How do you rehab after ACL surgery?

Posted on by Muna Meyer

How do you rehab after ACL surgery?

Post-Op ACL Exercises (Level 1)

  1. LONG SITTING TOWEL CALF STRETCH. Sit up with good posture and place towel on the bottom of your foot, while holding on to the ends.
  2. SUPINE HAMSTRING STRETCH.
  3. QUAD SETS.
  4. ANKLE PUMPS.
  5. HEEL SLIDES.
  6. PRONE HIP EXTENSION.

How many times a week is physical therapy after ACL surgery?

The program should be designed to improve balance, strength, and sports performance. Strengthening your core (abdominal) muscles is key to preventing injury, in addition to strengthening your thigh and leg muscles. Exercises should be performed 2 or 3 times per week and should include sport-specific exercises.

How long is bed rest after ACL surgery?

Rest: 0 to 2 weeks after ACL surgery For the first couple of weeks after surgery, you will need to rest and care for the incision site. Prop your leg — at the calf or ankle — on a couple of pillows four to six times a day. This helps reduce swelling. Keep the bandages on your knee clean and dry.

How long is recovery for ACL surgery?

What is the recovery time for ACL surgery? It usually takes six to nine months for a patient to return to participating in sports after an ACL reconstruction, depending on the level of competition and the type of activity. Patients are able to walk with crutches and a leg brace on the day of surgery.

What to expect during ACL surgery recovery?

Rest: Like any surgery,rest is an extremely important part of the recovery process.

  • Ice: Apply ice to the repaired knee at least once every two hours. Aim for sessions of 20 minutes at a time.
  • Compression: Use a compression wrap or elastic bandage around the knee.
  • Elevation: Elevate the knee whenever possible.

    • Do you have pain after ACL surgery?

    Tearing an ACL requires considerable force. In the first years after ACL surgery you might experience pain behind your kneecap. This pain originates from damaged cartilage on the kneecap, or incorrect motion of your kneecap as you move you leg. Bracing and therapy often relieve patella pain.

    Why do physical therapy before ACL surgery is important?

    Physical Therapy and Rehab Before ACL Surgery. Before surgery, doctors often prescribe physical therapy — “prehabilitation” — to help: Reduce swelling in the knee. Improve strength in the muscles around the knee. Restore, as close as possible, the normal range of motion in the knee. Rehab activities depend on the aspects of your ACL injury.