Ankle Instability & ACL Injury Management

About the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Course

This physiotherapy CPD course will focus on the physiotherapeutic assessment and management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral ankle ligament injuries, guided by the Australian Clinical Practice Standards. Designed for physiotherapists involved in musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation, this session provides a comprehensive framework for both surgical and conservative management approaches.

Participants will begin by examining the mechanisms of injury and clinical assessment techniques specific to ACL and lateral ankle ligament injuries. The session will then progress through evidence-informed rehabilitation protocols, from early-stage recovery to sport-specific reconditioning and return-to-play readiness.

What You Will Learn from This Course

This online physiotherapy course is structured to provide physiotherapists with in-depth clinical knowledge and practical tools for managing ankle ligament injuries and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, in alignment with the Australian Physiotherapy Practice Standards. Through evidence-based content and real-world clinical applications, you will develop confidence in delivering safe, effective, and individualized rehabilitation for both conservative and post-surgical cases.

1. Ankle Clinical Landmarks

You will learn to accurately identify and palpate essential bony and soft tissue structures of the ankle complex. This foundational skill is critical for:

• Pinpointing ligament injury sites (e.g., ATFL, CFL, PTFL, deltoid ligament)

• Assessing joint congruency and alignment

• Guiding manual testing and treatment techniques
  Key anatomical landmarks include the lateral and medial malleoli, talus, calcaneus, peroneal tendons, and sinus tarsi.

2. Differential Diagnosis of Ankle Injuries

Differentiating between various ankle pathologies is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and improper treatment. You will learn a systematic approach to distinguish:

• Lateral vs. medial ankle sprains

• High ankle (syndesmotic) injuries

• Peroneal tendon dysfunction

• Fractures (using Ottawa Ankle Rules)

• Achilles tendon pathologies

• Neural entrapments (e.g., tarsal tunnel syndrome)
  Case-based scenarios and clinical reasoning exercises will strengthen your diagnostic accuracy.

3. Mechanisms of Injury

Understanding how injuries occur is key to prevention and tailored rehabilitation. This course will explore:

• ACL injury mechanisms, including non-contact pivoting, cutting, or deceleration actions commonly seen in sports

• Ankle ligament injury mechanisms, focusing on inversion, plantarflexion, or eversion forces depending on the ligaments involved
  These insights help inform both your assessment process and patient education strategies.

4. Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Protocols

You’ll gain comprehensive knowledge of phase-based, criteria-driven rehabilitation pathways. Each protocol aligns with tissue healing timelines, functional goals, and load management principles outlined in Australian guidelines.

• Ankle Ligament Rehab: Progression from acute phase management (RICE, bracing) to dynamic balance, plyometrics, and sport-specific reconditioning.

• ACL Rehab: Emphasis on restoring ROM, strength, neuromuscular control, and return-to-play readiness using validated assessment tools.
  You will also explore return-to-sport testing batteries, such as the Star Excursion Balance Test and hop testing, and learn how to interpret them to reduce re-injury risk.

5. Latest Evidence and Research in ACL Management

This module integrates the most recent high-quality research, clinical guidelines, and consensus statements, with a focus on:

• Long-term outcomes of surgical vs. non-surgical management

• Load-based progression and neuromuscular training protocols

• The role of psychological readiness and functional testing in return-to-play decisions

• Injury prevention strategies, such as FIFA 11+ and targeted strength training
  Content is aligned with Australian standards and supports your clinical audit, outcome measurement, and reflective practice processes.

About the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Program Instructor  

The musculoskeletal physiotherapy program is led by Mustufa Kagdi, MACP, APAM, a highly accomplished Titled APA Musculoskeletal and Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist based in Australia. With nearly two decades of experience in advanced manual therapy, biomechanics, and pain science, Mustufa has successfully mentored physiotherapists at all levels.

Having completed his Master of Manual and Sports Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia, Mustufa brings a wealth of knowledge about Australian physiotherapy practice and standards. His interactive teaching style and deep understanding of clinical reasoning make this program a must for international physiotherapists aiming to thrive in Australia.