What are the acute symptoms (immediate or shortly after injury):

An ACL tear often occurs during sports or sudden movements involving twisting, pivoting, or stopping abruptly. The symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury but commonly include:

• A loud "pop" sound at the time of injury

• Sudden instability – the knee may "give out" or feel like it can’t support weight

• Rapid swelling within the first few hours (due to internal bleeding)

• Severe pain, especially with weight-bearing

• Limited range of motion

What do I do if I think I have done my ACL?

Generally there is no need to go to hospital / emergency. If you have any of the symptoms above, please call the clinic and we will organise to see you within 48 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays) as we hold emergency appointment slots or can facilitate a referral where required. Kara Murphy (Sports Physiotherapist) or Dr Scott Burne (Sports Physician) can determine a provisional clinical diagnosis, provide immediate short term management and organise a referral for MRI imaging that will provide a definitive diagnosis. In the meantime, follow RICE protocol of rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Will I need surgery?

A few factors will come into play including the outcome of the MRI imaging (if there is damage to the surrounding ligaments and cartilage, surgical intervention may be biased), a comprehensive medical assessment via a Sports Physician or Orthopaedic surgeon and consideration of your athletic goals and recovery timeframes. There is strong evidence to suggest ACL’s can be successfully treated with rehabilitation alone for many people. Our Sports Physio Kara Murphy has spent years working in elite sport can provide you with immediate pain management and the best pathway to diagnosis, surgical opinion & rehabilitation.

What does ACL rehabilitation look like at Biomechanica?

Our Sports Physio Kara Murphy is highly experienced in managing all types of knee injuries, both conservatively and post-operatively. She applied the same rehab strategies used in professional sport — tailored to your goals, whether you're returning to the pitch or daily life.

• Our one-on-one approach means you have consistency in your management and Kara’s full attention to detail.

• With her hands on experience, she’ll be able to pick up your tissue nuances and work through them both passively, and actively.

• Our VALD technology ensures that we are capturing objective data to keep you progressing and on track (no guesswork)

• Our bespoke gym is fully equipped with a bike, resistance bands, barbells, squat rack, leg extension/flexion machine and running track to best correct form and ensure strength progression.

• Kara will work with what you have at home or gym, to provide a comprehensive home / gym program that consistently keeps you moving forwards with your mobility, strength and function.

• Our fun and vibrant clinic optimises our warehouse space for both wellness and performance. We want you to feel the care when you enter our doors and we strive to make coming to Biomechanica an enjoyable experience.

• Often a multi-disciplinary approach is required for best outcomes. Where appropriate, our team can help you with choosing the most appropriate footwear, customised orthotics (because foot motion impacts knee rotation), sports massage, weight loss and pelvic floor assistance.

• We know that knee rehab is a long game and can be financially stressful. To help alleviate some of this burden we offer a discount on our physiotherapy services of 10% off for more than 10 sessions in a calendar year and 15% off if more than 20 sessions in a calendar year.