes, active adults, lifters, runners, and anyone motivated to move and perform better. You do not need to compete at an elite level to receive an elite standard of care. Your program is built around the demands of your life, training, and goals.
How long are sessions, and how many visits will I need?+
Sessions are 60 minutes of one-on-one care. Your visit frequency and total plan depend on the injury, your starting point, and your goals. Many non-surgical sports injuries improve within 10–15 visits, while post-operative and return-to-sport plans may continue for 6–12 months. We'll give you a personalized roadmap during your evaluation and adjust it using objective progress testing.
Will I receive a home exercise program through the Souva PT & Performance app?+
Yes. Your personalized home program will be delivered through the Souva PT & Performance app, where you can view exercise videos, follow your plan, and keep everything organized between visits. We'll update the program as you progress so it continues to match your recovery and performance goals.