What is the recovery time for ACL reconstruction surgery?
Phase I - First two weeks after surgery Phase II - two to six weeks after surgery Phase III - six weeks to three to four months after surgery Phase IV - four to six months after surgery Patient must meet all the criteria for return to sports No soft tissue or range of motion complaints Physician must clear the patient to resume full activities
How soon can I run after ACL surgery?
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.
Are you behind in ACL rehabilitation?
Information for Recovering after ACL Reconstructive Surgery Going Home after Surgery: You will need to have someone take you home after surgery, even if you are taking a taxi Keep your dressings dry until your follow up appointment at 10-14 days after surgery. Cleanse around the area or use a plastic bag sealed with duct tape to keep the dressings dry. If the dressings get …
When can I return to sports after a total knee replacement?
Jun 03, 2021 · My goal is full knee extension by 1 week after surgery. Biomechanical studies have shown that the stress of the ACL graft when stretching into extension is below the forces seen during common functional activities, so there is no need to avoid this motion.
When do you start physical therapy after ACL surgery?
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.Apr 16, 2015
What can you do 3 months after ACL surgery?
6 Weeks to 3 Months After SurgeryPerform lateral training exercises such as lunges and side steps.Do flutter-style swimming strokes.Avoid cutting or pivoting motions.Continue strength exercises, and begin sport-specific training.Jan 23, 2019
How long after an ACL reconstruction can I walk?
Patients walk unassisted within 2-4 weeks, but for short periods. After 10-12 weeks, expect brisk walking, light jogging, and even plyometric exercise. Full recovery on ACL reconstruction is 6-12 months, or more with physical therapy.
What can you do 8 weeks after ACL surgery?
Usually by 6-8 Weeks After ACL Surgery patients should be able to have full flexion to 135 degrees, be able to consistently use the weight room and moderate speed strengthening training or agility and sport specific drills.Nov 23, 2021
Can you recover from ACL surgery in 4 months?
ACL Surgery Recovery Time If your surgery was successful with no complications and you plan to follow the rehabilitation recommendations of your orthopedic surgeon to the letter, the best guess is no less than six months. For some, it can take up to two years to get back to 100%.
What is the fastest way to recover from ACL surgery?
5 Ways to Help Speed Up ACL Surgery RecoveryDecreased pain. Cold therapy is a long-standing method of reducing pain after surgery. ... Less swelling (edema) Your doctor probably talked to you about post-op edema and swelling, side effects of surgery. ... Increased lymphatic drainage. ... Stimulated tissue healing. ... Lower narcotic use.
Do and don'ts after ACL reconstruction?
Don't work your quadriceps early on because this can stretch the ACL graft. Stationery bike riding or lightweight leg presses are recommended during the first three months after surgery. These exercises strengthen the quadriceps while using the hamstrings to protect the ACL graft. Don't swim or run for five months.
How painful is ACL surgery recovery?
How long does pain last after ACL surgery? Most people have some surgery-related pain and discomfort for the first week or so. Not surprisingly, pain decreases with time. By the end of a week or two at the most, you should have very little discomfort.
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...
Diminish Pain and Inflammation
The first key to ACL Rehabilitation is simple, diminish the pain and inflammation associated with the surgery. While this is a no-brainer, it is wo...
Restore Full Knee Extension Motion
Restoring full knee extension range of motion could be the #1 key to rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction surgery, however I chose to list i...
Gradually Progress Knee Flexion Motion
Although loss of knee flexion doesn’t tend to be as common as knee extension, it does happen and you don’t want to neglect working on flexion. Ther...
Maintain Patellar Mobility
Sometimes one of the reasons that range of motion is reduced is because patellar mobility is lost. Full patella mobility is required for knee flexi...
Restore Volitional Quad Control
As previously mentioned, there is a reflexive inhibition of muscle control around the knee after surgery due to the pain, inflammation, and swellin...
Restore Independent Ambulation
Now that we have addressed the pain and swelling, started to restore motion and patellar mobility, and can now turn on the quads, we put it all tog...
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.
How to get rid of swelling in knee?
