Return to Ready
Athletic Republic’s ACL Bridge Program
The Official Sponsor of the Comeback
Finishing physical therapy after an ACL reconstruction, foot, ankle or hip surgery is a massive milestone. But for many athletes, being “released” from therapy doesn’t always mean you feel fully ready to compete at your peak.
That is exactly where Athletic Republic’s Return to Ready Program comes in. The training program bridges the gap between the completion of an athlete’s physical therapy sessions and regaining the functional independence needed to confidently return to sport.
Support for All Ages & Abilities
The ACL Bridge program is designed to support people of all ages and abilities, providing tailored sessions that rebuild strength, stability, and confidence for safe and effective return to activity.
Athletic Republic centers have successfully completed the ACL Bridge with more than 20,000 athletes over the past 2+ decades.
By following a consistent, protocol-driven progression, each participant advances through stages that increase in challenge based on their readiness and specific recovery needs.
Non-Contact Injury Risks:
Over two-thirds of ACL injuries occur without physical contact (e.g., no other players or obstacles involved).
These injuries commonly result from:
→ Sudden deceleration
→ Sharp directional changes or cutting
→ Landing from jumps without proper knee or hip flexion
→ Loss of focus during play
Studies show that girls are four to six times more likely than boys playing the same sport to suffer serious non-contact ACL injuries. (Watch our Webinar: Keeping Girls in the Game: Preventing Female ACL Injuries)
This risk peaks at age 14, where the injury rate for girls becomes five times higher than boys, with many injuries resulting in reconstructive surgery.
Training as Prevention
Research shows reduced ACL injury rates alongside improvements in athletic performance with neuro-muscular training for speed, strength and stability like the programs offered at Athletic Republic.
Here is Why This Program is the Missing Link Between Standard Rehabilitation and Returning to Your Sport
Here is Why This Program is the Missing Link Between Standard Rehabilitation and Returning to Your Sport
1. The Best of Both Worlds: Medical Safety & Sports Performance
One of the biggest differentiators of the Return to Ready program is who is running it. You aren’t just working with a trainer; you are working with sport professionals who are specifically trained in the medical aspects of ACL recovery.
They understand the safety protocols required after reconstruction, and they apply that knowledge through a sport-specific lens. It’s the perfect balance of protecting your knee and pushing your performance.
ACL Bridge Progression
The initial visit is used to introduce the program’s goals and set expectations, while completing an assessment of functional movement capacity and setting baseline measurements for range of motion, flexibility and strength.
The ACL Bridge program processes through stages that start with low-intensity and simple movements that emphasize proper positioning and mechanics. Then, increase to higher-intensity more complex movements based on the athlete’s adaptation and tolerance before a final stage that prepares the athlete to safely return to sport.
2. It is Research-Based
Confidence is key when returning from an injury. The most important aspect for many athletes is knowing that the program isn’t just a workout routine—it is rooted in science.
The program was created by professionals who specialize in rehabilitating lower extremity ACL injuries. Because it is evidence-based, you can trust that every movement is designed to get you stronger, safer, and faster.
Training
The training program includes forward and retrograde walking / running to develop, motor control, coordination patterns and strength while improving conditioning, speed, and flexibility.
Plyometrics and multi-directional movements are used to improve spatial / body awareness, neuromuscular efficiency, and movement mechanics.
Strength training is incorporated to target the hip girdle, abdominals, truck extensors and leg muscles for athletic readiness. During the final phases of training the athlete’s transition into small group training with their own individualized training plan.
Specialized Equipment
The specialized equipment that we utilize in our Return to Ready Program includes backpedal / retrograde running, PlyoPress with 3PQ Forceplate, MutliHip machine, PlyoFloor, and other strength equipment.
3. Tailored to You
No two athletes are the same, and neither are their recoveries. The Return to Ready program is designed to be customized to the individual athlete.
Whether you are a runner, soccer, volleyball, or basketball player, the professionals at Athletic Republic know how to tailor the regimen to fit your specific needs and goals.
Don’t waste your time not getting better!
Once you are done with therapy, you want to be back on the field or court as soon as possible. If you are ready to bridge the gap between rehab and performance, this program is designed to get you “out there” quickly and safely.
