11/06/2025
𦵠The ACL Journey: What Athletes (and Parents) Need to Know
An ACL tear can feel like the end of the world for a young athlete â but it doesnât have to be.
This recovery is a journey, not a race â and every step along the way matters.
Hereâs what most people donât realize:
There are general timelines and guidelines for ACL rehab â but no two recoveries are exactly the same.
Every athleteâs body heals differently. Their strength, confidence, and movement patterns all affect how quickly (and safely) they return to sport.
Thatâs why a personalized plan is so important.
Itâs not just about âchecking boxesâ or hitting a timeline â itâs about rebuilding strength, stability, and trust in the knee again before taking that next step.
And recovery starts BEFORE surgery even happens.
We call it Prehabâ the work done before the operation to:
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Build strength around the knee
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Reduce swelling
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Restore range of motion
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Mentally prepare for the recovery process
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Maintain integrity of the potential graft tissue
Athletes who commit to prehab recover smoother, faster, and with more confidence once rehab begins.
So whether your athlete just tore their ACL or is months into recovery, remember:
đ Progress isnât always linear
đŞ Quality of movement matters more than the speed of the timeline
đ§ Preparation and consistency make the difference
At Infinite Athletic Training, we help athletes rebuild â from prehab to return-to-sport â with programming designed around their body, their goals, and their game.
Comment âPrehabâ to find out more about how we help athletes like this one prepare for surgery to make a stronger comeback after ACL surgery.
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