What is a typical ACL recovery timeline after surgery?
It typically takes seven to 10 days after the procedure, until the patient is comfortable without the assistance of a crutch. An exception to this rule is if the patient also underwent a meniscal repair or other reconstruction of an additional ligament. In these cases, weight bearing may be restricted for several weeks.
How long until I can walk after ACL surgery?
4. Rehab Phase 1: Weeks 1-2. The first 2 weeks of ACL surgery recovery concentrates on regaining full range of movement at the knee, particularly extension (i.e. being able to fully straighten the knee). Flexion (bending) the knee, tends to be easier to regain.
What to do before ACL surgery to recover faster?
Apr 16, 2015 · Move around: 2 to 4 weeks after ACL surgery. About two weeks after surgery, you will be able to start putting some weight on your knee. Your doctor will probably fit you for a knee brace to wear for a few weeks. You will also begin physical therapy between two and four weeks after surgery. Rehabilitation: 2 to 6 months after ACL surgery
What to expect before, during, and after an ACL surgery?
6 Weeks to 3 Months After Surgery. As the healing process progresses and your knee continues to grow stronger, you may be allowed to do more low-impact activities such as cycling, swimming, and rowing. By the end of this period, you may be able to resume light jogging if your physical therapist thinks you are ready.
Rehab Phase 2: Weeks 2-6
During weeks 2-6 on the ACL surgery recovery timeline, emphasis shifts to strengthening and stability.By this end of this stage you should:a) Have...
Rehab Phase 3: Weeks 6-12
Phase three on the ACL surgery recovery timeline is when the knee is most vulnerable. The new graft is at its weakest 6-12 weeks after surgery so e...
Rehab Phase 4: 3-6 Months
Phase four on the ACL surgery recovery timeline is all about preparing to return to sports. Your physio will work on specific rehab exercises and s...
How long after ACL surgery can you twist your knee?
Restrictions: You should avoid kneeling and twisting the knee for the first 4-6 months after surgery.
When is phase 3 of ACL surgery?
Phase three on the ACL surgery recovery timeline is when the knee is most vulnerable. The new graft is at its weakest 6-12 weeks after surgery so extra care should be taken during this period. You will be able start more challenging strengthening and balance/proprioception exercises.
What is the purpose of ACL surgery?
ACL surgery recovery aims to strengthen the knee and ensure it regains full stability to allow people to return to their normal activity levels prior to their ACL injury .
How long does it take for swelling to go down after a leg surgery?
Surgery usually takes 1-2 hours after which you will be taken to the recovery room for approximately 2-3 hours.
Can you repair ACL at the same time?
There are different types of grafts used in ACL reconstructions, different surgical techniques and there are often other injuries associated that are repaired at the same time as the ACL . Healing rates vary and all of these will impact the rehab and recovery process. You can find out more in the ACL knee surgery section.
Can you wear knee braces after ACL surgery?
There are differing opinions over the use of knee braces as part of ACL surgery recovery. Some surgeons will want you to wear a brace either just initially or longer term, others won’t.
Is ACL surgery short lived?
Problems after ACL surgery are rare and usually short-lived. Here, we will look at an average ACL surgery recovery timeline following reconstruction of the ligament. This is intended as a guide and not a substitute for medical advice. Time frames specified are average guidelines only, everyone will progress at slightly different rates.
Your ACL surgery recovery timeline is not predetermined and you can directly impact the success of your rehabilitation!
The most important factors with your ACL recovery include achieving full knee extension and good quadriceps activation which needs to be a key focus area early in your timeline.
Overview
The following ACL recovery timeline for simplicity has been split into 5 key phases which includes:
Can rehabilitation before surgery help with your ACL recovery timeline
A question that is often asked is whether ACL prehab prior to surgery can help speed up your ACL recovery timeline.
How Long Does it Take for the New ACL Graft to Heal?
A newly inserted ACL graft can take as long as six months to regrow (however can take up to 3 years to complete 100% growth) and during that time you will have to be on restricted activity and undergo physical therapy in order to recover.
Useful tips to help with your ACL recovery timeline
After surgery, it is critical to start your ACL rehabilitation immediately after surgery.
