What happens after ACL surgery?

What happens after ACL surgery?

After surgery you’ll need to keep your wound clean and dry. You’ll use ice to reduce swelling and pain. You may use a brace and crutches.

You’ll have physical therapy to strengthen your knee and the muscles around it. The first few days following surgery, you’ll perform gentle range-of-motion and simple strengthening exercises, and some weight-bearing exercises. Physical therapy will start within the first week, including advanced strengthening and balance activities.

After about 12 to 16 weeks, if you’re not an athlete, sport-specific activities are added to the rehabilitation program, such as hopping, jumping and agility drills. An athlete should be able to return to normal activity about six to nine months after the ACL surgery.