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Welcome to Dr. Matthew Boes’s ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation video series. This video is designed to help maximize your recovery following ACL reconstruction surgery. The goal of our Phase I program for ACL reconstruction rehabilitation is to minimize knee stiffness and help regain muscle contraction. This phase should be conducted within two weeks following surgery. Remember the following as you engage in Phase I ACL reconstruction rehabilitation exercises:
Very important to limit pain and swelling after surgery, which can significantly limit early rehab
NSAIDs (i.e., Aleve, Advil), ice and elevation may help reduce pain and swelling
Work to achieve full extension (straightening of the knee) ASAP following surgery
Motion goals:
Full extension immediately post-op
Bending to 90 degrees during week 1
Bending to 115 degrees during week 2
Use crutches for 1-2 weeks until comfortable without them.
Use brace locked straight for walking for 3-4 weeks until strength returns; discontinue per physician or therapist approval
Conduct exercises 3-4 times daily in this phase
Start with one set of 12-15 reps
Progress to 2 sets of 20 reps
Conduct balance exercises with eyes open at first, and then closed as balance improves
This program involves no special equipment and the majority of the exercises can easily be conducted at home (a jump mat or yoga mat may be helpful, as well as some light dumbbells as you progress with strengthening; a stopwatch or timer can be used for many exercises)
It is important to perform all exercises on both legs - this will help prevent imbalance between the rehab and non-rehab knee
The following ACL early motion and muscle reactivation exercises, which are demonstrated in this video, should be conducted during phase I of your ACL reconstruction rehab:
Cryotherapy & Elevation
Heel Props
Quad sets
Calf pumps
Hamstring sets
Patellar mobilizations
Straight leg raise
Hip abduction
Heel slides
Wall slides
Seated flexion hangs
Prone extension hangs
Balance - weight shifts front & back
Balance - weight shifts side to side
Icing is very important after each therapy session, so be sure to place an ice pack or cooling pad on the affected shoulder for 10 minutes to help limit any irritation from exercise. If the affected joint is stiff, try using moist heat for 10 minutes prior to exercise to help loosen things up.
This is a comprehensive program involving strength, balance, plyometric, agility, cardio and core exercises. You will likely find yourself in much better shape in terms of strength and balance after completing the entire six-phase program. This video should not be used as a substitute for regular physical therapy visits and guidance from your physician. Only progress from one phase to the next based on recommendation from your physician. Most therapy regimens, particularly after ACL reconstruction surgery, are based on a healing timeline. Progressing too quickly, even though it may feel okay at first, may put you at risk for injury. Regular physical therapy visits are valuable for giving you feedback on your progress and helping to ensure you are doing exercises properly. If you develop any questions or concerns regarding your condition while using this video, contact your physician. Best of luck in your recovery from your ACL reconstruction.
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