Skip to content
  • Home
  • Services
    • Physiotherapy
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Women’s Health Physio
    • Tele Health
    • Strength and Conditioning
    • VO2 Max Test
    • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
    • NDIS
    • Veterans DVA Program
    • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Blog
  • Our Team
  • Careers
  • Athletes
  • Gallery
  • Partners
  • Contact
    • About
  • Home
  • Services
    • Physiotherapy
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Women’s Health Physio
    • Tele Health
    • Strength and Conditioning
    • VO2 Max Test
    • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
    • NDIS
    • Veterans DVA Program
    • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Blog
  • Our Team
  • Careers
  • Athletes
  • Gallery
  • Partners
  • Contact
    • About
Book Here
Call Us
Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast
Book Here
  • Home
  • Services
    • Physiotherapy
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Women’s Health Physio
    • Tele Health
    • Strength and Conditioning
    • VO2 Max Test
    • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
    • NDIS
    • Veterans DVA Program
    • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Blog
  • Our Team
  • Careers
  • Athletes
  • Gallery
  • Partners
  • Contact
    • About
  • Home
  • Services
    • Physiotherapy
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Women’s Health Physio
    • Tele Health
    • Strength and Conditioning
    • VO2 Max Test
    • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
    • NDIS
    • Veterans DVA Program
    • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Blog
  • Our Team
  • Careers
  • Athletes
  • Gallery
  • Partners
  • Contact
    • About
Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast
  • Home
  • Services
    • Physiotherapy
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Women’s Health Physio
    • Tele Health
    • Strength and Conditioning
    • VO2 Max Test
    • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
    • NDIS
    • Veterans DVA Program
    • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Blog
  • Our Team
  • Careers
  • Athletes
  • Gallery
  • Partners
  • Contact
    • About
  • Home
  • Services
    • Physiotherapy
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Women’s Health Physio
    • Tele Health
    • Strength and Conditioning
    • VO2 Max Test
    • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
    • NDIS
    • Veterans DVA Program
    • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Blog
  • Our Team
  • Careers
  • Athletes
  • Gallery
  • Partners
  • Contact
    • About
Book Here

Inside the Operating Room: What I Learned Watching an ACL Reconstruction

  • September 15, 2025
  • Sam Pelz

Ever wondered what actually happens when someone “gets their ACL done”? We recently had the rare chance to scrub in and witness an ACL reconstruction firsthand — and what we saw has totally sharpened how we rehab knees post-surgery.

The Patient & The Plan

Our patient had copped a full ACL rupture — a proper season-ender. The surgical game plan? Reconstruct the ACL using the semitendinosus (one of the hamstring tendons). This graft is a go-to in active humans because it’s tough, reliable, and comes with fewer complications at the donor site.

Step 1: Harvesting the Hamstring

First up, the team carefully removed the semitendinosus tendon and stitched it into a 4-strand graft — the new stand-in for the torn ACL. It was prepped, tensioned (to 100N for the biomechanics nerds), and ready to go.

Step 2: Out With the Old

Arthroscopic portals were created to access the knee capsule. Inside, the old ruptured ACL was cleaned out, and the meniscus was checked for any extra damage.

Step 3: In With the New

Once the knee was cleared, the team drilled tunnels into the femur and tibia to guide the graft. The new hamstring graft was threaded through and fixed into place, mimicking the original ACL’s angle to bring back proper knee mechanics.

Bonus Round: LEAT Procedure

This patient also had a Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LEAT) — an add-on for those with high pivot shift, joint laxity, or who are heading back to aggressive, high-risk sports like motocross, footy, or netball.

The LEAT uses a strip from the iliotibial band to reinforce the outside of the knee and boost rotational stability. It’s a smart move that can reduce graft failure and speed up the return to play — especially for younger or high-performance athletes.

What This Means for You

Watching this surgery up close changes everything.

Yes, the graft restores mechanical stability, but your real recovery takes time. That hamstring graft needs up to 12+ months to transform into a true ligament. And every phase of rehab — from early swelling control and quad activation, through to strength, neuromuscular control, and return-to-sport testing — has to respect the graft’s healing timeline.

Here at Fighting Fit, we don’t just rehab knees — we rebuild athletes. Understanding what happens inside the OR helps us:

  • Educate you better

  • Personalise your rehab journey

  • Work tighter with your surgeon

  • Guide you confidently back to the field, track, or court

Had an ACL reconstruction? Ready to do your rehab right?

👊 Book in with the team at Fighting Fit for a structured recovery plan that gets you back to your best — safely, strongly, and with purpose.

Sam Pelz

Sam graduated from Griffith University in 2024 with a bachelor of Physiotherapy. With a long background in sport, including over 20 years of racing motocross. Suffering multiple injuries throughout this time drove him to become a physiotherapist so he could help others through their own injuries.

