ACL Rehab
Melbourne
An ACL injury usually means a long road back, and the quality of that road matters as much as the first appointment. At Performe Sports Medicine in Melbourne's Olympic Park precinct, ACL rehab is run by sports physiotherapists who work in elite sport, with sports doctors and orthopaedic surgeons in the same team. Whether you're weighing up surgery or rehabbing after a reconstruction, the plan is built around your knee, your sport and your goals.
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What is an ACL injury?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main ligaments that keeps the knee stable. It is commonly injured in sports that involve landing, cutting and sudden changes of direction, such as football, netball and basketball. Some people manage an ACL injury with rehabilitation alone; others have a reconstruction followed by structured rehab. Which path suits you depends on your knee, your sport and your goals, and that decision is made with your clinicians.
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Who looks after your ACL rehab
Ben Shipperd, Titled APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist and Head Physiotherapist at St Kilda Football Club. His interests include post-surgery and long-term rehabilitation, and knee injuries.
Laura Fazzari, Titled APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with over 15 years' experience and a special interest in post-surgical rehabilitation.
Josh Boehm, Titled APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist at North Melbourne Football Club. His clinical interests include long-term and post-surgical rehabilitation, using a structured, criteria-based approach backed by objective testing.
Tom O'Connor, Physiotherapist and Strength and Conditioning Coach, with a special interest in complex muscle and joint injuries. He holds a travelling role with Athletics Victoria.
Victoria Shelley, Titled APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with over 20 years' experience. She is an Academy Physiotherapist at Tennis Australia and Head Women's Physiotherapist at the Australian Open.
Lachlan Fooks, Titled APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with 17 years' experience at Collingwood Football Club, most recently as AFL Head Physiotherapist.
Alex Rooke, Strength and Conditioning Coach and Rehabilitation Performance Coach at Melbourne Storm. He specialises in getting the most out of the rehabilitation and reconditioning period for injured athletes.
How we assess and treat an ACL injury
- 01
Thorough initial assessment. Injury history, movement analysis and biomechanical screening to identify the root cause, not just the symptoms.
- 02
A personalised plan. No generic programs. Your plan is built around your injury, sport and goals.
- 03
Hands-on treatment where it helps. Soft tissue release, joint mobilisation and sport-specific techniques.
- 04
Progressive, evidence-based rehabilitation. Exercise that rebuilds strength, stability and sport-specific movement patterns.
- 05
Objective return-to-sport testing. We use VALD technology so you and your physio know where you stand at each milestone.
- 06
Confidence to return. Fear of re-injury is common after an ACL injury. Our sports psychologist, Jacqui Louder, can help you build the confidence and mental readiness to get back to sport.
Your physio will set out your milestones at your first consultation, and objective testing guides each step.
Book an AppointmentSports doctors and knee surgeons in the same team
Mr Rohan Price is an orthopaedic knee and shoulder surgeon with a particular interest in arthroscopic surgery for knee ligament injuries. Our sports doctor, Dr Zach Baker, works with Collingwood, Melbourne Storm, Football Australia and Basketball Victoria. Appointments with our surgeons and sports physicians require a GP referral.
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Mr Rohan Price, orthopaedic knee and shoulder surgeon.
Dr Zach Baker, sports doctor.
Why choose Performe for ACL rehab
Our gym and recovery space has direct access to the Olympic Park Oval with our Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill available for low-impact rehabilitation running if required. Your exercises, testing results and program live in a phone app with video walkthroughs. Performe is an APA member clinic with a research partnership with Monash University, and is operated within the Collingwood Football Club at the KGM Centre.
Related care
Do I need a referral for ACL physio?
No. You can book a physiotherapist directly. A GP referral is needed to see our orthopaedic surgeons or sports and exercise physicians.
How long will my ACL rehab take?
It depends on your injury, whether you've had surgery, your goals and how your knee responds. Your physio will set out milestones at your first consultation, and objective testing guides each step rather than the calendar alone.
How long is an appointment?
Initial consultations run 30 to 60 minutes and include assessment, diagnosis and initial treatment. Follow-ups are generally 30 to 45 minutes.
Can I claim on private health insurance?
Yes. Physiotherapy is covered under Extras with most funds, subject to your limits, and we have HICAPS for on-the-spot claims. We also assist in claiming back injury related health expenses through the sporting insurance provided by a number of sports associations and governing bodies.
What should I bring?
Any scans, surgical reports or referral letters, and comfortable clothing that lets us assess your knee.
Where to find us
Performe Sports Medicine Address
Clinic Hours
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm
Getting Here
Performe Sports Medicine is located in Melbourne's Olympic Park area. Accessible by tram and public transport. Parking available nearby.
Book ACL rehab in Melbourne
We're located within the KGM Centre at 20 Olympic Blvd, Melbourne, with free parking via Gate E at the driveway east of AAMI Park. Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm. Book online or call 03 8412 0048.