Rebuilding Strength After an ACL Tear: How Physical Therapy Can Help at Clifton Spine & Physical Therapy
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most common and serious injuries in sports and active lifestyles. Whether it occurs during a sudden pivot on the field or from an awkward landing during exercise, an ACL injury can sideline individuals for months and, without proper care, may lead to long-term instability or re-injury.
At Clifton Spine & Physical Therapy, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based rehabilitation programs tailored to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence following an ACL tear. Our expert physical therapist Dr. Joelle Manganella, PT, DPT, specializes in helping patients—especially athletes—return to high levels of performance and activity safely.
Understanding ACL Injuries
The ACL is one of the major ligaments in the knee, responsible for stabilizing the joint during rapid movement changes, especially those involving cutting, jumping, or pivoting. An ACL tear can be partial or complete, and it’s often accompanied by damage to other structures like the meniscus or MCL.
Common Causes:
Sports such as soccer, basketball, football, and lacrosse
Sudden stops or directional changes
Improper landing mechanics during jumping
Direct collisions or awkward falls
Symptoms may include a popping sound at the time of injury, immediate swelling, knee instability, and difficulty bearing weight.
The Role of Physical Therapy in ACL Recovery
Whether you’re recovering from ACL surgery (reconstruction) or managing a tear non-surgically, physical therapy plays a critical role in your recovery. At Clifton Spine & Physical Therapy, our ACL rehab programs are structured to guide you through each stage of healing and restore optimal function.
Phase 1: Acute Recovery (0–2 Weeks Post-Injury/Surgery)
Pain and swelling control
Gentle range-of-motion exercises
Quadriceps activation
Gait training (with crutches if necessary)
Phase 2: Early Rehabilitation (2–6 Weeks)
Continued range-of-motion work
Progressive weight-bearing
Stationary biking or low-impact cardio
Light strengthening of surrounding muscles (hip, core, hamstrings)
Phase 3: Strength & Mobility Development (6–12 Weeks)
Full weight-bearing without assistive devices
Resistance training to rebuild strength
Balance and proprioception training
Mobility drills and functional movements
Phase 4: Sport-Specific Training (3–6 Months)
Plyometrics and agility drills
Running progression
Jump landing mechanics
Sport-specific movement re-education
Phase 5: Return to Sport (6–9+ Months)
Advanced neuromuscular control
Functional testing and clearance
Injury prevention strategies
Mental readiness and confidence-building
Our therapists monitor progress closely, adjust the program as needed, and ensure a safe return to activity—often better, stronger, and smarter than before the injury.
Meet Dr. Joelle Manganella, PT, DPT
ACL injuries require more than just rehab—they require a specialist who understands athletic movement, the mental toll of injury, and the importance of restoring confidence in your body.
Dr. Joelle Manganella, a key member of the Clifton Spine & Physical Therapy team, brings a wealth of experience and passion for athlete-focused rehabilitation. A former collegiate lacrosse player at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Dr. Manganella understands firsthand the demands of sports and the importance of effective recovery strategies.
She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Dominican College of Blauvelt, and her clinical background spans a wide variety of patient populations—from pediatric and geriatric care to post-operative and neurological rehab. However, her true passion lies in working with athletes, helping them recover from injuries and enhance performance.
Dr. Manganella is certified in RockTape® kinesiology taping and is currently completing McKenzie Method spine training, further strengthening her ability to tailor treatment approaches to each patient's needs. Outside the clinic, she stays active with weightlifting, boxing, and hiking—living what she teaches.
Why Choose Clifton Spine & Physical Therapy for ACL Rehab?
At Clifton Spine & Physical Therapy, we understand that ACL recovery is both physical and psychological. Our customized approach ensures you don’t just heal—you come back stronger.
Our Advantages:
One-on-one sessions with our licensed physical therapist Dr. Joelle Manganella
Sport-specific rehab strategies for athletes
Access to strength, conditioning, and manual therapy
Integrated care plans for surgical and non-surgical cases
Collaborative, supportive environment for every stage of recovery
Ready to Start Your Comeback?
If you’ve suffered an ACL injury or recently had surgery, don’t wait to start physical therapy. Early intervention leads to better outcomes—and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Call Clifton Spine & Physical Therapy at (973) 874-0888 or visit our clinic at 164 Brighton Road, Clifton, NJ 07012 to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Joelle Manganella and take the first step toward recovery.
Clifton Spine & Physical Therapy – Helping you heal, move, and perform at your best.