What is the 1 primary goal of an ACL Reconstruction
Your key goal is to stop or prevent instability in the knee. That is effectively the primary reason for having an ACL reconstruction.
What are the goals of your recovery after ACL surgery
As noted above your key goal of an ACL reconstruction is to prevent knee instability. After surgery, your goals within recovery are to regain range of motion and strength in your knee.
How long does it take to recover from ACL surgery?
From the time you first undergo surgery through full rehabilitation, the process can take up to six months or more.
How long does physical therapy last?
Your program can last anywhere from two months to six months or longer. Your doctor will help you find a program that is suited to your recovery goals. Physical therapy programs include basic programs to help you regain strength and stability, injury-specific programs, or sport-specific programs.
Can you move your knee after knee surgery?
Keep the bandages on your knee clean and dry. You can usually move your knee right after surgery , but it will be painful. Your doctor will give you some exercises you can do to keep the blood flowing in your leg and help prevent blood clots. It is important that you work on quad sets.
How long does it take to recover from ACL surgery?
For most people, it takes 2-9 months to fully recover from ACL surgery. 1 A 2016 study of 80 amateur athletes found that on average, athletes returned to their sport after eight months. 2.
How long after ACL surgery can you use a brace?
After six months, assuming your damaged tissues have fully healed, you can return to athletic activity. Some doctors recommend the use of a supportive brace for 1-2 years after ACL surgery.
How to reduce swelling after ACL surgery?
Adding active compression with a cold therapy device may further reduce swelling by helping your body pump away excess fluid and enabling the cold to penetrate deeper for a longer-lasting therapeutic effect.5 Continuing to use cold therapy for the duration of your recovery may help promote healing and control any pain and swelling you might experience after physical therapy sessions.
What happens after knee surgery?
During the period immediately after surgery, you may experience pain, swelling, and the buildup of excess fluid around the knee joint. The rehabilitation process starts right after the surgery, and you may be given exercises that must be performed daily to support your recovery.
Can physical therapy slow down recovery?
It can be tempting, especially for athletes, to push your body to the limit when doing physical therapy. Although it is important to perform the recommended strengthening and stretching exercises, doing too much too soon can actually slow down the recovery process.
Can you drive if your leg is injured?
Depending on the type of car you drive, your medication use, and which leg is injured, you might also be able to resume driving during this time. Your physical therapist will focus on helping you regain full range of motion.
Can you jog after knee surgery?
As the healing process progresses and your knee continues to grow stronger, you may be allowed to do more low-impact activities such as cycling, swimming, and rowing. By the end of this period, you may be able to resume light jogging if your physical therapist thinks you are ready.
How long does it take to recover from ACL surgery?
After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, move your ankles up and down an average of 10 times every 10 minutes. Continue this exercise for two to three days to help blood circulation and to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs.
When to lift legs after knee replacement?
Your rehabilitation program to restore range of motion to your knee begins the moment you wake up in the recovery room. During the first week after surgery, most patients are encouraged to lift their legs without assistance while lying on their backs. These are called straight leg raises.
How to keep leg elevated after knee surgery?
Keep your operated leg elevated at a minimum of a 45-degree angle. Prop your leg on cushions or pillows so your knee is at least 12 inches above your heart for the first three to five days after surgery. Keep your leg elevated if your knee swells or throbs when you are up and about on crutches. Don't put pillows behind your knee because this limits motion of the knee. Place pillows under your heel and calf.
How to get a range of motion after knee replacement surgery?
Bend knee. Slowly begin bending your knee. Straighten your leg and bend your knee. If necessary, place your hands behind your knee for assistance bending your knee. The goal is to achieve a range of motion of 0 to 90 degrees by the time you return for your first post-operative visit a week after surgery. Continue reading.
Can you weight bear after meniscus repair?
During physical therapy, weight bearing is allowed if you did not have a meniscus repair. A range of motion of 0 to 140 degrees is a good goal for the first two months. Don't work your quadriceps early on because this can stretch the ACL graft.
How long does it take to walk with an ACL injury?
Physical therapy for the knee joint is divided into four phases. By following this protocol, or one similar, you should be able to walk by the end of the third week ...
What is the goal of ACL rehab?
During this phase of ACL rehab, the goal will be to get your leg even stronger, so that by the end you'll have progressed from walking to light jogging. 4 
How to walk with crutches?
