When Ashley Muncaster, personal trainer at Reform Gym in Huddersfield, came to ProSport Physio after undergoing his second ACL reconstruction, he was understandably cautious. Having been through the process before, he knew the challenges ahead. But what he didn’t expect was how much his recovery would change once the focus shifted away from just “strength and stretching” and toward something far more powerful: restoring coordination, confidence, and communication within the body.
In this case study, we follow Ashley’s early-stage rehab journey, guided by world-renowned physiotherapist Dave O’Sullivan, highlighting how subtle changes in approach can create rapid, meaningful progress.
The First Step: Restoring Mobility, Not Forcing Movement
After ACL surgery, the body doesn’t just protect the joint it tightens everything around it. Dave’s initial work with Ashley wasn’t about pushing range of motion with aggressive stretching or resistance, it was about teaching the nervous system that it’s safe to move again.
Hands-on techniques were used to help the tissues (skin, fascia, muscles) relax and restore mobility, sending the message: “You’re safe now.”
Ashley described the first session as the moment he felt like he could “actually start physio.” That shift from guardedness to confidence was key.
Why Muscle Coordination Comes Before Strength
Traditional rehab often jumps straight to strengthening exercises. But without coordination, that strength isn’t useful and can even be harmful.
Dave’s early sessions focused on:
- Teaching Ashley how to distribute pressure evenly from his foot to knee to hip
- Restoring force steadiness: the ability to control movement with smooth, precise muscle activation
- Using simple tasks to retrain muscle groups to work as a team, not in isolation
Confidence Through Small Wins
In just the second session, Ashley faced a real-world challenge: climbing stairs. Previously, he was taking two feet per step, subconsciously protecting the knee and sacrificing movement efficiency.
With guidance, he was able to correct his mechanics and reclaim that natural movement pattern. One confident step led to the next.
These early victories helped rebuild a key component of recovery: belief.
The ProSport R.E.S.E.T. Method in Action
At ProSport, we use our R.E.S.E.T. system to restore functional, confident movement by engaging all five key systems of the body:
- Peripheral – Mobilising joints, fascia, and skin
- Emotional – Helping the patient feel safe and supported
- Attention – Guiding focus on key areas (like midfoot pressure)
- Memory – Restoring movement patterns the body once knew
- Belief – Building confidence through structured, repeatable progress
By focusing on how muscles communicate, not just how strong they are, Ashley’s rehab became less about rehab drills and more about learning how to move again, without fear.
What Makes This Approach Different?
Instead of isolating muscles or pushing heavy loads, Dave and the ProSport team focus on:
- Strategic loading that trains tissues to tolerate tension
- Creating real-world scenarios (like stairs or lateral movement)
- Building energy-efficient movement not just strength
- Early neuromuscular re-education, not delayed “return to function”
This means rehab doesn’t just feel better, it works faster and lasts longer.
Key Takeaways from Ashley’s ACL Rehab
- Restoring mobility early on prevents stiffness and fear-based guarding.
- Muscle relaxation is essential before true rehab can begin.
- Rehab must focus on coordination, not just strength.
- Confidence in movement drives better outcomes and mindset.
- Small wins build trust in the process and in the body itself.
- Force steadiness is the foundation of all pain-free movement.
- Hands-on techniques and tailored guidance create rapid results.
- Early rehab is about helping the body feel safe to move again.
- Real-world, unpredictable movement is essential preparation.
- The goal? Thoughtless, fearless movement—without second-guessing your body.
ACL Rehab Isn’t About Grinding, It’s About Understanding
The biggest myth in ACL rehab? That more effort equals more progress.
The truth is: recovery isn’t about hammering exercises or pushing harder, it’s about creating an environment where your brain and body feel confident to move again.
That’s what we did with Ashley. And that’s what we do every day at ProSport Physio.
Rehab doesn’t need to be scary or frustrating. It just needs a plan.
A plan built around your body, your goals, and your nervous system.
Need Help With Your ACL Rehab?
If you’re stuck, plateauing, or feeling like your rehab isn’t working, we’re here to help. Book an appointment at ProSport Physio and let’s get you moving again.