ACL Rehab in Miami for Athletes Getting Back to Sport
Miami · Sports Physical Therapy · 5.0 ★ on Google
Cleared isn’t the same as ready. At The Premier Athlete, ACL rehab doesn’t end when daily life feels normal. We test strength, power, jumping, landing and change of direction, and we keep building until the numbers show you’re ready to sprint, cut and compete again.
Who this is for
Most ACL rehab ends when you can walk, climb stairs and jog. Sport asks for far more. If any of these sound like you, the gap is still there, and it can be measured and closed:
- You were discharged or cleared, but you hesitate to sprint, cut or jump
- One leg is still smaller, weaker or less explosive
- Your knee swells or hurts when training volume goes up
- Your insurance visits ran out before you were athlete-ready
- You are a parent unsure whether your athlete is truly ready to return
The path back to your sport
You move to the next phase when you pass the test, not when the calendar says so.
1. Restore
Range of motion, swelling control and getting your quad firing again.
2. Rebuild
Heavy, progressive strength training until both legs match.
3. Run and land
A structured return to running, jumping and landing with control.
4. Power and speed
Sprinting, cutting, deceleration and drills specific to your sport.
5. Return
Pass return-to-sport testing, then a guided return to full practice and competition.
How we decide you’re ready
We don’t guess. We test your surgical leg against your other leg:
- Force plates: jump height, power and how fast you produce force
- VALD DynaMo: strength, including your quad
- My Jump: jump performance
- Hop tests and change of direction
- Movement quality: how you jump, land and move, not just the numbers
Your pass line
Return to sport here is criteria-based, not timeline-based. You don’t return at a certain month. You return when your surgical leg tests at 90% or better of your other side in every one of these:
- Strength
- Power
- Rate of force development: how fast you can produce force, the thing that makes you explosive
- Change of direction: cutting, planting and reacting
- Movement quality: how you jump, land and move
On top of that, your quad has to be strong for your body weight, and a short questionnaire checks your confidence and fear of reinjury. Pass all of it and you’re ready. Miss one and we know exactly what to train next.
Athletes who came back
After tearing my ACL, MCL, and meniscus, I realized that if I truly wanted to get back to being an athlete, I needed a program that specialized in athletic rehabilitation. Working with Evan was the best decision I made.
Sofia Altamiranda, Google review
As someone who’s had two ACL reconstructions, I needed a pro who could give me the confidence to return to sport. He’s sharp, focused and dedicated to my rehab.
Avi Azouz, Google review
I tore my meniscus, and once again Evan handled my entire rehab and helped me get back to doing what I love in a matter of months.
Diego Vasallo, professional soccer goalkeeper, Google review
Meet Dr. Evan Motlong, PT, DPT, CSCS
“I had two knee surgeries during my own basketball career, so I know what it’s like to be cleared and still not trust your leg. I can relate to you because I am you.”
Since then, Dr. Evan has rehabbed 30+ NFL Combine athletes at EXOS, served as Shakira’s personal physical therapist on her world tour, and works with professional football players every offseason. Every ACL plan is built around you, your sport and measurable goals.
ACL rehab FAQs
I already finished physical therapy somewhere else. Can I still start with you?
Yes. Many of our ACL athletes come to us after being discharged or cleared. We test where you are now and build from there.
How do you decide when I am ready to return to sport?
It’s criteria-based, not timeline-based. You’re ready when your strength, power, rate of force development, change of direction and movement quality all test within 90% of your other side. Not when a certain number of months has passed.
Do you take insurance?
We are a cash-pay practice, so every visit is one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy and your care is never capped by an insurance visit limit.
Where are you located?
341 NW S River Dr, Miami, FL 33128. Call or text (786) 705-8636.
Find out what’s still missing
Book a one-on-one ACL evaluation with Dr. Evan Motlong and leave with a clear plan for getting back to your sport.
Related: All services · Patient reviews · About Dr. Evan
Articles: ACL case study: getting the quad back · ACL rehab for high school basketball players · Cleared after ACL surgery: what it means · 9 months after ACL surgery: are you ready? · Why your quad is still weak · When can you return to sport? · The gap in ACL rehab