This is a general guide to the phases of rehabilitation typically followed after ACL reconstruction. Your individual programme may vary depending on your surgery, graft type and progress, and should always be guided by your surgeon and physiotherapist.
Phase 1: Protection (Weeks 0-2)
Focus is on reducing swelling and pain, protecting the graft, and regaining basic knee extension. A brace and crutches are commonly used, and gentle range-of-motion and quadriceps activation exercises are started early under physiotherapy guidance.
Phase 2: Early Strengthening (Weeks 2-6)
As swelling settles, exercises progress to restoring full range of motion and building basic strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings and hip muscles. Weight-bearing and gait retraining continue, with gradual weaning off crutches and brace as control improves.
Phase 3: Progressive Strengthening (Weeks 6-12)
Strengthening progresses with closed-chain exercises, balance and proprioception training, and low-impact conditioning such as stationary cycling or swimming. The goal is to build a solid strength and control foundation before introducing higher-impact activity.
Phase 4: Running & Agility (Months 3-6)
Once strength and control milestones are met, a graduated running programme begins, followed by agility drills, change-of-direction work and sport-specific movements. Progress is guided by strength testing and movement quality rather than time alone.
Phase 5: Return to Sport (Month 6-12)
Before returning to pivoting or contact sport, patients are typically assessed with strength and hop testing to confirm the operated leg has achieved at least 90% of the strength and function of the uninjured leg. A structured, gradual return to full training and competition follows.
This protocol is a general guide only. Please follow the specific programme provided by your surgeon and physiotherapist, and contact our clinic if you have questions about your individual recovery.