Can I Return to Sports After an ACL Tear?

Posted on: May 15th, 2025 by Our Team

An ACL tear can feel like a career-ending injury, but the good news is that with the right treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation, many athletes can return to the sports they love. Whether you’re a high school player hoping to get back on the field or a professional athlete aiming for a comeback, you can absolutely return to sport after an ACL tear. However, it’s a journey, and it requires patience, commitment, and the right approach.

Understanding the ACL Injury

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is crucial for knee stability. It helps prevent the tibia (shin bone) from sliding too far forward in relation to the femur (thigh bone). When the ACL is torn, the knee loses stability, making activities like running, pivoting, and jumping difficult.

For athletes, an ACL injury can be a significant setback, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of their playing career. ACL surgery (usually ACL reconstruction, but can also be ACL repair) combined with dedicated physical therapy has shown high success rates in returning athletes to their pre-injury sports.

Return-to-Sport Rates by Level of Play

While there are many factors that influence whether an athlete will return to sport, the overall return-to-sport rate after ACL reconstruction surgery is higher than many think. The rates vary depending on the level of play, the athlete’s dedication to rehab, and how well they follow post-surgery protocols.

High School Athletes:

• Return-to-sport rate: 70% (depending on the sport)
  • High school athletes can return to sports at a decent rate, but the availability of resources and rehab programs can impact success. Athletes who fully commit to their rehab program, with the help of physical therapists and coaches, can return to sports with a relatively high success rate.
  • Re-injury rates can be higher in this group due to a premature return to high-intensity play.

College Athletes:

• Return-to-sport rate: 70%
  • College athletes generally have better access to rehab and sports medicine specialists, making their chances of returning to play higher than at the high school level. However, the intense demands of collegiate sports can increase the risk of re-injury if athletes don’t follow their recovery protocols strictly.
  • Re-injury rates can still be a concern, especially in contact sports, as athletes push themselves to return to competition, sometimes too soon.

Professional Athletes:

• Return-to-sport rate: Greater than 80% (depending on the sport)
  • Professional athletes tend to have the highest return-to-sport rates, thanks to access to elite medical care, dedicated rehabilitation programs, and ample time for recovery. However, return rates still vary depending on the specific sport and the athlete’s condition after surgery.
  • Re-injury rates are lower in this group, though they still face challenges, particularly with high-impact sports.

What About Re-Rupture Rates?

A major concern after an ACL injury is the risk of re-injury. While the success rates of ACL reconstruction surgery are high, re-rupture can still happen.

• Re-rupture rates for younger athletes (under 25): Studies show that the rate of re-injury after ACL surgery can range from 5-15%. This is higher for younger athletes who might return to sports before fully completing their rehab or when the body isn’t fully ready.
• For professional athletes, re-injury rates tend to be lower, closer to the 5% range, thanks to extensive rehab, access to top-tier medical care, older age and maturity and more lengthy rehab protocols.

The Importance of Mental Recovery: Healing the Mind

One aspect of ACL recovery that is often overlooked is mental healing. Returning to sports after a major injury like an ACL tear is not just about physical rehabilitation—it’s also about healing your mind.

• Fear of re-injury: After an ACL injury, many athletes experience a significant fear of re-injury. This fear can impact performance and delay the return to competition.
• Mindfulness & Meditation: Techniques like mindfulness and meditation have been shown to reduce anxiety and fear associated with returning to sports. These practices can help athletes mentally prepare for the physical challenges of returning to their sport, improving focus, confidence, and resilience.
• Sports Psychology: Working with a sports psychologist can also be incredibly beneficial. Sports psychologists help athletes manage stress, cope with setbacks, and mentally prepare for the challenges of returning to play. They can also help athletes reframe negative thoughts and build the mental toughness necessary to return to competition.

The Road to Recovery: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

For many athletes, the road to recovery can feel long and challenging. It’s important to remember that returning to sports after ACL surgery is a gradual process—a marathon, not a sprint. It requires:

• Commitment: The more dedicated you are to your rehab program, the better your chances of a successful return to sport.
• Patience: Don’t rush back into competition before your body is ready. Premature return can lead to re-injury or more serious complications.
• Support: Working with a skilled physical therapist, athletic trainer and your surgical team will help ensure that you’re progressing safely. Additionally, having a great support group such as family, friends and coaches who have your best interest at mins is invaluable.

So, Can You Return to Sports After an ACL Tear?

Absolutely! With the right treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation, many athletes successfully return to their sport, even at the highest levels. The key is to follow the right recovery protocols, trust the process, and focus on both the physical and mental aspects of recovery.

Your ACL injury doesn’t define you, and with the proper rehabilitation and the right mindset, you can be back doing what you love. It’s a process, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.