ACL Rehab (Middle Phase)

ACL Rehab - Strength Phase Checklist
Your first ACL rehab milestone should be:
Full knee extension (0-5 degrees hyperextension): in 2-4 weeks post-surgery
Full quadriceps activation: in 4 weeks post-surgery
Full knee flexion (140+ degrees): in 4-6 weeks post-surgery (6+ weeks with meniscus repair
Normal gait mechanics
If you are 8-weeks post-surgery and still have limitations in any of the above mentioned criteria, speak to your physical therapist to see if your therapy will need to be progressed more aggressively, per MD clearance.
The second phase of your ACL rehab will focus on normalizing your knee and hip strength.
Here are some common exercises we like to give to our clients.
Perform this STRENGTH program 3 times a week (to allow 1 day after the session to recover). Perform each exercise for 3-5 sets of 8-12 reps, maintaining good knee alignment.
The exercises in the video include:
2-leg squats
1-leg squats
Band resisted lateral walks (crab walks)
Rear-foot elevated split squat
Box step-down
You will spend at least 2 to 3 months in this phase, so stay consistent and keep the communication lines open with your therapist to make sure you are on the right track.
By the end of this phase, you should be able to:
Perform at least 15 step downs with normal mechanics
Balance on one-leg for at least 30 seconds
Exhibit near full quad strength (tested by therapist)
Exhibit near full gluteal/hip strength (tested by therapist)
A running program may be initiated after all these checklists are achieved (pending surgeon approval) in 4-5 months after surgery.
Tag a friend rehabbing from an ACL surgery! 👋
Have questions ? Comment below.👇
These posts are generic guidelines and should NOT be substituted for medical advice. For a more detailed and extensive plan of care, contact your local sports physical therapist or movement specialist and get evaluated. REMEMBER to follow your surgeon’s orders and precautions!

[@marcusgaming6298]

Sir i am 6 months post op. I still feel my knee loose and while walking sometimes my knee catches

[@zizu7380]

Get it checked with ua physio