Physical therapy in Reseda, CA
ACL Rehabilitation & Recovery
An ACL tear is a long road, but a well-structured one. From preparing for surgery to the milestones that clear you to run and play again, Urvashi Barbhaya, RPT, OCS, guides each phase of your knee's recovery so you rebuild strength and trust in the joint.
Support at every stage
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a key stabilizer of the knee, and tears are common in sports that involve cutting, pivoting, and landing. Rehabilitation supports you whether you are preparing for surgery, recovering afterward, or managing the injury without an operation.
- Pre-surgery preparation to reduce swelling and restore strength (pre-hab)
- Post-surgical rehabilitation following your surgeon's protocol
- Non-surgical management for suitable injuries
- Rebuilding confidence and control for a return to sport
The phases of ACL recovery
ACL rehabilitation is a progression through clear phases. You move forward as your knee earns it, not on a fixed calendar — that is what protects the repair and lowers the risk of re-injury.
Early recovery
The focus is calming swelling, restoring full range of motion, and reactivating the muscles around the knee — especially the quadriceps, which switch off quickly after injury or surgery.
Strength and control
Progressive strengthening rebuilds the knee and hip, and single-leg control work restores the stability you need for everyday movement and, eventually, sport.
Return to running and sport
Running, jumping, and cutting are reintroduced once you meet specific strength and control milestones, rehearsing your sport's demands so you return tested and confident.
What to expect
If you have had surgery, your program follows your surgeon's protocol and coordinates with your broader care. Urvashi explains each phase and its goals in plain language, and with more than ten years of experience and Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification, your plan is built around your knee, your sport, and your pace.
Start your ACL recovery with a plan
Contact the Reseda clinicCommon questions about ACL rehab
How long does ACL recovery take?
Recovery is measured in months and varies by person, the type of surgery, and your goals. Rather than a fixed date, progress is guided by milestones in movement, strength, and control, so you advance when your knee is genuinely ready.
Should I do physical therapy before ACL surgery?
Often, yes. Pre-surgery rehabilitation, sometimes called pre-hab, reduces swelling and restores strength and motion before the operation, which tends to make recovery afterward smoother.
When can I run or return to sport after an ACL injury?
Running and sport are reintroduced only once your knee meets specific strength and control milestones. This criteria-based approach lowers the risk of re-injury compared with returning on a calendar alone.
Do I need a referral for ACL rehabilitation?
In California you can begin physical therapy without a physician's referral, though your surgeon's protocol is followed when you have had surgery. Some insurance plans require a referral for coverage, so check with your provider.