Expert ACL Injury Rehabilitation in Downers Grove, IL
Get back to your sport stronger than before with specialized ACL rehab, one-on-one care, and objective return-to-sport testing at our 5000 sq ft facility.

The Challenges Athletes Face After ACL Surgery
Recovery is about more than just getting out of pain—it’s about returning stronger and safer.
Rushed Chain PT Appointments
Most physical therapy clinics shuffle you between multiple patients, giving you just 15-20 minutes of actual attention instead of the focused care you need to rebuild strength and confidence.
Fear of Re-Injury Without Proper Testing
Without objective return-to-sport testing, you're left guessing whether your knee is truly ready for the demands of your sport, risking another devastating injury.
Getting Out of Pain But Not Peak Performance
Traditional PT might reduce your pain, but it rarely gets athletes back to pre-injury performance levels—leaving you weaker, slower, and more vulnerable than before.

Why Downers Grove Athletes Choose Core Sport PT
At Core Sport PT, we bridge the gap between injury and peak performance. Our ACL injury rehabilitation program combines expert manual PT, sport-specific training, and cutting-edge VALD technology.
- One-on-one physical therapy for the full hour—no rushing between multiple patients like chain clinics
- Objective return-to-sport testing with VALD technology to ensure your knee is truly ready for competition
- Specialized treatments including manual PT, dry needling, cupping, and Normatec recovery equipment
Real Athletes, Real Results
Rated 5.0 stars based on 35 Google reviews
Your Path from ACL Injury to Peak Performance in Three Steps
Comprehensive Assessment & VALD Testing
We start with a thorough evaluation using state-of-the-art VALD equipment to establish baseline measurements, identify deficits, and create your personalized ACL rehab roadmap.
One-on-One Treatment & Strength Building
Every session is dedicated entirely to you for the full hour. We combine manual PT techniques, targeted exercises, and sport-specific training to rebuild strength, power, and confidence.
Return-to-Sport Testing & Performance Training
Before clearing you for competition, we use objective VALD return-to-sport testing to ensure symmetry and readiness. Then we help you surpass your pre-injury performance levels.
Sports Injuries We Treat in Downers Grove
Whether you’re searching for ACL injury rehabilitation near me or need expert care for other sports injuries, our team treats a comprehensive range of conditions affecting athletes of all ages and skill levels.
- ACL tears, MPFL injuries, patellar tendonitis, and other knee injuries requiring post-surgical rehabilitation
- Ankle sprains, muscle strains, shoulder and elbow injuries common in overhead athletes and baseball players
- Runner’s knee, IT band syndrome, spondylolysis, and other common running injuries affecting endurance athletes
- Tendon health recovery sessions for chronic conditions, plus concussion management and safe return-to-play protocols

What Athletes Say About Their Recovery at Core Sport
5.0 stars from 61 Google reviews
Meet Your ACL Rehabilitation Experts in Downers Grove
Led by Downers Grove native CJ Johnston, our expert team specializes in sports rehabilitation and performance training.
Diane Fidler
MPT, Owner/CE0
Diane Fidler
MPT, Owner/CE0
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email:dianefidler@corefitnesspt.com
Bobby Waddell
DPT, Owner/Director of Physical Therapy
Bobby Waddell
DPT, Owner/Director of Physical Therapy
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email:bobbywaddell@coresportpt.com
Erin O'Brien
Office and Billing Director
Erin O'Brien
Office and Billing Director
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email:info@coresportpt.com
Danny Misheck
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
Danny Misheck
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email:dannymisheck@coresportpt.com
Alice Lee
PT, DPT
Alice Lee
PT, DPT
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email:alicelee@coresportpt.com
CJ Johnston
PT, DPT
CJ Johnston
PT, DPT
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email: cjjohnston@coresportpt.com
Cullen Cosme
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Cullen Cosme
Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email:info@coresportpt.com
Declan Smyth
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Declan Smyth
Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email: info@coresportpt.com
Nick Dombroski
Sports Rehab Specialist
Nick Dombroski
Sports Rehab Specialist
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email:nickdombroski@coresportpt.com
Brittany Wiley
Director of Sports Performance and Marketing
Brittany Wiley
Director of Sports Performance and Marketing
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email:info@coresportpt.com
Kaley Farrell
Office Administrator
Kaley Farrell
Office Administrator
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email: info@coresportpt.com
Maggie Cranley
Office Administrator
Maggie Cranley
Office Administrator
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email:nickdombroski@coresportpt.com
Kegan Olig
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Kegan Olig
Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Phone:773-941-6132
- Email:nickdombroski@coresportpt.com
Visit Our Downers Grove Location
Just 8 minutes from Downtown Downers Grove via Maple Ave, Walnut Ave, and Thatcher Rd. Conveniently located near Green Trails Shopping Center and Meadowbrook Shopping Center.
📧 Email
info@coresportpt.com
📞 Phone
(773) 941-6132
📍 Office
10224 S Kedzie Ave Unit C
Evergreen Park, IL 60805
ACL Rehabilitation FAQs
Common questions about our ACL rehab program
Do I need a physician referral to start ACL rehabilitation?
No. Illinois is a direct access state, which means you can begin physical therapy without a physician referral. You can schedule your initial assessment directly with us. However, if you’re using insurance, some plans may require a referral for coverage, so we recommend checking with your provider.
What insurance do you accept?
We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans. We also accept self-pay patients and provide out-of-network reimbursement assistance for other insurance plans. Our team will work with you to maximize your benefits and make your ACL rehabilitation affordable.
What makes Core Sport different from other physical therapy clinics?
Unlike chain PT clinics, we provide one-on-one care for the full treatment hour—no rushing between multiple patients. We specialize in sports rehabilitation with a focus on bridging the gap between injury and peak performance. Our 5000 sq ft facility features VALD technology for objective return-to-sport testing, ensuring you’re truly ready before returning to competition.
Ready to Get Back Stronger?
Start your ACL recovery journey with expert care and proven results. Call (630) 332-0685 today.