PCL Reconstruction Rehablitation


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PCL Reconstruction Rehablitation

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

Rehabilitation plays a vital role after PCL reconstruction surgery. A proper rehab program helps:

  • Protect the reconstructed PCL graft

  • Prevent backward sag of the tibia

  • Restore knee motion and strength

  • Improve stability and confidence

  • Enable safe return to daily activities and sports

Phase-Wise Rehabilitation Program

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

Goals:

  • Control pain and swelling

  • Protect the PCL graft

  • Prevent posterior tibial sag

  • Achieve knee extension

Rehabilitation Includes:

  • Knee brace (PCL brace) in extension

  • Ice application and limb elevation

  • Quadriceps activation exercises

  • Straight leg raises (with brace)

  • Ankle pumps

Important:

  • Avoid active hamstring exercises

  • Avoid knee flexion beyond limits advised

Weight Bearing:

  • Partial weight bearing with brace and support, as advised

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

Goals:

  • Gradually improve knee range of motion

  • Strengthen quadriceps muscles

  • Maintain graft protection

Rehabilitation Includes:

  • Controlled knee bending exercises

  • Closed-chain quadriceps strengthening

  • Hip and core strengthening

  • Gentle balance training

Precautions:

  • No resisted hamstring strengthening

  • Avoid deep knee bending

Phase 3: Strengthening Phase (6–12 Weeks)

Goals:

  • Improve muscle strength and endurance

  • Enhance knee stability

  • Normalize walking pattern

Rehabilitation Includes:

  • Progressive quadriceps strengthening

  • Stationary cycling

  • Balance and proprioception exercises

  • Light functional training

Hamstring Exercises:

  • Introduced gradually after 8–10 weeks, as advised

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

Goals:

  • Improve strength, balance, and coordination

  • Prepare for higher-level activities

Rehabilitation Includes:

  • Advanced strengthening exercises

  • Controlled jogging (as advised)

  • Agility and neuromuscular training

  • Sport-specific drills (non-contact initially)

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, swelling, or instability

  • Good quadriceps and hamstring strength

  • Surgeon and physiotherapist clearance

General Do’s and Don’ts After PCL Surgery

Do’s:

  • Wear knee brace as instructed

  • Focus on quadriceps strengthening

  • Follow physiotherapy strictly

  • Attend regular follow-up visits

Don’ts:

  • Avoid early hamstring exercises

  • Do not sit with knees bent for long durations initially

  • Avoid squatting, running, or jumping early

  • Do not return to sports prematurely

Expected Recovery Timeline

  • Walking with support: 2–4 weeks

  • Walking without support: 6–8 weeks

  • Return to daily activities: 8–10 weeks

  • Return to sports: 6–9 months

When to Contact Your Surgeon

  • Increasing pain or swelling

  • Feeling of knee looseness or sagging

  • Wound infection or fever

  • 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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