ACL and Knee Ligament Injury Physiotherapy in Clapham
Injured your knee twisting, changing direction or landing awkwardly, and now it feels unstable? Whether or not you need surgery, physiotherapy is key to ACL and knee ligament recovery. Olivia offers one-to-one rehab at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding ACL and Knee Ligament Injuries
As part of our knee physiotherapy for women, Olivia offers ACL and knee ligament rehabilitation in Clapham, before and after surgery, to help you return to sport, running and everyday life with confidence.
What Is the ACL?
According to the NHS, the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a band of tissue inside your knee that helps it move and stay stable. It can be injured if you twist your knee, or quickly change direction or speed.
Other Knee Ligament Injuries
The MCL (medial collateral ligament) on the inside of the knee is also commonly injured, often from a blow to the outside of the knee or a twisting movement. Most MCL injuries heal well without surgery.
Symptoms
- A pop or tearing feeling at the time of injury
- Rapid swelling
- Pain and difficulty putting weight on the leg
- A feeling that the knee is unstable or gives way
- Reduced movement in the knee
Do I Need ACL Surgery?
Not always. The NHS explains that surgery is mainly considered if you want to return to sports involving twisting and turning, or if your knee is still unstable despite physiotherapy. Olivia can help you understand your options and support you whichever route you take.
ACL Rehab Before and After Surgery
Rehab before surgery (prehab) helps reduce swelling, restore movement and build strength. After surgery, the NHS notes it usually takes several months or more to recover, and physiotherapy is essential to get the best result.
How Physiotherapy Helps
Depending on your stage of recovery, treatment may include:
- Exercises to restore movement and reduce swelling
- Progressive strengthening for your thighs, hips and calves
- Balance, control and landing training
- A structured return to running, jumping and changing direction
- Return-to-sport testing before you go back to play
Women and ACL Injuries
Women who play sports involving jumping, landing and changing direction, such as netball, football and skiing, are more likely to injure their ACL. Strength, landing technique and control training can help reduce your risk.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through how you injured your knee, any scans or surgery and your goals
- Assess your knee, hip and ankle, your strength and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
ACL and Ligament FAQs
- How long does ACL recovery take?
Recovery after ACL reconstruction usually takes several months, and many people take nine months or more to return to sports involving twisting and turning. Recovery without surgery varies.
- Can I recover from an ACL injury without surgery?
Some people can, particularly if they don’t play sports involving twisting and turning. Physiotherapy is the key part of treatment either way.
- How long does an MCL injury take to heal?
Many MCL injuries heal within a few weeks to a few months, depending on severity, with physiotherapy to restore strength and stability.
- When can I return to sport after an ACL injury?
When you’ve regained strength, control and confidence, and passed return-to-sport tests. Olivia will guide you through each stage.
- Do I need a referral for ACL physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP, consultant or surgeon if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
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Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.