Special interests:
Motocross related injuries
Running related injuries
Shoulder pain
Low back pain
Neck pain
Tendinopathies

PrevPreviousStrengthening Your Neck: The Key to Reducing Sports-Related Head and Neck Injuries Including Concussion
NextTrain Like You Ride: Why Squat, Deadlift & Bench Press Are Essential for Motocross AthletesNext
Share the Post:
follow us on social
Facebook Instagram Youtube
Like Us On Facebook

Contact Info

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is located at 3 / 25 Brendan Dr, Nerang, Gold Coast, QLD, 4211

Call Now: 0402 938 661

Email: admin@fightingfitphysio.com.au

About Us

At Fighting Fit Physiotherapy, we recognise the impacts that pain and dysfunction can have on one’s personal and professional life. We are committed as primary healthcare professionals to help our clients resume their lifelong pursuit of health and well-being.

Blog Categories

  • Arthritis
  • Combat Athletes
  • Dietitian
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Exercises
  • Headache & Migraine
  • Health Articles
  • Knee Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Physio
  • Shoulder
  • Sport
  • Sporting
  • Studies
  • Testing
  • Therapy
  • Weight Loss

Related Posts

Neck Pain
Shania Ellis

The Desk Worker’s Guide to a Pain-Free Neck

If you spend most of your day at a desk, you’ve probably felt it—that dull ache, stiffness, or tightness creeping

Read More
Arthritis
Sam Pelz

Hip Osteoarthritis: Why It Hurts and How Physio Can Help

“It’s just wear and tear” doesn’t mean you have to live in pain.   Hip pain is one of the

Read More
Ankle
Karolina Bejmert

The #1 Mistake Athletes Make After an Ankle Injury

It’s Not the Injury. It’s What Happens After.   Ankle injuries are one of the most common setbacks in sport.

Read More
Back Pain
Dean Phelps

The Secret to Beating Back Pain? Walk This Way!

If your back’s been giving you grief, doing nothing isn’t the answer. Low back pain is one of the most

Read More
Load More

Check Out Our Awesome 5 Star Google Reviews.

We take great pride in our 5-star reviews, as they reflect our commitment to delivering outstanding care and achieving remarkable results.

Join the countless individuals who have experienced the Fighting Fit Physiotherapy difference. 

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy place picture
Fighting Fit Physiotherapy
4.9
Based on 111 reviews
powered by Google
review us on
Brenda Samosa profile picture
Brenda Samosa
05:52 07 Nov 24
I had a really bad shoulder and had been seeing a different physio for 3 months (from a different place) I got told Tyson was good. After just a few sessions the movement was coming back. I’m 66 and was worried I would have to stop surfing. But with a lot of help from Tyson I’m back in the waves ( thank you so so much)
Cyana Ferguson profile picture
Cyana Ferguson
08:16 30 Oct 24
Steve Harris profile picture
Steve Harris
22:33 15 Oct 24
Great team, all friendly, super helpful and first class clinical advice and a big shout out to my Physio Noah with my shoulder issue
Andrea Bell profile picture
Andrea Bell
05:33 19 Sep 24
These guys are the best in the biz 🎉
Ryan Brockett profile picture
Ryan Brockett
04:20 18 Sep 24
Shout out to Max from fighting fit physio. He helped me out massively straight after shoulder surgery and back into work and sports in no time. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!
Scotty profile picture
Scotty
08:31 31 Jul 24
Five star service from Max & the team!
Professional & very thorough, you know that patient outcomes are of the highest priority.
I highly recommend this business.
Riley Wilson profile picture
Riley Wilson
08:27 14 Jul 24
Be AWARE they’ll immediately try to commit you to multiple follow up sessions after your initial consultation. This happened to me and then I later found out that as it just so happens, they have a cancellation policy that says you have to pay 100% of the consultation fee for cancelling. They failed to tell me this when they were pushy in committing me to 6 sessions after my consult, so that was a really nice little surprise.

I was already uncomfortable with how pushy they were in having me commit to so many sessions, so when I heard about the policy I just cancelled all together. So, I can’t speak further to the quality of their service throughout therapy phase. FYI this was also a few months ago now, it’s possible (though unlikely) they may have changed the policy. Just ask the question.
Megan Shelley profile picture
Megan Shelley
06:51 03 May 24
Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is hands down the best physio I've encountered. Having tried multiple physios for various injuries, I always find myself coming back to them. Their expertise consistently exceeds expectations, helping me get back to my sport faster than I thought possible. Their personalized approach and attention to detail make all the difference. I could not recommend a better or more exceptional physio team!
Gina Matthews profile picture
Gina Matthews
08:41 24 Mar 23
Can't recommend this place high enough. I was in so much pain with my knee an had been for months through advise an exercises I'm now looking forward to returning to gym an back riding my horses in endurance thank you so much
Courtney Halse profile picture
Courtney Halse
01:36 29 Nov 22
Kyle was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He saw me through my second pregnancy and continued to work with me until 6 months post partum on issues with my back. Would recommend anyone to go and see him.

