This blog was originally written on June 24, 2019, and has been updated since.
If you're preparing for an ACL repair surgery, you're likely wondering how long it will take to get back to your normal life. While the timeline is important, the full recovery process involves more than just walking again. Even after you can move without crutches, your body is still healing, and the road to full recovery continues.
On average, most people take between 2 to 9 months to fully recover from ACL surgery. A 2016 study of 80 amateur athletes showed that, on average, they returned to their sport after about eight months. Your doctor will provide personalized guidance based on your condition, but this general timeline and some key rehabilitation tips can help you recover safely and effectively.
**ACL Surgery Recovery Timeline**
Every person is different, but here's a general outline of what to expect:
**First 2 Weeks After Surgery**
This is one of the most critical periods in your recovery. Your body is still adjusting to the surgical trauma, and inflammation is common. You may experience pain, swelling, and fluid buildup around your knee.
It’s essential to start moving your muscles early—within hours of surgery—but these movements should be passive, like gently bending and straightening your knee. Your doctor might advise against putting weight on the knee for up to 10 days or more, and you may need crutches during this time. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to avoid re-injury.
**Rehab Tips:**
- Elevate your leg above heart level and apply cold therapy every two hours.
- Use a bed or chair to help with knee flexion.
- Place a small prop under your heel to assist with knee extension.
**Weeks 2 to 6 After Surgery**
By now, you may be able to bear some weight on your knee, depending on your progress. You’ll likely begin working with a physical therapist who will guide you through exercises to restore range of motion. You might also need to wear a brace to protect your knee from stress.
**Rehab Tips:**
- Walk for 15–20 minutes at a time.
- Perform strength-building exercises like squats or leg presses (if recommended).
- Try low-impact cardio like a stationary bike or elliptical trainer.
**6 Weeks to 3 Months After Surgery**
As your knee becomes stronger, you may be allowed to do more activities. Light jogging could be possible by the end of this period if your therapist approves. Avoid high-impact or twisting motions until cleared.
**Rehab Tips:**
- Try lateral movements like lunges and side steps.
- Swim using a flutter stroke.
- Avoid pivoting or twisting motions.
- Continue strength training and start sport-specific drills.
**3 to 6 Months After Surgery**
You may be ready to return to sports or daily activities. Your physical therapist might introduce sport-specific training to help you prepare. They may also teach you exercises to protect your ACL and prevent future injuries.
**Rehab Tips:**
- Gradually increase running intensity.
- Add jumping and agility exercises.
- Work on single-leg plyometrics.
After six months, assuming full healing, you can typically return to athletic activity. Some doctors recommend wearing a knee brace for 1–2 years post-surgery.
**Additional Tips for a Smooth Recovery**
Staying proactive can speed up your recovery and reduce discomfort. Here are a few more things to keep in mind:
**Be Patient with Physical Therapy**
It’s easy to push too hard, especially if you're an athlete. But overdoing it can slow your progress. Stick to your therapist’s plan and ask for guidance before increasing intensity.
**Use Cold Therapy to Reduce Swelling**
Swelling peaks in the first week after surgery. Applying cold therapy regularly can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Devices that combine cold and compression, like the Game Ready System, have been shown to be more effective than traditional methods.
**References:**
1. ACL Surgery Recovery: What to Expect Before and After Reconstruction. UPMC HealthBeat. https://share.upmc.com/2015/04/recovery-time-for-acl-reconstruction-surgery/. Published December 15, 2021.
2. Notarnicola A, Maccagnano G, Barletta F, et al. Returning to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Amateur Sports Men: A Retrospective Study. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal. 2016. doi:10.11138/mltj/2016.6.4.486.
3. Recovery & Follow Up. Emory Healthcare. https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/centers-programs/acl-program/recovery/rehab-timeline.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
4. After ACL Surgery. UCSF Health. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/after-acl-surgery. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
5. Murgier J, Cailliez J, Wargny M et al. Cryotherapy with Dynamic Intermittent Compression Improves Recovery from Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty, 2017;32(9):2788-2791.
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