Recovering from an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury is a long and structured process, requiring progressive rehabilitation, strength rebuilding, and movement retraining. One of the most critical phases of recovery is Return to Sport (RTS) testing, which ensures that athletes have regained the necessary strength, mobility, balance, and confidence to safely return to competition.
At Elevation Athletics Physical Therapy and Performance in Keller, TX, we provide location physical therapy that includes comprehensive Return to Sport testing. Our physical therapists in Keller use evidence-based assessments to determine whether an athlete is truly ready to return to their sport while minimizing the risk of re-injury.
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The first phase of ACL rehabilitation focuses on reducing pain, restoring knee mobility, and rebuilding strength. Before progressing to more advanced movements, athletes must regain at least 90% of their strength compared to the non-injured leg.
At our physical therapy clinic in Keller, we measure key factors such as:
This phase ensures that athletes build a strong foundation for dynamic movements.
Athletes recovering from ACL injuries often experience proprioceptive deficits, meaning their body may struggle to recognize its position in space. Improving balance and coordination is essential to reducing the risk of re-injury.
Our physical therapists in Keller incorporate:
By mastering these elements, athletes can transition to cutting, pivoting, and jumping exercises with confidence.
Once strength and balance are restored, athletes must demonstrate proper mechanics during dynamic movements. At Elevation Athletics Physical Therapy and Performance, we use sport-specific drills to evaluate:
Athletes who complete these movements with symmetry, control, and without compensations are one step closer to return to play.
Returning to sport is not just about physical recovery—it’s also about mental readiness. Fear of re-injury can limit an athlete’s ability to move freely and perform at their highest level.
Our physical therapy clinic in Keller evaluates psychological readiness through:
By addressing the mental and emotional aspects of recovery, we help athletes return stronger and more confident.
There is no fixed timeline for returning to sport after an ACL injury, but research shows that returning too soon significantly increases re-injury risk. Athletes must meet specific criteria in strength, balance, agility, and psychological readiness before they are cleared for full participation.
At Elevation Athletics Physical Therapy and Performance in Keller, our Return to Sport testing ensures that each athlete is not just pain-free but fully prepared to handle the demands of their sport.
If you’re recovering from an ACL injury and want to ensure a safe and successful return to competition, our physical therapists in Keller can guide you through a structured rehabilitation and Return to Sport testing process.
Contact our physical therapy clinic in Keller today to schedule a comprehensive assessment and take the next step toward getting back in the game stronger than ever.