Rehabilitation guidelines for Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction

• The time-lines mentioned are approximate and actual progression depends on individual recovery.
• Patients can weight bear as tolerated from day 1. Please use crutches till good pain control, quadriceps strength and walking mechanics are achieved.
• Avoid pillow under knees and focus on knee extension and quadriceps exercises from day 1.
• For the first 2 weeks – Apply icepacks 3-5 times daily for 10 minutes each time.

First 2 weeks

• Seated knee range of motion(ROM) exercises.
• Quadriceps sets, hip abductor exercises, core strengthening and upper body conditioning exercises.
• Gait training. Wean off assistive walking devices.

2-6 weeks

• Closed chain exercises – Start squats, bridge exercise.
• Progress with core strengthening.
• Stationary bike.
• Functional and activity based exercises.

6-12 weeks

• Add eccentric exercises, lateral training exercises.
• Bike with minimal resistance.
• No cutting, pivoting.

After 12 weeks

• Progress with strengthening and endurance training.
• Low level jumping exercises.
• Work specific and sport specific training.