ACL Surgery Recovery: Everything You Need To Know
ACL recovery surgery is a common orthopedic procedure, but healing varies by patient. Full recovery can take up to a year, especially for athletes returning to sport. The ACL stabilizes the knee, and tears often impact mobility. Successful outcomes rely on structured rehab and close collaboration between doctors and physical therapists.
When ACL Surgery Is Needed
After experiencing a torn ligament, it’s natural to think about your next step in recovery. As someone who’s worked closely with patients of every age and activity level, I’ve seen how goals like walking again or returning to the gym shape the decision. For many older adults aiming to stay in decent shape, physical therapy alone may be enough.
But if you’re younger or looking to return to a sport like tennis or golf, keeping the knee intact is essential for long-term stabilization. That’s when a doctor may recommend surgery as the best option, especially if the injury disrupts your ability to move at a high level. The goal is to restore the ligament so you can trust your knee again, both physically and mentally.
The operation itself usually involves an ACL reconstruction using tissue from your hamstring, patellar, or quadriceps tendon, or sometimes donated from another body. In my experience, the first week after surgery is the toughest—you’re in a brace, on crutches, and learning to let the joint heal. Formal rehab starts soon after, and though slow, this process leads most patients toward full function again.
Recovery Timeline
After surgery, many patients wonder how long recovery will take. Based on my work with PTs and sports Therapists, we follow key milestones to track progress. At 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and the 3-month mark, tests help assess knee function.
By this point, most people start to get back into daily activities and their normal routine. Going downstairs is often harder than going up, because the quadriceps must be strong enough to slow down the body. If you can control each step, it’s a positive sign of progressing well.
Athletes and those returning to sport usually follow a longer timeline. This group often needs 8 months to a year to return to their previous athletic level. That’s because their goals require a higher level of strength and functioning.
We focus a lot on the operated leg matching the unaffected leg in strength. Your quads and hamstrings need to reach within 10% strength of your healthy knee. This comparison is key in deciding when to increase movement and activity.
The journey takes time, effort, and following your physical therapist’s advice closely. When done right, it leads to a successful return to everyday life. It also helps avoid future complications and ensures your operated knee stays strong.
Recovering in Hospital
After your operation, you will spend time in a recovery room where nurses and physiotherapists will monitor you closely. They will provide medicines to manage any pain and help you feel comfortable. Starting to walk soon is important for healing and regaining mobility.
You may be given crutches and a knee brace to wear for added support during your recovery. The physiotherapist will guide you through simple daily activities and personalized exercise programmes to strengthen your knee. This helps in managing pain and improving movement effectively.
Most people can leave the hospital the same day as the operation, but before you go, your physiotherapist will talk to you about continuing exercises at home. Following these instructions will help you recover faster and avoid complications. Proper care and support during this phase are essential for a smooth recovery.
Recovering at Home
After your operation, you can usually go home once the medical team thinks you are ready and can safely get around. Early exercises and gentle movement help improve the long-term strength of your knee during recovery. Following the guidance of your therapists is important to regain full function.
You will have regular Physical therapy for several months to rebuild strength and improve movement after surgery. In the hospital, you will learn you how to take care of the wound if you have stitches or clips that need to be removed or taken out. Proper wound care helps prevent infection and speeds healing.
A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled about 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure to check that you are recovering well. Staying consistent with your rehabilitation exercises and medical advice is key for a smooth recovery. Listening to your body and the medical team will help you get back to normal faster.
Do’s During ACL Recovery
Stop using crutches slowly, as advised by your physiotherapist.
Keep wearing your brace until your surgeon says to stop.
Walk regularly to stay active and prevent blood clots.
Don’t twist, bend, or stretch your knee too much.
Take your painkillers as prescribed.
Use an ice pack for 15–20 minutes every few hours, but stop if your knee feels numb.
Rest with your leg raised and follow your recovery team’s advice.
Exercises After ACL Surgery
After ACL surgery, the knee needs time to recover from inflammation and start moving again. The healing depends on the extent of the surgery. If the ACL was fully reconstructed or if other tissue like meniscus or cartilage, was repaired, recovery can take longer. Physical therapists often prescribe exercises to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. Using NSAIDs like ibuprofen and applying ice helps the body heal faster.
The primary goal is to help people return to normal function, such as walking, squatting, and climbing stairs. Every person’s recovery is different, so physical therapists create special rehabilitation plans. Many reach normal functioning by about six weeks, but some need more time, especially if other tissues were involved.
From my experience, following the right exercises after ACL surgery builds strength and improves mobility safely. The key is steady progress during therapy and protecting the knee while it heals. This helps patients get back to their daily activities, as experts like Vignona advise.
Range-of-Motion Exercises
After ACL surgery, range-of-motion exercises are crucial for your recovery. These exercises are designed to help your knee move up, down, and to the side as you progress through your rehabilitation. The main goal is to allow you to regain flexing and extending ability in the knee, which can improve overall function and stability. These exercises are important to help you get your knee moving without any discomfort or resistance, and should be done gently.
There are several types of exercises that you can start with after surgery, including seated movements. You can begin with simple stretching to loosen up the muscles around your knee. Once you feel more comfortable, try moving the knee without assistance to strengthen the muscle groups.
Some people find it helpful to incorporate a stationary bike, which helps in riding the bike gently to promote moving the knee through the full range. As recovery progresses, the intensity of these exercises will increase, helping you regain your strength and mobility more easily.
Strengthening Exercises
Here’s the lowdown on strengthening your knee after ACL surgery. Trust me, your physical therapist is your new best friend.
Recovery time is key — get comfy with calf raises and straight leg raises. You’ll thank me later.
Say hello to squats — not the squat challenges, but the knee-strengthening kind.
Step-ups — these aren’t just for climbing stairs. They’ll test your balance and leg stability. No more wobbly knees!
As you get stronger, it’s time to pull out the big guns. Cue: the leg press machine. It’s your new equipment BFF.
Keep doing these strengthening exercises until your knee feels like it can take on the world. And no, not literally — we’ll leave the superhero stuff for later
Balance Exercises
After ACL surgery, focusing on balance exercises is crucial for a successful recovery. Being able to balance on your operated knee is a key step in regaining strength and stability. Start with simple movements like balancing on one leg with your knee flexed, ensuring you have good balance to avoid falls. With consistent practice, you’ll help strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve your overall mobility, reducing the risk of injury post-surgery.