ACL Rehabilitation Protocol

Post operative ACL rehab

No brace. Discharge day 1 post op.

Closed chain exercises for 1st 4 months

If there is an associated meniscal repair than a hinged knee brace is worn for 6/52 with a range of 0 – 90 degrees followed by a further 6 weeks of no deep squats or lunges.

Goals	Exercises
Phase 1 First 2 weeks Aim for 0-90 degrees Protect graft fixation Alleviate pain and inflammation Wt bearing as tolerated with crutches	Ice and compression bandaging Heal slides Patella mobilisation Prone knee flexion Electrical stimuation as needed.
Phase 2 2-6 weeks post op Aim for 0-125 degrees Increase quads/hamstring strength increase hip strength	Continue phase 1 exercises Calf raises Pool therapy starts at 3/52 Wall slides 0 – 45 degrees Calf stretches
Phase 3 6 weeks to 4 months Full symmetric ROM Independant ambulation Improve strength, endurance and proprioception	Continue phase 2 exercises Flexibility and strengthening program Step ups minisquats One leg squats Start cycling at 6 weeks Light jogging at 3 months
Phase 4 4 months till full activity Preparation for return to sport Sport specific training Working on power, proprioception and strength	Continue strengthening exercises. Start sprinting, backwards running and cutting Sport specific training drills