In collaboration with Xpert Clinics

ACL rehabilitation

ACL rehabilitation requires a structured programme of nine to twelve months in which strength, jump and sport-specific skills need to recover in a measurable way. We guide you from the first phase after surgery to a test-driven return-to-sport, with objective measurements in every phase.

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ACL rehabilitation at Movement Based Therapy

What does rehabilitation after an ACL rupture look like?

After ACL surgery you can usually go home the same day. For the first 6 weeks you need to offload the knee and walk on crutches. We often come to your home in those first weeks to answer your questions and go through the first exercises you can do at home.

In the months that follow, you progress through different phases of recovery. Roughly from slow, controlled exercises to faster and less controlled movements. The timeframes per phase are guidelines. We use measurement points and goals to determine which phase you are in and when you are ready for the next.

This way, we build up over 9 to 12 months towards a "return to play" milestone. That means after this period you take part in the sport you practised before the surgery.

ACL rehabilitation examination at MBT
Force plates and testing during ACL rehabilitation

Which tests are done during ACL rehabilitation?

During ACL rehabilitation you will go through different tests depending on the phase. We measure strength, test jump forms and use various questionnaires. These tests determine whether it is safe enough to progress to the next phase and ultimately whether you have completed your rehabilitation.

In the clinic we use force plates, which can map very precisely how much force you can produce and whether it is evenly distributed between both legs.

Collaboration with Xpert Clinics

Our clinic has a working partnership with Xpert Clinics. Within this collaboration, the specialists trust the quality of our rehabilitation programmes. Conversely, we have great confidence in the way Xpert Clinics treat patients.

The specialists often say that without good rehabilitation, surgery makes little sense. That is why the combination of physiotherapy and orthopaedics matters so much in these cases. It significantly increases the quality of the rehabilitation.

Collaboration with Xpert Clinics
● PHASES

Phases in the rehabilitation programme

A test-driven programme with measurement points per phase. You only progress to the next phase when the criteria are met.

01

Wound & oedema

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02

Muscle function & ROM

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03

Strength building

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04

Jump & landing

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05

Agility & cutting

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06

Sport-specific

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07

Return-to-train

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08

Return-to-sport

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● WHY MBT

What sets us apart.

01

Test-driven 9 to 12 month programme

Objective criteria per phase. You only progress when strength, jump and stability are on level, not on the clock.

02

Force plates for strength measurement

Precise measurement of strength differences between both legs, in every phase. We see what the eye misses.

03

Close link with Xpert Clinics

Working partnership with the orthopaedic surgeons at Xpert Clinics. Multidisciplinary collaboration before and after surgery.

04

Home visits in the first weeks

In the first weeks we often come to your home. Answering questions, going through exercises, getting you well on your way.

05

Return-to-sport principle

The goal is not pain-free, but back to your previous sports level. With agility, jump and sport-specific tests as the final step.

● OUR METHOD

Our unique method

Repeat.
01 / PHASE 1

Discover

Every treatment starts with a thorough intake. This gives us a complete picture of your physical health, movement patterns and mental well-being. We take a holistic approach and look beyond physical symptoms alone. Think sleep habits, nutrition, hydration, movement and daily stress factors.

Discover phase, intake at Movement Based Therapy
02 / PHASE 2

Educate

Understanding your condition is the key to lasting recovery. We make sure you understand where your symptoms come from and how to manage them. This helps you recognise your body's signals and prevent future issues.

Educate phase at Movement Based Therapy
03 / PHASE 3

Recreate

We work through a tailored programme that targets weaknesses in the body. Movement is at the centre of our treatment method. With specific exercises tuned to you, we build your body's capacity to handle load and help you develop sustainable movement habits. This reduces the chance of recurring symptoms.

Recreate phase at Movement Based Therapy
04 / PHASE 4

Evaluate

Evaluation is an essential part of our approach. We monitor your progress regularly and adjust the treatment plan when needed. This keeps the therapy aligned with your goals and needs at every stage of the process.

Evaluate phase at Movement Based Therapy
● FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does ACL rehabilitation take?

The guideline is 9 to 12 months. But it is test-driven: you only progress to the next phase when the criteria are met. Not on the clock, on data.

When can I start rehabilitation?

Right after surgery. In the first weeks we often come to your home with the first exercises. The sooner we start, the better the recovery.

What are force plates?

Force plates precisely measure the force you push through your feet into the ground. We use them to objectively map the strength difference between both legs in every phase.

Do you work with Xpert Clinics?

Yes, we have a working partnership with Xpert Clinics. A close link with the orthopaedic surgeons, with multidisciplinary collaboration before and after surgery.

Can I rehabilitate with you if I had surgery elsewhere?

Yes. We work with your treating specialist regardless of where you had surgery. A good handover is important.

When can I return to sport?

Return-to-sport only happens once you have completed all phases and passed the end tests. Minimal strength difference, jump and agility tests on level. Returning too early significantly increases the risk of re-injury.

Which locations can I visit?

Three locations in Amsterdam: Houthavens in Amsterdam-West, NDSM in Amsterdam-North and Oostenburg in Amsterdam-East. Book at the location that suits you best.

Related services

01

Sports physiotherapy

Sport-specific rehabilitation with return-to-sport criteria.

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02

Post-surgery rehabilitation

Structured rehabilitation after knee surgery through to full recovery.

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03

Knee pain

General treatment of knee conditions and knee injuries.

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3Locations · Amsterdam
64+Google reviews · 5★
12yrClinical experience
1500+Athletes treated
● LOCATIONS

Three locations in amsterdam

01

Houthavens

Nieuwe Hemweg 7T
1013BG Amsterdam

View location → Directions ↗
02

NDSM

Scannerstraat 7
1033RV Amsterdam

View location → Directions ↗
03

Oostenburg

Jacob Bontiusplaats 40
1018LL Amsterdam

View location → Directions ↗

Get moved.

Book an intake at the location that suits you best. Questions about how we work? Get in touch.

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● WHAT PATIENTS SAY
★★★★★ 5.0 based on 64 Google reviews
View on Google →
★★★★★
I received excellent care and guidance throughout my ACL and meniscus surgery journey. From the preparation phase to the recovery process, I felt fully supported with a clear plan and weekly progression.
Simon10 months ago
★★★★★
Cedrine helped me enormously with my recovery from recurring knee complaints. Within a few months the strength difference between both legs was minimal.
Gwen Kuijer1 year ago
★★★★★
I've been helped tremendously by multiple members of the team for various issues over the course of about a year now. Not all team members have been my PT, but I have met them all and they are all great.
Rik12 months ago