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

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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
→Book your ACL assessment, or call 01444 817851

ACL injury treatment & rehab near you

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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?
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?

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?

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?

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.

Testimonials

Read what our patients have to say.

I damaged my knee during the first game of cricket this season, Due to my lack of warming up and little exercise for the previous 6 months, the knee have lost its tone.
I was in crippling pain and could hardly bend it past 90 degrees.
It was suggested that I make an appointment with Martin.
From Martins bio, I could see that he was competent with sports injuries. Martin analysed the knee, prodded it, bent it and stretched it.
He informed me what damaged had occurred and what tissues were still OK.
After a deep knee massage, he asked me if I would like some acupuncture. This treatment was new to me and I was initially hesitant. Martin suggested that the needles would stimulate the healing process so I agreed. The sensation was strange but not too unpleasant.
I was given an exercise plan and agreed to return.
After three sessions, my knee was over 95% healed, I could hop on it and bend it as far as the undamaged knee.
Martin was very professional and I would be happy to recommend him to anybody with a knee injury.
Thank you for sorting out my knee.

Graeme Sandwith

I contacted The Health Hub 6 weeks ago as I was training for an event and was experiencing terrible knee pain in both knees to the point where standing and walking a few steps really hurt. The very friendly receptionist put me in contact with Martin who saw me the next day.
I was expecting him to say that I wouldn’t be able to take part in the event but he didn’t. He listened closely to everything I had to say, carried out his examination and explained very clearly what I had done to my knees by overtraining. He came up with a plan and started work immediately.
6 weeks later I have just completed a 100km ultra marathon with absolutely no pain at all!! The next day I was back on my feet mowing the lawn!!
I would like to say a huge thank you to the friendly staff at The Health Hub and Martin in particular as without his knowledge, support, help and answering my never ending questions I would not have been able to complete this long term goal. Thank you.

David Short

Excellent treatment!
I’ve been using Health Hub since Nov for a torn hamstring and have received top class treatment, and great re-habilitation advice. I’m now pretty-much back to full strength, and actaully in a far stronger position than before the injury

Chris Rowe

Excellent experience. I have benefitted from Kirk’s experience and knowledge in treating tendonitis and recover muscle strenght and mobility. Highly recommended.

Daniau

So grateful for Martin’s treatment. He is so informative and has gone the extra mile this week to help with some severe pain im experiencing in my legs. Highly recommend him for any sort of physio!

The whole clinic has such a lovely feel and lovely staff all round. Very accommodating when you have a newborn but still desperate for appointment’s.

Alice van den Boomen

I went to Health Hub – Kirk – back in March
Due to breaking my ankle in 2018 my right leg had become very weak
Working with Kirk over last 5 months, a weakness built up over 3 years is almost back to normal strength
So happy – been hard work – but worth it

Sarah Alsop

I would not hesitate to recommend The Health Hub. From booking my first appointment to finishing my treatment, the team have been nothing but fantastic. Their professional, happy and friendly manner put me at ease instantly. Alongside my appointments, I was provided with an easy to use and effective set of exercises to do at home, with the aim of being pain free as quickly as possible. Martin has been supportive throughout the whole process and has always been at the ready with words of advice and encouragement. Thank you so much.

Jo Ward

I visited Kirk after a foot injury had caused pain and mobility problems for several months. He listened to my concerns, took a detailed history and began treatment straight away. The appointments were never rushed, he always explained every step and made sure that I was comfortable.
I am very pleased to say that I am now back doing my usual exercise classes and enjoying my daily walks, something I thought might never happen again.
Thank you Kirk, you have given me my life back!
I would also like to mention how helpful and welcoming the reception staff are. There is always a smile (behind a mask of course!) and friendly hello.
I can thoroughly recommend a visit!

Gill McDavitt

So pleased I found The Health Hub! Have had sports massages and physiotherapy, highly recommended 🙏

Jade Heron