ACL Return-to-Sport Testing
Proven testing. Confident return.
Recovering from ACL surgery is a long journey and finally returning to sport can feel both exciting and uncertain. How do you know if you’re truly ready? Spooner’s ACL Return-to-Sport Testing uses objective, research-backed criteria and demanding, sport-specific movements to measure whether your body is ready for action.
Why Objective
Testing Matters
01 Time isn’t enough
Many athletes are cleared based only on months since surgery, but the calendar alone doesn’t guarantee readiness.
02 Objective data builds confidence
Our testing challenges you physically with cutting, sprinting, hopping, and reactive agility tasks while giving you and your care team clear, measurable results, so that they can determine your readiness to return to sport. Research shows that athletes who pass a rigorous, objective return-to-sport test are better prepared to perform safely.1
03 Most ACL injuries don’t come from contact
Roughly 80% happen without a collision, often due to gaps in strength, control, or mobility. These imbalances need to be addressed to reduce the risk of re-injury.
04 Strength is a key benchmark
Before returning, athletes need at least 90% strength on the surgical side compared to the non-surgical side to lower the risk of re-injury.
1. O’Dowd, D. P., Stanley, J., Rosenfeldt, M. P., Walsh, S. a, Twaddle, B., De Ruiter, L., Crua, E., Monk, A. P., & Walsh, S. (2024). Reduction in re-rupture rates following implementation of return-to-sport testing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in 313 patients with a mean follow-up of 50 months. Journal of ISAKOS. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jisako.2024.01.005
What We
Measure
Sport-Specific Movement Training
Every test is based on published research and accepted return-to-sport criteria to capture the full picture of athlete readiness:
01 Strength & Power
Using tools such as dynamometers for objective measurements – utilizing Limb Symmetry Index & torqueto body weight ratio norms. Controlled jumping and hopping tasks to assess force production and landing mechanics.
02 Stability & Balance
Multidirectional control and impact tolerance.
03 Agility & Speed
Sprinting, cutting, and reactive agility drills to mirror real game demands.
04 Reaction time
Rapid decision-making and movement initiation in response to unpredictable cues—critical for safe return to high-speed, game-like situations. 2
We also adjust key training variables such as plane of motion, load, speed, environment, and position to test you under conditions that reflect real sport scenarios.
2. Reiche, E., Collins, K., Genoese, F., Walaszek, M., Triplett, A., Kuenze, C., Harkey, M., & Baez, S. (2024). Lower Extremity Reaction Time in Individuals With Contact Versus Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries After Reconstruction. Journal of athletic training, 59(1), 66–72. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0428.22
What to Expect
on Test Day
Your session is designed for thorough, actionable insight:
01 60–90 MINUTE TESTING SESSION
Using validated movement and strength assessments.
02 HIGH-SPEED VIDEO ANALYSIS
To reveal asymmetries, compensations, and movement quality.
03 Clear, evidence-based discussion
To review of your results so you know exactly where you stand.
04 Comprehensive written report
Sent to your physician or referring provider, so they can determine your readiness to return to sport and athlete-specific rehab/performance recommendations, when necessary.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Spooner, we specialize in return-to-sport testing and sports medicine care for athletes at every level. Our data-driven approach comes from years of experience helping athletes recover safely and return stronger than before.
Here, you’ll have access to a full sports medicine team of physical therapists, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning coaches who work together to guide your recovery. That means support doesn’t end when you return to competition. We continue to check in, address any concerns, and help you continue building strength and confidence long after testing day.
Schedule your ACL Return-to-Sport Test today and return to your sport with the confidence that your body, and your game, are ready.
For Sports Medicine Providers
A clear, objective partner in your athlete’s return-to-sport plan.
Spooner’s ACL Return-to-Sport Testing is designed to complement your surgical care and rehabilitation protocol.
With Spooner’s ACL Return-to-Sport Testing, you will receive objective, measurable results that take the uncertainty out of making return-to-sport decisions with your athlete.
How we support your care plan:
- Evidence-based testing aligned with published return-to-sport criteria
- A detailed written report highlighting key performance metrics will be sent directly to you. When necessary, athlete-specific rehab & performance recommendations will be provided.
- Video analysis identifying compensations or asymmetries
- Collaborative communication with your clinic and/or athletic training staff to guide next steps
By integrating Spooner’s testing into the post-op continuum, you gain measurable data to confidently clear athletes for safe return to competition.
Easy Referral Process
Referring a patient is simple:
ONLINE: Complete our online referral form here.
FAX: Provide a prescription for “ACL Return-to-Sport Testing” to the Spooner Sports Institute: (602) 437-5395 (fax).
PHONE: Have your athlete call us to schedule: (602) 437-5055 (phone).
Our team will schedule the appointment, conduct testing, and return a complete report for your review, ensuring continuity of care and optimal outcomes.
Common
Questions
01 How long will the testing take?
Approximately 60-90 minutes, this includes a post-testing discussion of your results.
02 Does a physician have to refer me to the testing?
No, you may also be referred by other sports medicine professionals, including athletic trainers and physical therapists. However, you should be at a stage in your rehabilitation process where your providers believe you are ready to return to play (typically around the 9-month mark).
03 Can any Spooner location do the testing?
All testing is offered exclusively at the Spooner Sports Institute with the experts who developed the protocols and/or have been trained in ACL Return-to-Sport testing.
04 Is testing covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, insurance does not currently cover this type of testing. The fee for completing the ACL Return-to-Sport testing is $200 and includes your post-test report and follow-up with your medical team.
05 Why would you use video to analyze movements if the testing is enough?
Video analysis allows us to identify movement faults and additional compensations. It can also enable you to see, after testing is completed, what we observed, enhancing your understanding of your rehab progress.
06 Can I fail the return-to-sport testing?
In some cases, the results may show that you’re not quite ready to return safely just yet. If that happens, we’ll provide you and your referring clinician with clear, personalized recommendations to target areas for improvement, along with a suggested timeframe for re-testing. Our goal is to help you return to sport with confidence.