ACL Reconstruction Rehablitation


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ACL Reconstruction Rehablitation

By Dr. Kanta Prasad (MBBS, MS – Orthopaedics)Why Is Rehabilitation Important After ACL Reconstruction?

Rehabilitation is a critical part of ACL reconstruction surgery. A well-planned rehab program helps:

  • Protect the reconstructed ligament

  • Restore knee motion and strength

  • Improve balance and stability

  • Prevent re-injury

  • Enable safe return to daily activities and sports

Phase-Wise Rehabilitation Program

Phase 1: Immediate Post-Operative Phase (0–2 Weeks)

Goals:

  • Reduce pain and swelling

  • Protect the graft

  • Achieve full knee extension

  • Activate quadriceps muscles

Rehabilitation Includes:

  • Knee brace and crutches as advised

  • Ice application and limb elevation

  • Ankle pumps and quadriceps setting exercises

  • Straight leg raises

  • Gentle knee bending exercises

Weight Bearing:

  • Partial to full weight bearing with support, as advised

Phase 2: Early Recovery Phase (2–6 Weeks)

Goals:

  • Improve knee range of motion

  • Increase muscle strength

  • Normalize walking pattern

Rehabilitation Includes:

  • Gradual increase in knee bending

  • Closed-chain strengthening exercises

  • Stationary cycling

  • Hamstring and quadriceps strengthening

  • Balance and proprioception training

Phase 3: Strengthening Phase (6–12 Weeks)

Goals:

  • Restore muscle strength and endurance

  • Improve knee stability

  • Enhance balance and coordination

Rehabilitation Includes:

  • Advanced strengthening exercises

  • Core strengthening

  • Single-leg balance exercises

  • Elliptical trainer and light jogging (if advised)

Phase 4: Advanced Training Phase (3–6 Months)

Goals:

  • Prepare for sports-specific activities

  • Improve agility and speed

Rehabilitation Includes:

  • Plyometric exercises

  • Running and cutting drills

  • Agility and neuromuscular training

  • Sport-specific exercises

Phase 5: Return to Sports Phase (6–9 Months)

Goals:

  • Safe return to sports

  • Prevent re-injury

Criteria for Return to Sports:

  • Full knee range of motion

  • No pain or swelling

  • Adequate muscle strength

  • Good balance and coordination

  • Clearance by orthopaedic surgeon

General Do’s and Don’ts After ACL Surgery

Do’s:

  • Follow physiotherapy regularly

  • Use knee brace if advised

  • Maintain a healthy diet

  • Attend follow-up visits

Don’ts:

  • Avoid early twisting or jumping

  • Do not skip physiotherapy sessions

  • Avoid returning to sports too early

Expected Recovery Timeline

  • Walking without support: 3–4 weeks

  • Return to daily activities: 6–8 weeks

  • Light jogging: 3–4 months

  • Return to sports: 6–9 months

When to Contact Your Surgeon

  • Increasing pain or swelling

  • Fever or wound problems

  • Knee instability

  • Difficulty in knee movement


Make an Appointment

Our Specialities

Shoulder Injury

Shoulder Injury

Sports Injury

Orthopedic Treatment

Bone Treatment

Hospital Address

Apex Ranthambore Sevika Hospital

Address:

Apex Ranthambore Sevika Hospital, Vinayak Nagar, Housing Board, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

Consulting Hours:

Monday – Saturday – 10:00am – 05:00pm

Phone:

+91 9782047038

Email:

drkp06@gmail.com

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