Recovering from ACL Surgery

Upon completion of the ACL reconstruction surgery, you’ll typically wake up in the recovery room with your knee wrapped in bandages and sometimes in a brace. Ice and elevation are recommended to manage swelling and pain. In the first few days, pain control is a priority. Pain is managed using a combination of prescribed painkillers, ice, and rest. Patients are often encouraged to perform ankle pumps and simple quadriceps contractions to stimulate blood flow and prevent the formation of blood clots. Additionally, gentle weight-bearing exercises, with the aid of crutches, are introduced as tolerated by the patient.

The initial weeks post-surgery are focused on regaining knee range of motion, reducing swelling, and maintaining muscle tone. Physical therapy often begins within the first week. Therapists work with patients on gentle stretching exercises and continue with quadriceps strengthening. Weight-bearing is gradually increased, and many patients can begin walking without crutches around the 2-4 week mark, depending on the surgeon’s advice.

During this phase, there’s a continued emphasis on regaining full range of motion and strengthening surrounding muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Balance and proprioceptive exercises are introduced to enhance knee stability. Closed-chain exercises like leg presses and mini squats might be incorporated. It’s crucial during this time to avoid activities that might put too much strain on the graft, as it is still healing and integrating into the knee.

This phase involves advanced strengthening exercises and the introduction of agility drills. Patients typically work on sport-specific movements, though not at full intensity. Jumping, cutting, and pivoting exercises are incorporated, preparing the individual for a return to sports. It’s essential to progress at a measured pace to avoid overloading the graft.

Although the timeline can vary based on the individual and the specific sport, many patients can begin a phased return to sports activities around the 6-9 month mark post-surgery. Before resuming full sports activities, patients should have near-normal strength, agility, and balance compared to the uninjured leg. It’s also essential to feel confident in the knee’s stability.  The goal is to return to full participation in cutting or contact sports by 8-9 months postoperatively. Ongoing strengthening and conditioning exercises are recommended to support the knee and reduce the risk of future injuries.