ACL Injury Treatment & Rehab Haywards Heath
An ACL injury is a big moment for anyone who plays sport, but with the right rehabilitation, most people get back to the activities they love. At The Health Hub, ACL rehab is led by Martin Ratcliffe, Chartered Physiotherapist, who works with the Brighton & Hove Albion Under-23s and specialises in ACL rehabilitation and return-to-sport planning.
ASSESSMENT | DIAGNOSIS | TREATMENT | RESULTS
Does this sound familiar?
- “My knee gave way and I heard a pop”
- “My knee swells and doesn’t feel trustworthy anymore”
- “I’m having (or have had) ACL surgery and want to rehab it properly”
- “I’ve been told I could manage without surgery, but I don’t know how”
- “I want to get back to football, netball, skiing, without doing it again”
What is an ACL injury?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilising ligaments of the knee. It’s usually injured in twisting, pivoting or landing movements; common in football, netball, rugby and skiing. Some ACL injuries are managed surgically with reconstruction; others do well with structured rehabilitation alone. Either way, the quality of your rehab is one of the biggest factors in how well your knee performs and in reducing the risk of re-injury.
How we help
- Acute injury assessment – a clear diagnosis, guidance on imaging and honest advice on the surgical vs non-surgical question, with onward referral where appropriate
- Pre-hab before surgery – going into an operation strong measurably improves outcomes afterwards
- Structured post-op rehabilitation – criteria-based, progressive stages rather than fixed timelines
- Strength and movement testing – objective measures at each stage, not guesswork
- Return-to-sport planning – the same approach Martin uses with professional academy footballers: change of direction, landing mechanics and confidence under pressure, not just straight-line running
- Non-surgical ACL management – a full rehabilitation pathway if you and your consultant choose not to operate
Why choose The Health Hub
- ACL rehab led by a physiotherapist working in elite professional football
- Multidisciplinary team – physiotherapy, sports massage and strength rehab under one roof
- Recognised by the major UK private medical insurers
- Rated 5★ on Google from 250+ patients across Mid Sussex
ACL injury treatment & rehab near you
We treat patients from:
If you’re searching for:
- “ACL injury treatment & rehab near me”
- “Physio for ACL injury in Haywards Heath”
You’re in the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does ACL rehab take?
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Typically 9-12 months to full return to pivoting sport after reconstruction, though it varies. We progress you on what you can do – strength, control and confidence tests, not just the calendar
- Do all ACL injuries need surgery?
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No. Some people do well with rehabilitation alone, depending on age, sport, instability and other injuries. We’ll help you understand your options and work alongside your consultant.
- When can I start rehab after surgery?
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Usually within the first week or two, focusing on swelling, extension and quad activation. Early, well-guided rehab makes a difference.
- Can you help reduce the risk of re-injury?
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Yes, a large part of late-stage rehab is landing mechanics, strength symmetry and sport-specific control, which is exactly what return-to-sport testing measures.