Rehabilitation/Convalescence

DAYS 1-7 POST OP

Remain in bed with ACL-reconstructed leg elevated above heart.

When walking (to bathroom only), put as much weight on the ACL-reconstructed leg as tolerated

Maintain full extension on the ACL-reconstructed leg.

Maintain at least 120� of flexion on the ACL-reconstructed leg.

Maintain full flexion on the graft-donor leg.

Use the shuttle to work on increasing strength on the graft-donor leg.

ONE WEEK POST OP

Activity level will be determined by the condition of knees (activity increases as knee progresses).

full extension
- lock knee straight while standing
- heel props
- prone hangs
- towel stretches
flexion to at least 120�
- heel slides
- shuttle slides
- wall slides
decreased swelling
- use the Cryo-Cuff� (especially after exercises)

TWO WEEKS POST OP

Activity level will be determined by the condition of knees (activity increases as knee progresses).

Maintain extension

• lock knee straight while standing
• heel props
• prone hangs
• towel stretches

Fexion should be at least 135�

• heel slides
• wall slides
• supine flexion hangs

Decrease swelling
- use Cryo-Cuff� as needed

Regaining patellar tendon strength is the main focus of rehabilitation between weeks two to four. Ideally, the patient should perform high repetitions of strengthening exercises several times a day.

Physical therapy will design an individual rehabilitation program according to the patient’s objectives and goals.

FOUR WEEKS POST OP

Activity level will be determined by the condition of knees. Ability to return to activities will depend on the full range of motion and lack of swelling in the ACL-reconstructed leg.

Maintain extension

• lock knee straight while standing
• heel props
• prone hangs
• towel stretches

Full flexion

• heel slides
• supine flexion hangs
• sit back on heels

Decrease swelling

� Cryo-Cuff� use as needed

Increase strength and conditioning

• leg press – single leg
• knee extension – single leg
• step down exercise
• Stairmaster
• or bike or elliptical

Sport specific agility

• forward running
• backward running
• jump rope
• lateral slides
• crossovers
• shooting baskets, etc.

TWO, FOUR, & SIX MONTHS POST OP

Physical therapy will continue to monitor rehabilitation as the patient returns to their preoperative, fully competitive level of activity. Strength, range of motion, and swelling will be evaluated at each vistit. Rehabilitation and sporting activities will be advanced as strength, comfort, and confidence allows