This protocol is a general guide to ACL rehabilitation. The time scales are an approximate guide and may be altered depending on various factors such as pain, swelling and muscle control. A knee injury is a common injury for the amateur and professional sportsperson. The treatment of sports injuries has developed in recent years. However, biology has not changed. The time it takes for the knee to heal and for the graft to transform remains the same.
Half of the success of ACL reconstruction comes in the physiotherapy. This stability plus programme gives the new ACL time to heal whilst keeping the knee strong. Once the graft has healed, the key is restoring strength and co-ordination to avoid reinjury. Work within the recommendations of your physiotherapist for the best results.
Rehabilitation aims to protect the reconstruction in the early stages and to maximise the range of motion, strength and function.
Please check the post-operative notes for any variation in management.
6 weeks
12 weeks
12 weeks
RH—R-ACL 6 months, L-ACL 9 months
18–24 weeks
2/52, 6/52, 9/12
If you have questions about physio or rehab or would like to discuss a diagnosis, please arrange a consultation.