When resting, ensure your knee is straight and avoid resting the back of your knee on anything (including a cushion or pillow) b) Ice: Regular ice packs can help to reduce the pain and swelling.
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.
How to bend a leg back to the butt?
sit on a table or a high chair with the knee bent comfortably. Cross the non-operated leg over top of the operated leg at the ankle. Use the good leg to bend the operated leg back towards the buttocks.
What are some exercises that are important for balance?
These will include jumping and landing, hopping, lateral running and plyometrics.
Can you walk without crutches?
Crutches can be used to improve balance and should be used when walking outside, or in crowded environments. Crutches are not necessary while at home. Practice walking without crutches in an empty room, aiming for a heel to toe walking pattern.
What is the first key to ACL rehabilitation?
The first key to ACL Rehabilitation is simple, diminish the pain and swelling associated with the surgery. While this is a no-brainer, it is worth reviewing why this is so important.
How long does it take to strengthen quadriceps after ACL surgery?
A recent study showed a significantly strong correlation between quadriceps strength at 12-weeks follow ACL surgery with ultimate quadriceps strength at the time to return to sport. This stresses the importance of getting ahead of quadriceps strengthening during the early phases of ACL rehabilitation.
How to fix ACL?
Really, the following list of keys to ACL rehabilitation is all going to be difficult to achieve without addressing the pain and swelling. Here are just a handful of important things to consider: 1 Pain and swelling have been shown in numerous studies to essentially shut down your muscles around your knee, specifically your quadriceps. Even a small amount of fluid in the joint has been shown to decrease your ability to contract your quad. 2 Without a quad, it is hard to function, and you tend to walk around with a bent and stiff knee. This actually fatigues out your quadriceps muscle even more, making gains in strength very difficult. 3 Pain and swelling will limit your range of motion progression. This again may limit your return of strength.
Why is range of motion reduced?
Sometimes one of the reasons that range of motion is reduced is because patellar mobility is lost. If patellar mobility is neglected, the chances of losing range of motion go up significantly. Full patella mobility is required for knee flexion and extension.
What happens if you have an ACL surgery?
One of the more common complications following ACL surgery is loss of motion, with loss of extension being more troublesome than flexion. When pain and swelling are present, it is just more comfortable to hold your knee in a slightly bent position.
Why is there a reflexive inhibition of muscle control around the knee after surgery?
As previously mentioned, there is a reflexive inhibition of muscle control around the knee after surgery due to the pain, inflammation, and swelling. In addition, to address these factors, there are techniques that can be performed to help restore volitional control of the quadriceps muscle.
Why is it important to restore knee extension after surgery?
Restoring knee extension immediately after surgery is so important because once it gets tight, it’s often hard to get your motion back. I’d much rather focus on this initially and slowly restore motion than get too tight and then have to aggressively attempt to improve motion. That is never preferred.
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.
How to treat a swollen hamstring?
Rehabilitation tips to try4: 1 Perform walking exercises for 15- to 20-minute intervals. 2 Do leg strengthening exercises such as squats, leg presses, and hamstring curls if advised by your PT. 3 Add stationary bicycle and elliptical training.
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.
How to get rid of crutches?
Elevate the leg, and apply therapeutic cold every two hours. Place the leg over the edge of a bed or chair for knee flexion. Place a prop under the heel when straight for knee extension. Do gait training to prepare for removal of crutches.
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.
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 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 phase 2 of a swollen knee?
Phase 2: Tossing the Crutches. Swelling should be under control and you should be able to easily contact your quadriceps. The goal of this phase is to stop using crutches and begin to walk normally while still providing protection for your healing knee. Your therapist will continue to ice your knee and use NMES.
How to strengthen the hamstrings in the back of your leg?
You may start using a BAPS board in the seated position for balance and proprioception, 3  which is your awareness of the location and movement of your knee.
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 
What is the purpose of phase 1?
Phase 1: Helping the Knee to Heal. The main goals of Phase 1 are to protect the knee so it heals properly, to begin work on restoring range of motion of the joint, and to restore normal use of the quadriceps (thigh muscles).
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.