What Edmond Athletes Should Avoid When Preparing for ACL Physical Therapy
Getting Ready for ACL Rehab? Don’t Make These Mistakes.
If you’re an athlete in Edmond, OK recovering from an ACL reconstruction, you're likely eager to get back to training, practices, and competition. But rushing into physical therapy without the right prep—or falling into common traps—can slow your progress and even set you back.
At Next Level Sports Performance & Therapy, we’ve helped countless Edmond athletes recover from ACL injuries. And we’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t.
In this post, we’re breaking down the key mistakes athletes should avoid before starting ACL physical therapy, so you can start strong and stay on track.
❌ Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Start PT
After ACL surgery, time is critical. Waiting too long to begin rehab can lead to stiffness, scar tissue buildup, and muscle atrophy.
👉 What to do instead:
Start physical therapy as soon as your surgeon gives the green light—often within a few days post-op. Early movement helps improve circulation, reduce swelling, and jump-start recovery.
❌ Mistake #2: Not Finding a Sports-Focused Physical Therapist
General PT isn’t the same as sports-specific rehab. Athletes need a program that’s performance-based, goal-oriented, and tailored to their sport.
👉 What to do instead:
Choose a therapist experienced in working with student and competitive athletes. At Next Level PT in Edmond, our ACL protocols are designed to get athletes back to the demands of their game—not just everyday life.
❌ Mistake #3: Skipping the Prehab
If you haven’t had surgery yet, skipping pre-surgery physical therapy (aka "prehab") is a missed opportunity.
👉 What to do instead:
Prehab strengthens the muscles around your knee, improves range of motion, and helps you bounce back faster after surgery. Even 2–4 weeks of prehab can significantly improve post-op outcomes.
❌ Mistake #4: Underestimating the Mental Game
Rehab isn’t just physical—it’s mental. Fear of reinjury, frustration with progress, and loss of identity as an athlete can all creep in.
👉 What to do instead:
Work with a PT who understands the psychological challenges of recovery. We incorporate confidence-building milestones into every stage of rehab and encourage athletes to talk openly about the mental side of healing.
❌ Mistake #5: Trying to “Tough It Out” Alone
Some athletes think they can do it all on their own—just follow a few exercises from the internet and they’ll be good. Unfortunately, this leads to poor form, incomplete healing, and increased risk of re-injury.
👉 What to do instead:
Rehab should be structured, progressive, and constantly monitored. At Next Level, you’ll work one-on-one with your PT through every stage of recovery, with sport-specific drills and return-to-play testing to ensure you’re truly ready.
Real Recovery from Real Athletes
“Colton was very helpful and amazing to work with! Extremely knowledgeable about recovery or injury and how to best protect and help his client. When I first began working with him I was unable to run or jump, and by the end of 3 months I’m back to fully healthy and as confident as ever. Would definitely recommend going to him!”
We’re proud to support Edmond athletes through every step of their recovery journey—and help them come back even stronger.
What Makes Next Level Different?
Athletes in Edmond choose Next Level Sports Performance & Therapy because we specialize in treating athletes like athletes—not just patients.
Here’s what you can expect:
✅ Individualized ACL rehab plans
✅ One-on-one attention from a licensed PT
✅ Performance-based testing for return-to-play
✅ Clear communication with families, coaches & physicians
✅ A motivating, athletic environment built for results
Whether you’re a high school athlete, weekend warrior, or collegiate competitor, we’re here to support your comeback.
Ready to Rehab the Right Way?
Skip the guesswork. Start your ACL recovery with confidence and clarity.
📍 Next Level Sports Performance & Therapy
820 Irish Ln, Edmond, OK 73003
📞 Call us at (572) 275-0023
Let’s build a game plan that gets you back on the field, faster and safer than ever.
