Physiotherapy Specialists in ACL Injuries, Rehabilitation, and Recovery If you're struggling with an ACL tear, our team of skilled physiotherapists are here to help. Book Now learn More ACL Physiotherapy
Claire Colley, Dave Adkins, Chris Coldicott

Why Principle Physiotherapy?

Why Choose Principle Physiotherapy for ACL Rehabilitation?

At Principle Physiotherapy, our team specialises in ACL injury management and provides high-quality care designed around your goals. Conveniently located in Chelmsford, we’re dedicated to delivering effective, personalised treatment plans that cater to every stage of ACL recovery, from acute injury management to post-op rehabilitation.

Our practice offers both in-clinic and online consultations, ensuring flexibility and convenience.

We aim to help you achieve your maximum potential after an ACL injury.

Our Services

Comprehensive ACL Support

Consultations

Consultations

Book a one-on-one consultation online or face to face at our Chelmsford clinic. Receive a comprehensive assessment and individually tailored treatment plan for your ACL injury.

Rehabilitation Programmes

Rehabilitation Programmes

We provide bespoke ACL rehab programmes for pre-surgical strengthening (prehab) and post-operative recovery.

Gym-Based Sessions

Gym-Based Sessions

Strengthening and conditioning exercises in Chelmsford’s leading facilities, guided by expert physiotherapists.

Home Exercise Programmes

Home Exercise Programmes

For those recovering at home, we provide personalised exercise routines to support your recovery journey.

Testimonials

We pride ourselves on our service. That is why Principle Physiotherapy has 5 star testimonials on both Facebook and Google!

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Christine Jeffries


At my first consultation with Dave, I fully expected to receive some sort of hands on treatment. He explained that he could certainly do that for me, but with my particular problems, including hypermobolity and my profession as a hairdresser, a hands on treatment would only give temporary relief and ... Read More

Acute Management of ACL Injuries

Immediate care is essential after an ACL injury. At Principle Physiotherapy, we’ll help you manage swelling, pain, and inflammation, offering fast-track appointments to assess the severity of your injury. In the meantime, follow these steps:

- Rest & Elevate: Keep your leg elevated to minimise swelling.
- Ice: Apply ice to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Compression: Use a knee support or bandage to stabilise and compress the joint.
- Get Assessed: Book an appointment with our specialists at our Chelmsford clinic for professional advice and a treatment plan.

Prehab

Preparing for ACL Surgery or Considering Conservative Treatment

If you’re considering ACL surgery, prehab (pre-surgical rehabilitation) can play a crucial role in your recovery. By strengthening the knee and improving joint stability before surgery, patients often experience faster recovery times and better post-surgical outcomes.

Our Prehab Programme Includes:

- Strength Training to support the knee and surrounding muscles.

- Mobility Exercises to maintain a full range of motion.

- Balance and Proprioception Training to improve knee stability and function.

Studies show that patients who undergo prehab before surgery tend to recover more quickly and maintain better knee function post-operatively. Book a prehab consultation today to prepare your knee for surgery.

Surgical Options

The Pros and Cons of ACL Surgery

Deciding on surgery is a major choice, and we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Our expert physiotherapists at Principle Physiotherapy will assess your situation and provide guidance on both surgical and non-surgical approaches.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery
This common procedure for active individuals involves grafting tissue to replace the torn ligament, restoring knee stability.

Pros:
- Higher success rates for returning to sports and physical activities.
- Reduces long-term risk of knee instability.

Cons:
- Recovery can take between 9 to 12 months.
- There is a small risk of complications, including infection or graft failure.

If you’re uncertain about surgery, we can help you explore all available options to make the best decision for your needs at our Chelmsford based clinic.

Conservative ACL Rehabilitation

Recovery Without Surgery

Surgery isn’t always necessary. At Principle Physiotherapy, our conservative rehab programmes are designed for those who can regain knee function and stability through non-surgical means.

Our Conservative Rehabilitation Focuses on:
- Strengthening the muscles supporting the knee.
- Improving range of motion through targeted exercises.
- Developing balance and coordination to stabilise the joint.

Conservative treatment is ideal for less active individuals or those looking to avoid surgery. Book a consultation to find out if non-surgical rehabilitation is right for you.

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Recovering After ACL Surgery

Recovering from ACL surgery requires a structured plan to safely regain strength and knee stability. At Principle Physiotherapy in Chelmsford, our post-op programme guides you through each stage, ensuring a gradual and safe return to activity.

Our Post-Op Rehabilitation Focuses on:
- Reducing post-surgical swelling and pain.
- Gradual improvements in range of motion.
- Strengthening muscles that support the knee and stabilise the joint.
- Preparing you for a safe return to sports or your regular activities.

We provide ongoing support via in-clinic sessions and online consultations to monitor your progress and adjust your programme as needed.

Consultations

Personalised Care at Every Stage

Our team at Principle Physiotherapy is committed to supporting your recovery from ACL injuries. Whether you’re preparing for surgery, looking for conservative options, or need post-op care, our personalised consultation will provide you with a clear roadmap to recovery.

Book your consultation online or at our Chelmsford clinic to start your journey back to full knee function and an active lifestyle.

About Us

About Principle Physiotherapy

Located in Chelmsford, Essex, Principle Physiotherapy provides expert care for ACL and other sports-related injuries. Our experienced physiotherapists deliver evidence-based treatment and personalised rehabilitation programmes to help you achieve optimal recovery, regardless of your goals or activity level.

Book a consultation today to begin your path to recovery with Principle Physiotherapy.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it be before I can return to sports after ACL surgery?

For many people, returning to sports typically occurs within 9 to 12 months post-surgery, depending on progress with rehabilitation. A gradual increase in activity level is crucial to ensure proper healing and avoid re-injury. Your physiotherapist will guide your recovery milestones for a safe return to sport.

Can I drive after an ACL injury or surgery?

Driving is generally safe once you have sufficient knee stability and can operate the vehicle comfortably, which can be several weeks after surgery. It varies depending on whether the affected leg is the driving leg and the progress in your rehab. Always consult with your physiotherapist and surgeon before driving.

What are my options if I re-injure my ACL during recovery?

Re-injury during recovery can happen, though it’s relatively rare with proper care. If it occurs, our team will assess the severity of the re-injury and recommend either adjustments to your rehab programme or discuss surgical options if necessary. We’ll ensure you have a thorough plan to address the setback and continue recovery safely.

What can I expect during ACL rehabilitation?

ACL rehab typically involves stages focused on regaining knee range of motion, improving strength, balance, and eventually returning to sport-specific or daily activities. It’s a structured process, often lasting 6–12 months, to ensure complete healing and prevent re-injury. Each phase has specific goals, which our team will guide you through based on your progress.

Is an ACL brace helpful during recovery?

Knee braces may be useful for added support initially after an ACL tear or surgery, particularly during activities. However, over-reliance on a brace can limit muscle development, so they’re generally a short-term tool. We’ll help you determine if a brace is appropriate and guide you on when to gradually reduce its use for optimal muscle strengthening and knee stability.
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