Post-surgery
ACL reconstruction rehab
A milestone-based plan from the first week after ACL surgery through return-to-sport testing.
Typical visits:
Usually 6–9 months of rehab, with visits tapering over time (typical range)
Common symptoms
✓ Swelling and stiffness after surgery
✓ Trouble fully straightening or bending the knee
✓ Weakness in the thigh muscles
✓ Uncertainty about when it’s safe to run, cut or jump
How we treat it
We follow your surgeon’s protocol, focusing first on swelling, full knee straightening and walking well. Strength and control come next, then running, jumping and sport drills.
Return to sport is based on strength and movement tests, not the calendar alone. Your plan may differ based on your evaluation.
General information, not a diagnosis
Every plan starts with an evaluation. Your clinician will explain what they find and adjust the approach to you.
Patient stories
From people with this condition
“Six weeks after my ACL surgery I was nervous to even jog. Sam built the plan one milestone at a time, and I ran my first 10K that spring.”
Maya R.
ACL reconstruction rehab
Sample review