14 Feb Post Op ACL surgery Rehabilitation

Post op Rehabilitation Protocol for ACL Reconstruction

Stage I:   First Three Weeks (gaining confidence)

• Full weight bearing with knee brace ( continue in night time also)

(NWB if meniscal repair or micro fracture done)

• Isometric/Static quadriceps exercises

• SLR and Foot & Ankle Exercises

• DO NOT BEND/FLEX KNEE.

 

GOALS :

• To emphasize normal gait pattern

• Good quads set

• Care for DVT.

 

Stage II : Three to five weeks (achieve full ROM)

• Remove knee brace and full weight bearing

• Start knee mobilization 

• High sitting knee bending exercises

• Prone, flexion of knee with normal limb support

• Continue stage I

 

GOALS :

• ROM 0-120°

• Full weight bearing, no limp.

 

Stage III : five weeks to Three months ( regaining muscle strength)

• High sitting quads strengthening exercises with weights

• Start with less weight and increase gradually

• Continue stage I and stage II

 

Don’ts upto three months :

• Not to sit cross leg

• Not to ride cycle/bike

• Not to travel for long distance upto 6 weeks

• Avoid climbing stairs frequently.

Stage IV : Three months to Six months ( Return to pre injury /pre sports level)

• Half squatting exercises

• Extensive Quadriceps strengthening exercises (preferably in gym) 

• Walking/ jogging allowed

• Bike and cycle riding allowed after 4 months

• Car driving after three months

• Squatting and sitting cross leg allowed.

 

Stage V : after six months  ( return to normal activity)

• Single leg hopping 90% confidence level

• Return to mild sports activities

• Professional sports/heavy work only after a year.