Post-Operation Exercises for a Fast Recovery After ACL Surgery

If you anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is torn, you will most probably require ACL surgery to repair the torn ligament. The good news is that ACL surgery can be performed using an arthroscope and minimally invasive surgical procedures. As a result, the recuperation time is shortened.

                       

As a part of your recovery, you will have to elevate and immobilize your leg after the surgery. In addition, cold and compression therapies and performing certain controlled exercises will help you recover quickly and without problems.

One of the most important phases of ACL surgery is doing controlled exercises. Some exercises have to be done right after the surgery once acute pain subsides while others a few weeks after the surgery.

Here are some of the exercises that you will have to perform during your recuperation from ACL surgery.

One to Two Weeks Post-Surgery

You will experience pain, discomfort and tenderness after the surgery, preventing you from extending the knee completely. However, even then you will have to perform controlled knee extension exercises to regain knee mobility. This will prevent scar tissue formation and ensure optimal healing.

Two weeks after the surgery, you should be able to extend your knee completely, and the degree of the extension should be like the uninjured knee. None of the exercises you perform will require you to stand up and exert pressure on the joint. So, there is no reason to worry.

Two to Four Weeks After ACL Surgery

Once you achieve complete knee extension, the physical therapy shifts to range of motion and strengthening the surrounding muscles. Though exercises during this stage are controlled, you will be encouraged to do low-impact exercises, such as riding a stationary bike or even swimming.

Four to Six Weeks After Undergoing the Surgery

During this phase of your recovery, you will continue with strength building and range of motion exercises. In addition, you will also perform core stabilization exercises that will improve your balance.

Here, the key should be increasing the duration of your exercise slowly and gradually. You will not experience pain in the knee at this stage, but don’t be in a hurry to exercise for extended periods of time. It may cause more harm than good.

Six to 12 Weeks After ACL Surgery

The physical therapist will ask you to continue with the exercises that you have been performing for the last few weeks, as your knee and core muscles will require optimal strengthening. The good news is that during this stage, you will be able to perform lateral movements. Be careful as you should not re-injure your knee. This will make your recovery period longer.

About 12 weeks after the ACLsurgery, you will be able to do light jogging. This is good news as it is indicative that your ligament and surrounding muscles have healed optimally and can take the impact of jogging. However, before you resume competitive or recreational sports, it is necessary to consult your surgeon and get the go-ahead.

When it comes to ACL surgery and recovery, it is important you select the right surgeon. This will ensure the surgery occurs without any complication and you have a relatively pain-free and quick recuperation.

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