Recovery Timeline and Tips for ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Once you’ve undergone an ACL Surgery, the next part is recovery. Normally, the ACL surgery recovery time for complete tears is over 6 months, but partial ACL tear recovery time is usually less, i.e., around 2-6 months. Complete recovery of an ACL tear may take around 9 months, but most people resume normal lives in 6 months, and athletes can begin sports in about 8 months. In the given blog, you will find a brief overview of the ACL surgery recovery, timeline, etc. 

ACL tear surgery recovery timeline

A rough timeline of ACL reconstruction surgery recovery is given below:

Phase I: First two weeks after the surgery

This is the most crucial time for recovery, as your body is still vulnerable due to the aftermath of the surgery. The muscles, ligaments, graft tissue, and other body tissues are still inflamed, and you will experience pain, swelling, and fluid buildup in the joint at this time. 

Your rehabilitation process will begin right after the surgery to encourage healing. The joint is still weak at this time and can’t hold too much weight, so you will have to use crutches for at least 10-14 days.

During this time, you should:

  • elevate your leg and apply cold compresses every 2 hours.
  • practice knee flexion and extension by placing the leg on the edge of a chair or bed, and propping the heel on a solid surface, respectively.
  • have gait training to prepare yourself for the removal of your crutches.

Phase II: 2-6 weeks after the surgery

During this time, you will be able to stand without assistance/crutches, but your knee activity will be limited. Most patients can also resume driving during this period, but you should wear a knee brace to protect your knee from unnecessary stress.

During this time, you should:

  • perform walking exercises for 15-20 minute intervals.
  • perform leg strengthening exercises, like squats, leg presses, and hamstring curls
  • add bicycle and elliptical training at this time if approved by your physiotherapist.

Phase III: 6-12 weeks (3 months) after the surgery

During this period, your knee will continue getting stronger, and you will be able to start performing low-impact activities like cycling, swimming, and rowing. By the end of this period, you will be able to handle light running and jogging easily.

At this time, you should follow the given rehabilitation tips:

  • start lateral exercises like lunges and side steps.
  • do flutter-style swimming strokes, but avoid cutting or pivoting motions.
  • continue performing strengthening exercises, and start sports-specific training.

Also Read- Non Surgical Treatment and Management of ACL tears

Phase IV: 3-6 months after the surgery

This period is crucial for athletes, as they can properly restart their sports training. Proper rehabilitation and training at this time can help prevent re-injury in the future. You should not skip a knee brace during this time, even for low-impact activities. By the end of the 6-month mark, the tissues are almost fully healed, but most PTs recommend that patients continue using supportive braces and their physiotherapy during this period. 

At this time, you should:

  • start running, jumping, and agility training.
  • start performing single-leg plyometric exercises.

Phase V: 6 months after the surgery

This phase of recovery is usually only recorded among athletes and can last for 2-3 months. During this period, the patient returns to their sports and resumes full joint function. They should have no soft tissue or range of motion complaints at this time. 

During this period, you should:

  • maintain strength, endurance, and proprioception exercises.
  • use functional braces, if necessary.

Also Read- What should you do for knee ligament and meniscus injuries

Tips for ACL Tear Recovery

  • Be patient with your physical therapy. Do not push your body beyond its limits, as doing too much too soon will not only halt the recovery process but may actively damage the joint.
  • Follow your physiotherapist’s instructions carefully, especially when it comes to adding new exercises and movements to your physiotherapy routine.
  • Discuss the use of cold therapy during the recovery to help recover from inflammation after your physiotherapy sessions.
  • Make sure you are getting enough sleep and nutrition. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep every night, and eat a diet rich in protein, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.

Also Read- Different Types of Knee Replacement Implants and their Advantages. 

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FAQ

How much time off work will I need to take to recover from ACL surgery?

It depends on the nature of your work. If you have a desk job, you can go back after 2 weeks, but if you have to stand and walk around, you should take around 5 weeks off. If you are an athlete or need a lot of knee joint movement, you should wait 6 months. 

What are the different types of knee braces required after ACL repair surgery?

There are 3 main types of knee braces - Rehabilitative, Functional & Prophylactic. Rehabilitative braces support the joint while providing stability and limited motion. Functional braces support knee movement after rehabilitation. They are also used by patients who do not undergo ACL tear surgery. Prophylactic braces prevent or limit the severity of knee injury during high-risk sporting events.

 

How should I sleep after ACL surgery?

While sleeping, you should elevate your knee in a straight position using a pillow, towels, etc. Make sure your knee is not bent, as that will promote the buildup of scar tissue in the knee and limit joint movement in the future.

 

When can I walk normally after ACL surgery?

You start walking after ACL surgery within the first 1-2 days of the operation, but you will need to use crutches for at least the first couple of weeks. Once you’ve regained strength in the operated knee, you can start walking without support.

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