Physical Rehabilitation for ACL Injuries

Overview

Rehabilitation (rehab) is needed after most ACL injuries, with or without surgery. It'll help you regain normal range of motion and flexibility in your knee. Rehab programs also strengthen the knee and the muscles around it, leading to better knee stability.

Your doctor or physical therapist will design a rehab program for you that considers your normal level of activity, your physical fitness, and the extent of your injury.

A rehab program should include exercises for:

• Flexibility.
• Strength.
• Endurance.
• Coordination and agility training.

How quickly you recover from your ACL injury depends on how severe the injury was, how extensive any surgery was, and how consistent you are to follow the program. The rehab program usually lasts from several months to a year.