Recovering from an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury can be a long and frustrating journey — especially for those eager to return to the sports they love. But how do you know when it’s truly safe to return to play? In this two-part series, we hear from the experts who guide patients through the full spectrum of ACL recovery — from surgery to rehabilitation and return to sport. In Part 1, we speak with Dr Foo Gen Lin, Sports & Orthopaedic Surgeon at Apex Sports Clinic based at Core Clinic, who shares his personal insights and clinical process for determining when a patient is ready to take that next step.
For Dr Foo, helping patients recover from an ACL injury is more than just a professional mission — it’s personal. “When I was in school, I tore my ACL playing soccer,” he recalls. “I was a big fan of David Beckham and played every chance I got. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much guidance or access to proper medical support back then. I ended up re-tearing it just a year later.” That experience shaped the way Dr Foo approaches patient care today. Now, as a seasoned orthopaedic surgeon, he’s committed to helping others avoid the same setbacks he experienced.
What Happens During Your Post-Surgery Follow-Up?
Patients are followed up regularly in the clinic after their surgery to ensure that they are progressing well and hitting their rehabilitation milestone. This will be more frequent e.g. weekly sessions at the start but will be more spaced out as they continue along their rehab journey. Here’s what each session typically involves:
- Clinical assessment of daily function: Dr Foo checks how the patient is coping with everyday movements like walking and navigating stairs.
- Review of physiotherapy progress: He evaluates the patient’s ongoing rehab to see if strength and mobility are improving.
- Clinical examination e.g. anterior drawer test: This hands-on test helps assess knee stability. “If the knee shifts significantly forward during the test, that’s a sign of instability, which means the patient might have stretched out his ACL and might require further assessment and adjustment in his rehab”
When Is It Safe to Return to Sport?
One of the most common questions patients ask is: When can I go back to my sport? According to Dr Foo, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but general timelines can help manage expectations:
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Contact and pivoting sports (e.g., football): These typically require at least 12 months of rehabilitation before considering a return to full gameplay.
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Low-impact sports (e.g., swimming): Patients might be able to safely return within 6 to 8 months, depending on their recovery and strength milestones.
Collaboration Is Key
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Dr Foo doesn’t make these decisions alone. Once a patient reaches this mid-recovery stage, he works closely with AMP Lab team — physiotherapist Cherie and Sports Scientist Etienne based at Core Collective to create a structured return-to-sport protocol. “It’s a team effort. At this point, I’ll clear the patient to progress into more advanced physiotherapy, where we can begin focused strength training, proprioception work, and gradually reintroduce sport-specific drills.
What’s Next?
In Part 2 of this series, we’ll speak to the team at AMP Lab, where both physiotherapist Cherie and exercise physiologist Etienne take over the next phase of recovery. They will share how they assess performance metrics, structure targeted rehab exercises, and ensure that every patient builds the strength and confidence to return to sport safely.
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Apex Sports Clinic
Dr. Foo Gen Lin
Sports & Orthopaedic Surgeon
As passionate athletes, we intimately understand the anguish and frustration that injuries can inflict, and our primary commitment is to facilitate your swift return to the sports you love.
With a collective experience exceeding 15 years, the Apex team has been dedicated advocates for athletes, assisting them in preventing, overcoming, and conquering injuries. We've invested countless hours in rigorous training and education to ensure we are exceptionally equipped to provide you with the highest care and support.
Our practice specialises in both non-surgical and surgical treatments for sports injuries, including knee ligament injuries, shoulder dislocations, and hip labral tears. We also handle emergencies like acute fractures and injuries and chronic joint conditions like osteoarthritis. With our experienced medical team and evidence-based approach, we provide personalised care to help patients recover and improve musculoskeletal health.
Connect with Apex Sports Clinic on their website.
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