Nine patients 5–9 months post-ACL surgery describe readiness as a shifting process, not a fixed milestone. Their physical therapist is the main psychological anchor, yet they don't recognise that support as psychological. Ask about fear and confidence, not just strength.
Patients experienced psychological readiness as a fluctuating process shaped by physical progress, setbacks, and the therapeutic relationship, rather than as a single checkpoint to be passed.
Physical therapists were described as the central source of emotional support during rehabilitation, providing structure, reassurance, and gradual exposure; however, patients often did not recognise this as psychological support and experienced it simply as part of their physical rehab.
Fear of re-injury, uncertainty about knee stability, and frustration from setbacks or testing failures were the most prominent mental barriers, particularly early in rehabilitation or when progress stalled.
Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Sixty-four participants were randomized across two intervention arms and assessed at twelve weeks for the primary outcome…
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