Rehabilitation Guidelines for ACL Reconstruction
Please note that these instructions are general guidelines to be followed; however, any written or verbal instructions provided by Dr. Verma or either Physician Assistant supersede the instructions below and should be followed.
Post-Op Rehabilitation Guidelines for ACL Reconstruction
0-2 Weeks:
- WBAT, Brace locked at 0 degrees for ambulation and sleeping
- D/C crutches when gait is non-antalgic
- ROM: 0-90º with emphasis on full extension
- Patella mobilization
- SLR supine with brace locked at 0 degrees, Quad Sets
- Ankle Pumps
- Short crank (90mm) ergometry
2-6 Weeks:
- Brace: unlocked when quad control is adequate discontinued brace when quad control is adequate (typically 4 weeks)
- ROM: 0-125 degrees (Maintain full extension)
- Active knee extension from 40 degrees
- Standard (170mm) ergometry (if knee ROM > 115 degrees)
- Leg Press (80-0 degree arc)
- Mini Squats / Weight Shifts
- Proprioception training
- Initiate Step Up program
6-14 Weeks:
- Progressive Squat program
- Initiate Step Down program
- Leg Press, Lunges
- Isotonic Knee Extensions (90-40 degrees, closed chain preferred)
- Agility exercises (sport cord)
- Versaclimber/Nordic Track
- Retrograde treadmill ambulation
14-22 weeks:
- Begin forward running (treadmill) program when 8” step down satisfactory
- Continue Strengthening & Flexibility program
- Advance Sports-Specific Agility Drills
- Start Plyometric program
>22 weeks:
- Advance Plyometric program, Return to Sport (MD Directed)
