POC ID: SEC-20513302

Alternate Title:

Body:

Your recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery will take time. You may start some exercises before you have surgery. Your full rehabilitation program may last for nine months to a year after surgery.

Your care team will help you design a recovery program that meets your needs. It will include flexibility, strengthening, balance and aerobic exercises.

Your physical therapist lets you know what exercises to do and when to do them. Do the exercises just as he or she shows you. Keep your exercise instruction sheets together. Bring the instruction sheets to your physical therapy and rehabilitation visits.

In large part, the success of your surgery is up to you. It depends on how well you follow what your care team tells you. The exercises in your program are especially important.

POC ID: SEC-20513304

Alternate Title:

Body:

Each person recovers from ACL reconstruction surgery at his or her own rate. Your recovery may not follow exactly the typical stages of recovery. If you have questions or concerns about your progress, talk with a member of your care team.

0 to 2 weeks

Goals

• Manage pain and swelling.
• Work to straighten your knee fully.
• Work to bend your knee as far as possible.
• Perform motion and strengthening exercises.

Activity limits

• Do not do things that cause knee pain.
• Bear weight with brace or immobilizer while using crutches or a walker.

2 to 6 weeks

Goals

• Work toward bearing weight without an immobilizer or a brace while using crutches or a walker.
• Work toward full range of motion.
• Perform motion and strengthening exercises.

Activity limits

• Do not do things that cause knee pain.
• Do not run, jump, pivot or twist.
• Do not straighten your knee with resistance.

6 to 12 weeks

Goals

• Gain full range of motion.
• Perform motion and strengthening exercises.
• Do aerobic exercises.

Activity limits

• Do not do things that cause knee pain.
• Do not run, jump, pivot or twist.

3 to 6 months

Goals

• Do aerobic and strengthening exercises.
• Begin a jogging program.

Activity limits

• Do not do things that cause knee pain.
• Do not jog if your knee is painful or swollen.
• Do not take part in sports unless approved by your physical therapist and surgeon.

6 to 12 months

Goals

• Maximize core and leg strength, flexibility and balance.
• Increase aerobic and anaerobic conditioning to prepare for return to sports, work and other activities.

Activity limits

• Return to sports if approved by your physical therapist and surgeon.