In the initial post-operative period, you'll focus on learning to walk with your crutches on level surfaces and up and down stairs. Your physical therapist may use ice to help control swelling (and instruct you to do the same several times a day at home). He also may use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to help improve your ability to contract your quads and start you on gentle exercises to restore range of motion to the knee (from fully straight to 90 degrees bent). 2 
Do you need a knee brace after ACL surgery?
You'll likely need crutches during this stage, and also wear a full-length knee brace, although not all surgeons put AC L patients in a bra ce, as there's evidence this isn't necessary for a successful recovery. How to Properly Wear Your Knee Brace After Surgery.
Can you bend your knee after hip surgery?
The only thing that might give away the fact that you've had surgery may be a slight bend in your knee, which will disappear as your range of motion improves. Your hip exercises may become more advanced, and you may begin to use light weights while doing straight leg raises.
Can you walk with a limp after ACL surgery?
Recovering from ACL surgery can be tough, but you may be surprised how fast you progress from walking with crutches and a limp to walking normally again. By working with a physical therapist and doing the right things (at the right time), you can quickly and safely return to your previous level of function.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from ACL surgery?
Dog ACL surgery recovery can be a timely process, however, and it could take many weeks before you see significant improvements. Dog patients have to undergo several exercises and physical therapy sessions to fully recover.
When to do a follow up on a dog with ACL?
Week 6: Follow-Up & Curb Walking. Follow-up check-ups are usually done on the sixth week of your pet’s ACL recovery. Your dog’s veterinarian will usually conduct an x-ray test to assess their recovery progress between weeks 6 and 12. They may also recommend specific exercises for speedy healing.
How to recover from TPLO surgery?
Recovery from a TPLO surgery can take a lot out of your dog so make sure they can eat and drink comfortably. You should also check on the position they sleep in and make sure that they aren’t uncomfortable while resting.
How to prevent a dog from acl surgery?
Moreover, bathing or swimming should be 100% avoided to reduce exposure to moisture and prevent the spread of bacteria and infections.
What does it mean when a dog has an ACL tear?
After all, an ACL injury in dogs usually results in lameness in one of their hind legs.
What week do dogs get their bones back?
Weeks 7 to 10: Additional Exercises, Weight Management, & Radiographs. At this point, you are nearing the end of their recovery phase. By week 8, your dog will undergo a radiograph to confirm its bones are appropriately healing.
Can you carry a dog after a sling surgery?
In particular, you may want to use a sling or folded bath towel under their belly to help them get up for the first few days after their surgery.
How long does it take to recover from an ACL reconstruction?
Well, surgeons will typically tell their patients that three months is enough time to recover before running again. If you’ve had an ACL reconstruction in the past, you were probably given that same time frame. And maybe three months doesn’t sound too bad — but is it actually true ? Technically, yes.
How easy is it to run after ACL surgery?
And there you have it. Getting back to running after ACL surgery is as easy as 1, 2, 3 — phases, that is. (Okay, maybe it isn’t easy, but at least the progression is sort of spelled out for you.)
How long does it take for an ACL graft to heal?
In most cases, three months is just enough time for the structure of the ACL graft to have healed enough to withstand forces of running. Now, that’s all well and good; but that’s the bare minimum of the healing process. While the ACL graft itself can handle your running, it’s not the only important thing to keep in mind.
How many ACL ruptures are there in a year?
There are approximately 100,000 to 200,000 cases of ACL ruptures in a given year, and a majority of these people require ACL reconstruction surgery in order to effectively (and safely) return to athletic activities. Because ACL rehabilitation is an extensive process, most people are required to seek physical therapy to ensure proper recovery.
How many phases are there in ACL?
ACL progression has multiple phases to work through, and each phase has its own checklist of tasks. Each of these checklists have to be completed before you progress into the next phase, which makes for a tedious (but thorough) process.
How long does it take to get into phase 2 after a stent?
The second phase will usually start somewhere between 4-6 weeks after surgery, but the time frame can vary — technically, it only starts after you’ve completed all the previous work from the first phase. Once you hit Phase 2, this is where you start to improve the strength and balance in your surgical leg. In particular, the strength goal ...
