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
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