Also shout out to Georgia on the front desk. She makes you feel welcome and brings a sense of warmth to the place!
Alli Davenport profile picture
Alli Davenport
08:07 04 Nov 22
After hip replacement surgery in February I wanted toget back into weight training legs, I started with Mitch 18 weeks ago and after a lot of hard work and sweat I am able to safely train again, I cannot thank Mitch enough for his support,encouragement and knowledge. The staff are friendly and helpful and I always looked forward to my session's
Robert Parkinson profile picture
Robert Parkinson
10:50 15 Aug 22
This is the second time I have been treated by the team at FFP.
As a health professional myself I have been impressed with the level of care I have received from all members of the team.
The personalised treatment and rehabilitation programs have produced excellent results and I have completed both programs pain free and feeling stronger than before my injuries.
During the program there was constant communication and follow up and they were very accommodating with my work schedule.
All in all it was a very holistic experience and I would highly recommend the service.
Kiri Canavan profile picture
Kiri Canavan
07:30 08 Jun 22
Tyson was amazing! We came up with an 8 week plan at my first consultation with weekly check ins and updates to exercises. 8 weeks later, I am pain free and able to train harder than ever. Highly recommend and the staff are all fantastic and super accomodating!

Schedule an appointment with us today and discover the exceptional care that awaits you.

Book here
Call Us 0402 938 661

OPENING HOURS

Monday6:30am–8:00pm
Tuesday6:30am–8:00pm
Wednesday6:30am–8:00pm
Thursday6:30am–8:00pm
Friday6:30am–8:00pm
Saturday  CLOSED
Sunday  CLOSED

OUR SERVICES

  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment

HELPFUL PAGES

  • Book Online
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Health Articles

OPENING HOURS

Monday6:30am–8:00pm
Tuesday6:30am–8:00pm
Wednesday6:30am–8:00pm
Thursday6:30am–8:00pm
Friday6:30am–8:00pm
Saturday  CLOSED
Sunday  CLOSED

OUR SERVICES

  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment

HELPFUL PAGES

  • Book Online
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Health Articles

Our GOLD COAST PHYSIO Location

3/25 Brendan Dr, Nerang
Gold Coast, QLD 4211
Australia

OPENING HOURS

Monday6:30am–8:00pm
Tuesday6:30am–8:00pm
Wednesday6:30am–8:00pm
Thursday6:30am–8:00pm
Friday6:30am–8:00pm
Saturday  CLOSED
Sunday  CLOSED

OUR SERVICES

  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment

HELPFUL PAGES

  • Book Online
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Health Articles
  • Privacy Policy
Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

fighting fit
physiotherapy

call 0402 938 661

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy provides the ultimate physiotherapy experience! No matter what type of injury or condition you suffer, we strive for all our patients to be ‘Fighting Fit’ and achieve peak performance in their sport and everyday life.

follow us on social

Facebook Instagram Youtube

Proudly Serving The Gold Coast for over 12 years.

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

fighting fit
physiotherapy

call 0402 938 661

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy provides the ultimate physiotherapy experience! No matter what type of injury or condition you suffer, we strive for all our patients to be ‘fighting fit’ and achieve peak performance in their sport and everyday life.

our social networks

Facebook Instagram Youtube

OUR SERVICES

  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment

OPENING HOURS

Monday6:30am–8:00pm
Tuesday6:30am–8:00pm
Wednesday6:30am–8:00pm
Thursday6:30am–8:00pm
Friday6:30am–8:00pm
Saturday  CLOSED
Sunday  CLOSED

Our Location

3/25 Brendan Dr, Nerang QLD 4211

Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

fighting fit
physiotherapy

GOLD COAST PHYSIO

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy provides the ultimate physiotherapy experience! No matter what type of injury or condition you suffer, we strive for all our patients to be ‘fighting fit’ and achieve peak performance in their sport and everyday life.

Privacy Policy

Terms Of Use

Our Location

3/25 Brendan Dr, Nerang QLD 4211

Follow us on social

Facebook Instagram Youtube

OUR SERVICES

  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment

OPENING HOURS

Monday6:30am–8:00pm
Tuesday6:30am–8:00pm
Wednesday6:30am–8:00pm
Thursday6:30am–8:00pm
Friday6:30am–8:00pm
Saturday  CLOSED
Sunday  CLOSED

Website Design by YCV Web Design

© 2010 – 2025 | Fighting Fit Physio Gold Coast