ACL Physical Therapy Hillsboro Oregon
If you’re dealing with an ACL injury, finding the right recovery plan is essential for restoring movement, strength, and confidence. At Pain & Performance Coach in Hillsboro, Oregon, specialized physical therapy services are available to support recovery from ACL injuries and related knee conditions. If you’ve experienced a full ACL tear, a partial injury, or post-surgical recovery, the right approach to physical therapy can make a noticeable difference in your long-term results.
Understanding ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize the knee joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and plays an important role in activities that involve pivoting, jumping, and sudden changes in direction. ACL injuries are common in sports like basketball, soccer, and football, but can also occur during work-related accidents, motor vehicle trauma, or everyday activities.
Symptoms of an ACL injury typically include:
- A noticeable popping sound or sensation in the knee
- Swelling within the first few hours after injury
- Instability or a feeling of the knee “giving out”
- Loss of range of motion
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
Prompt attention to ACL injuries is important to prevent further damage and promote efficient recovery.
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Personalized ACL Rehabilitation
Effective ACL rehabilitation requires a well-rounded, individualized program that addresses both the physical and functional demands of the body. Our team focuses on helping you regain strength, movement, and confidence, using modern, evidence-based rehabilitation techniques. Services are built around progressive movement strategies and performance coaching that are customized to each person’s needs and physical capabilities.
The program is led by our founder, Dr. Mike Makher, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified USA Weightlifting Coach, whose extensive experience includes working with people recovering from ACL tears ranging from athletes to middle aged adults. This expertise ensures that every client receives care tailored to their unique body, injury, and recovery goals.
This approach prioritizes not just the injured knee, but the entire person holistically. By addressing hip, ankle, and core stability alongside knee function, outcomes can improve, and the risk of future injury can be reduced.
What to Expect During ACL Physical Therapy
The ACL physical therapy program typically involves several phases, each designed to support a specific stage of healing and recovery. Every treatment plan is customized based on medical history, physical condition, and personal activity goals.
Common components of our program include:
A detailed assessment helps identify current limitations in mobility, strength, balance, and movement control. This evaluation allows the creation of a targeted plan of care with clear short- and long-term objectives.
In the early stages of ACL injury recovery, reducing pain and inflammation is a priority. Modalities such as soft tissue work, gentle range-of-motion exercises, and therapeutic interventions are used to support this phase.
Restoring full knee motion is critical for a healthy recovery. Physical therapy sessions include controlled movements, stretches, and manual techniques to improve flexibility and prevent joint stiffness.
Rebuilding muscle strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core muscles helps stabilize the knee joint. Functional strengthening exercises are gradually introduced and progressed over time, promoting controlled and balanced movement patterns.
After an ACL injury, restoring balance and body awareness is essential. Therapy sessions incorporate proprioceptive training, which retrains the body to react safely during movement and reduces the likelihood of future injuries.
As recovery advances, the program focuses on preparing the body for everyday tasks, recreational activities, and sports participation. Functional drills, plyometric training, and neurocognitive retraining ensure a safe transition back to higher-level physical activities.
Before returning to sports or demanding physical tasks, performance benchmarks are evaluated. Strength tests, balance assessments, and movement screenings confirm readiness and help prevent re-injury.
Specialized Care for All Activity Levels
Our ACL physical therapy is a customizable experience built around your condition, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you’re experiencing a recent ACL injury, preparing for surgery, or managing chronic knee instability, our team tailors every step of your care to match your physical capacity and recovery timeline.
Our services aren’t limited to high-level athletes. We support:
- Individuals with hypermobility spectrum disorders or connective tissue conditions
- Workers recovering from occupational injuries
- Patients healing from motor vehicle accidents
- Those dealing with chronic or persistent knee pain
- Recreational athletes and active individuals easing back into movement
Through a combination of evidence-based rehabilitation protocols and progressive movement coaching, we help clients build lasting strength and regain confidence in their bodies. This approach addresses not just the injured knee, but the surrounding structures that support safe and efficient movement, like the hips, ankles, and core.
No matter your starting point or activity level, our focus remains the same: to equip you with the tools, strategies, and support needed to return to the activities you value, feeling strong, stable, and empowered.
A Whole-Body Approach to ACL Recovery
Successful ACL rehabilitation involves addressing the entire body’s mechanics to improve function and minimize the risk of compensatory movement issues. Our therapy sessions emphasize:
- Restoring proper hip, ankle, and foot mechanics
- Enhancing core and trunk control for improved lower-body stability
- Teaching safe, effective movement patterns for gym exercises, work tasks, and sports performance
- Customizing exercise selection to fit personal goals, fitness history, and comfort levels
- Retraining the mind body connection to make sure you’re truly ready to get back to doing the things you enjoy
This whole-body philosophy promotes lasting recovery, reduces the chance of future injuries, and supports overall physical well-being.
Post-Surgical ACL Physical Therapy
For those who undergo ACL reconstruction surgery, structured post-operative rehabilitation is a vital part of recovery. Our program includes:
- Progressive range-of-motion exercises
- Soft tissue mobilization and swelling/scar tissue management
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation based cuing
- Strength progression from low level activities to advanced explosive based resistance training
- Gait retraining and return-to-running protocols
- Sport-specific readiness assessments
Rehabilitation programs are aligned with current post-operative guidelines while being customized based on the individual’s rate of healing, activity goals, and lifestyle demands
ACL Injury Prevention Programs
Preventing future ACL injuries is an important part of long-term knee health. Preventative programs focus on:
- Lower body strength and power development
- Dynamic balance and agility drills
- Jumping and landing mechanics
- Cutting and directional change techniques
- Core stabilization exercises
These programs are suitable for athletes, recreational exercisers, and anyone concerned about knee injury risks based on the highest levels of scientific evidence. Preventative training can be integrated into regular fitness routines or as a dedicated rehabilitation service.
Start Your ACL Recovery with a Personalized Plan Today
If dealing with an ACL injury, securing the right treatment plan is essential for a strong and confident recovery. The ACL physical therapy programs at Pain & Performance Coach in Hillsboro are evidence-based, holistic, and customized to meet each person’s needs. With a modern, movement-focused approach and an emphasis on long-term wellness, professional support is available to help restore physical capability and reduce injury risks moving forward.
Call us today at 971-364-0909 to start your recovery journey toward a stronger, healthier, and more resilient you.