Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery progresses in stages. The schedule below is a general guideline. Progress can be adjusted if necessary based on surgical findings, other simultaneous procedures, and individual recovery.
• You may bear weight on the foot immediately, within the limits of pain.
• Knee flexion and extension exercises are started immediately.
• The goal is to get the knee fully straight as quickly as possible.
• Activation training for the quadriceps and hamstrings will be started immediately.
• Walking is practiced gradually towards a normal walking rhythm.
• The wound may be wet in the shower after the third day.
• During the first two weeks, ensure good wound care.
• Sutures are usually removed at around 2 weeks.
• The first physiotherapist follow-up is usually at around 2 weeks.
• Range of motion, muscle activation, and normal gait continue to be developed.
• The operating doctor's follow-up check is usually around 4 weeks.
• Once the wounds have healed and knee mobility is sufficient, training is gradually increased.
• You can usually start riding a stationary bike once your knee bends about 110 degrees. This is typically possible around 4–6 weeks.
• The physiotherapist plans the progression of the training and monitors the progress of functional recovery.
Sick leave is usually
• About 4 weeks in office work
• In physical work, about 6–8 weeks
When muscle strength, movement control, and knee function are at a sufficient level, progressive impact training is initiated:
• light jumps
• efforts
• landings from jumps
• other gradually increasing functional exercises
Around the 3-month mark, the first strength measurements for the quadriceps and hamstrings are often performed. Based on these, the progress of rehabilitation is assessed, and further training as well as subsequent Return to Sport tests are planned.
When the functional level allows, sport-specific exercises can be added to the rehabilitation. The focus of the training will gradually shift from basic rehabilitation toward performance.
• power
• speed
• business management
• jumps and landings
• changes of direction
• species-specific load
The return to sports takes place gradually – first to training and later to full-scale event-specific training.
Returning to competitive sports is not based on time alone.
A return is usually planned when:
• about 9 months have passed since the surgery
• strength and functional performance have recovered to a sufficient level
• Return to Sport tests have been successfully completed
• returning to sport-specific training has progressed without problems
The goal is not to return as quickly as possible, but to return at the right time and as well-prepared as possible.