06/05/2026
One of the biggest mistakes we see during rehab after surgery isn’t always to do with strength…
…it’s compensation strategies
In Troy’s first deadlift video, you can see a clear shift away from his operated left side following his ACL reconstruction.
This is absolutely subconscious….doesn’t even realise he is doing so! There is heavy leaning through the right side with a significant trunk lean and rotational twist through the upper body. Mark has known Troy for years and knows he is always very strong, but that strength can’t be applied appropriately if the wheel alignment is off!
This is exactly why rehab isn’t just about adding more weight to the bar but nailing the foundations first!
If movement quality and motor control aren’t addressed early, the body will naturally find the path of least resistance — often overloading the “good” side and placing unnecessary stress elsewhere.
Video #2 = let’s slow it down - 4 seconds up, 4 seconds down - mind to body connection.
By reducing speed and increasing awareness/proprioception, Troy was able to better connect to the movement, improve symmetry, and regain control through both sides evenly.
We tick that symmetry box, THEN we can move up.
Strength matters.
But controlled, symmetrical movement matters first.
MotorControl ACLRecovery StrengthAndConditioning Biomechanics RehabTraining Back2itPhysio
