ACL Rehabilitation: The Road to Recovery After Injury -

ACL Rehabilitation

The Road to Recovery After Injury

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common, especially among active individuals and athletes. While not all ACL tears require immediate surgery, rehabilitation plays a vital role in every case — whether you’re recovering post-surgery or managing the injury non-surgically.

Goals of ACL Rehabilitation

The core objectives of an ACL rehab program include:

Rehab Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Each recovery plan should be personalized and performed under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist, especially to avoid complications like falls, pain flare-ups, or improper loading.

Key Exercises in ACL Rehab

Strength & Motion

Electric stimulation sessions (pre-surgery if needed)
Swimming (excluding breaststroke)
Low-impact machines: elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike
Resistance training: leg press, leg curls, leg extensions
Weight-bearing drills: half squats, step-ups, superficial lunges

Important: Avoid extreme flexion movements (especially past 90°) in early stages.

Improve Proprioception (Balance & Control)

One-leg standing drills
Balance exercises using cushions or soft surfaces
Arm coordination: catching/throwing while balancing
Movement across multiple planes (frontal, sagittal)
Controlled jumping preparations

Final Thoughts

ACL rehabilitation is critical to long-term joint health, regardless of whether you undergo surgery. While some patients may recover with therapy and lifestyle changes, young and active individuals often benefit from ACL reconstruction following a proper rehab protocol.

Remember, all exercises should be done under expert guidance to ensure a safe and effective recovery.