ACL Injury Rehab (Pre & Post-op)

WHO NEEDS ACL REHABILITATION?

• Patients with confirmed ACL tear

• Patients planned for ACL reconstruction surgery

• Patients after ACL surgery

• Athletes and physically active individuals with knee instability

GOALS OF ACL REHABILITATION

• Reduce pain and swelling

• Restore knee range of motion

• Strengthen muscles around the knee and hip

• Improve balance and coordination

• Safely return to sports and physical activity

PRE-OPERATIVE (PREHAB) ACL REHABILITATION

WHY PREHAB IS IMPORTANT

Good pre-operative rehabilitation leads to:

• Faster recovery after surgery

• Better post-operative knee movement

• Reduced muscle wasting

PRE-OP FOCUS AREAS

• Swelling control

• Achieving full knee extension

• Quadriceps and hamstring strengthening

• Gait training

POST-OPERATIVE ACL REHABILITATION

PHASE 1: EARLY RECOVERY (0–2 WEEKS)

Goals:

• Pain and swelling control

• Knee extension restoration

• Activation of quadriceps muscle

PHASE 2: MOTION & STRENGTH (2–6 WEEKS)

Goals:

• Improve knee bending

• Strengthen quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles

• Normalize walking pattern

PHASE 3: STRENGTH & CONTROL (6–12 WEEKS)

Goals:

• Advanced muscle strengthening

• Balance and proprioception training

• Controlled functional movements

PHASE 4: RETURN TO SPORT (3–6+ MONTHS)

Goals:

• Sport-specific training

• Agility and endurance training

• Injury prevention strategies

Return to sports is decided **only after clinical and functional assessment by Doctor & Physio."

IMPORTANT NOTE

Exercises must be performed only after proper clinical evaluation. Incorrect exercises or overexertion can worsen knee damage.