Cross Bracing Protocol

Revolutionising ACL Recovery: My Experience with the Cross Bracing Protocol Workshop

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and debilitating sports injuries. Traditionally managed with surgical reconstruction, ACL ruptures have long been seen as a guaranteed route to the operating room. But recently, a non-surgical alternative has been gaining global attention—the Cross Bracing Protocol (CBP).

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend a dedicated workshop on this protocol, led by the brilliant Jane Rooney. Jane is a true leader in the field, holding titles including:

• Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist – sub-speciality knee (2009)
• Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists
• Associate Clinical Professor, Swinburne University
• Churchill Fellow (2016)
• Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (1997)

Her depth of knowledge and clinical experience was invaluable in helping us translate this protocol into real-world practice.

What Is the Cross Bracing Protocol?

CBP, developed by Dr Tom Cross, an Australian sports physician, is a conservative, non-surgical treatment method for ACL rupture. The approach involves fitting the injured knee with a hinged brace that positions the knee to support ligament reapposition and healing.

Rather than rushing into surgery, CBP offers a structured plan that progresses through:

• Immobilisation in a healing-friendly position
• Gradual reintroduction of motion
• Controlled loading and functional rehabilitation

MRI studies from multiple cohorts are showing promising results, with healing ACL tissue visible in some patients by 12 weeks.

Key Workshop Takeaways

Under Jane’s expert instruction, the workshop covered:

• CBP brace fitting and motion control
• Patient selection and screening (who CBP is for—and who it’s not)
• Rehab planning across 12–14 weeks
• Imaging interpretation (6- and 12-week MRIs)
• Case studies with real healing outcomes

Who Can Benefit?

Ideal CBP candidates:

• Isolated ACL ruptures (no major meniscal/collateral damage)
• Patients who want to avoid surgery
• Highly motivated and compliant individuals
• Children/adolescents with open growth plates

Final Thoughts

This workshop was a game-changer. The Cross Bracing Protocol isn’t just a new rehab tool—it’s a paradigm shift in how we understand ACL healing.

If you’re in the rehab or orthopaedic field, I can’t recommend this course enough. It’s given me both knowledge and confidence to offer a truly innovative option to the right patients as part of a non-operative option.

Written by: Scott Ward