Conditions
ACL Injury Physio in Doha: ACL Rehab at MVP
An ACL tear is one of the most serious knee injuries in football, padel and basketball. With or without surgery, a structured, step-by-step rehabilitation programme shapes how well the knee works again.
Where you will be treated
Chartered PhysiotherapistsLongevity SuiteMsheireb Downtown DohaSymptoms we commonly see
- A pop or a shift inside the knee when changing direction, landing or being tackled.
- Swelling that appears within a few hours of the injury.
- The knee giving way, especially when turning or pivoting.
- Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee in the first weeks.
- Loss of confidence in the knee during sport, even once walking feels normal.
How ACL injuries happen
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) controls forward movement and rotation of the shin under the thigh. Most tears happen without contact, in a fraction of a second.
- Pivoting and landing. Cutting, sudden stops and landing from a jump with the knee collapsing inward are the classic mechanisms in football, basketball and padel.
- Contact. A direct blow to the outside of the knee can tear the ACL, often together with other ligaments or the meniscus.
- Risk factors. A previous knee injury, fatigue late in a match, and reduced strength or control around the hip and knee all raise the risk. Female athletes have a higher rate of ACL injury in pivoting sports.
How a physio-led plan helps
After a suspected ACL injury we assess knee stability, swelling and movement, and refer you to an orthopaedic doctor for diagnosis and imaging when needed. Many ACL tears come with meniscus or other ligament damage, so a medical opinion is part of the plan.
Before surgery, prehab matters: reducing swelling, regaining full straightening and waking up the quadriceps. Going into surgery with a calm, mobile knee is linked with a smoother recovery afterwards. Some people, particularly those who do not return to pivoting sports, choose a structured rehab programme without surgery; that decision belongs with you and your surgeon.
After reconstruction we follow your surgeon's protocol and progress by criteria, not just by the calendar: range of motion, quadriceps and hamstring strength, then running, jumping, change of direction and sport-specific drills. Return to pivoting sport commonly takes 9 to 12 months, and we use strength and hop testing to judge when you are ready.
When to see a doctor first
Some knee signs need prompt medical assessment. We screen for them at the first visit.
- A knee that is locked and cannot fully straighten, which can indicate a displaced meniscus tear.
- Inability to put weight on the leg, an obvious deformity, or severe pain after the injury.
- After surgery: calf pain, swelling or warmth in the lower leg, or shortness of breath. Seek urgent care.
- After surgery: fever, increasing redness, or discharge from the wound.
- Numbness, coldness or colour change in the foot.
Related services at MVP
Who will treat you
Every session is one-to-one, and the person who assesses you is the person who treats you.
Dermot Simpson
Co-founder & Lead Physiotherapist
Chartered Physiotherapist · MSc Sports Physiotherapy (UCD) · Aspetar Doha · Qatar National Football Team (since 2018) · Asian Cup 2019 winner
Rana Brahim
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist · Aspetar-trained · Dry Needling · McKenzie Method · FIFA Football Medicine · Adaptive Sports Medicine
Speaks Arabic
Taneille Johnson
Sports Therapist
Sports Therapy · Personal Training · FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine · FIFA U-17 World Cup medical team
Your first session
45 minutes · 600 QAR · one-to-one
Assessment
We review your history, assess how you move and explain what we find.
Hands-on treatment
Treatment starts in the same visit, combining hands-on therapy with targeted exercise.
A plan between sessions
You leave with exercises and a clear plan to follow until your next session.
Common questions
Can an ACL tear heal without surgery?
A fully torn ACL usually does not heal back to its original state. Even so, some people regain a stable, functional knee with a structured rehabilitation programme, particularly if they do not return to pivoting sports. The choice depends on knee stability, your sport, other injuries such as the meniscus, and your goals, and is made with an orthopaedic surgeon.
How long is ACL rehab after surgery?
Most people walk without crutches within the first weeks, following the surgeon's protocol. Running often returns at around three to four months, and return to pivoting sport commonly takes 9 to 12 months. We progress by strength and movement criteria, not only by time.
Should I start physiotherapy before ACL surgery?
In most cases, yes. Reducing swelling, regaining full straightening and rebuilding quadriceps activation before surgery is linked with a smoother start to recovery. The timing is agreed with your surgeon.
Which ACL exercises can I do at home?
Early on, simple exercises such as tightening the thigh muscle with the knee straight, heel slides and straight-leg raises are common, provided your surgeon or physiotherapist has cleared them. Avoid twisting, jumping and running until you are assessed. We give you a programme matched to your stage.
What about a partial ACL tear?
Partial tears are often managed without surgery, with a rehabilitation programme focused on strength and knee control. The plan depends on how stable the knee is on examination and imaging.
5.0 on Google
A fantastic clinic with a clean, modern environment and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff are very friendly and professional, making the whole experience excellent. A special thanks to Rana for her exceptional care!
I had physiotherapy treatment at MVP Clinic with Rana, it was professional, effective, and it was a good experience.
I had a fantastic physiotherapy session with Dermot. I highly recommend.
Recovery packages
Most people need more than one session
Hands-on treatment works best in a series. Massage packages bring the per-session price down and are paid online, so the plan is set before you walk in.
4 sessions
Save 90 QAR · 5% off
1,710 QAR
427.5 QAR per session
Valid for 30 days
8 sessions
Save 360 QAR · 10% off
3,240 QAR
405 QAR per session
Valid for 60 days
12 sessions
Save 810 QAR · 15% off
4,590 QAR
382.5 QAR per session
Valid for 90 days
- 60-minute sessions
- Deep tissue or sports massage
- The same team and standard as single sessions
Package sessions are scheduled by phone or at reception, not through the online booking page.
Practical information
Your session is one-to-one, in a private treatment room.
Sunday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Longevity Suite, Virgin Active Unit 120, Building 41, Street 950 Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar
Open in Google MapsRebuild your knee for the sport you play.
45-minute physiotherapy session at the Longevity Suite, Virgin Active Msheireb. 600 QAR. Confirmation within an hour.