Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) helps keep the knee stable, especially during twisting movements. Football, basketball, handball, judo and skiing are among the sports where the risk of tearing it is high.

Areas concerned: Knee

Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

Common signs

A crack at the moment of the injury
Feeling that the knee comes out of place then goes back
Swelling of the knee
Knee that gives way, especially when pivoting or changing direction
Sudden pain, limping or unable to put weight on the leg

When to see a doctor

After twisting the knee, worrying symptoms: see a doctor the same day
After an operation: fever above 38 °C
After an operation: knee that is warm or red, or a scar that oozes
After an operation: knee pain that gets worse at rest
After an operation: painful or swollen calf, which can be a sign of phlebitis

What physiotherapy does

Rehabilitation aims to get back a knee that bends and straightens normally, strong muscles and a knee that works well, so you can return to your activities. Without surgery, it is usually done at the physiotherapist’s practice, without a hospital stay. After a ligamentoplasty (reconstruction of the ligament), it starts in hospital then continues at the practice or in a rehabilitation centre, and it is planned before the operation. The return to pivoting sports is decided on the basis of functional tests.

Techniques used at the practice

Restoring joint mobility, strengthening of the quadriceps and hamstrings, neuromuscular control and sports preparation. Electrical muscle stimulation to make it easier to activate the muscles if needed. Joint mobilisations, cold therapy and pain-relieving physical treatments as a complement, where indicated.

How the sessions go

An individualised programme according to the treatment and the surgeon’s instructions. Regular assessment of mobility, strength and functional abilities to prepare for running, jumping and the return to sport.

My pain diaryFill it in every day, show it at your session

Advice

Stick to the gradual increase in load and keep up your personal programme. Going back to pivoting sports depends on functional criteria and psychological preparation, in addition to the healing time.

Sources

Déchirure du ligament croisé antérieur (new tab)Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois (CHUV), service de chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologie, accessed October 26, 2026
Symptômes et bilan d'une entorse du genou (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
Traitement de l'entorse du genou (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026