ACL Surgery - 6 Months Onwards

The main aim of this section is to really progress the dynamic and speed aspects of your rehabilitation. This is when you can start to introduce more sport-specific training.

What exercises should I be doing in this phase?

You should be aiming to be able to complete all of the exercises highlighted in the 3-6 month phase.

What about sport? 

A return to full contact competitive sport is normally from twelve months after your operation. However, you can start returning to training, kicking a ball or joining in with non-contact sessions like pre-season etc.

Is there a way to reduce the likelihood of having another injury?

Yes and here are some of the things that can really help to make sure you get the very best out of your surgery.

Having sufficient strength in your quadriceps (front of thigh) is key to having a successful outcome. Research suggests that you need to be able to achieve at least 85% of the strength in your operated leg compared to your other leg to have a reduced chance of re-injury (Hewitt et al. 2013).

You can have all the strength in the world but if you don’t trust your knee, you won’t get the best out of it. This whole programme has been designed to gradually increase both the physical and psychological challenge to you and your knee in order to build strength and trust. If you still feel concerned about your knee, please look at some of the earlier exercises and consider exploring them again or speak to your physiotherapist.

Not returning to sport too quickly will help you reduce the likelihood of another ACL injury.

Need more help? Refer yourself here.

Adams D, Logerstedt D, Hunter-Giordano A, Axe MJ, Snyder-Mackler L. Current concepts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a criterion-based rehabilitation progression.journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy. 2012 Jul;42(7):601-14.

 de Jong SN, van Caspel DR, van Haeff MJ, Saris DB. Functional assessment and muscle strength before and after reconstruction of chronic anterior cruciate ligament lesions. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery. 2007 Jan 1;23(1):21-e1.

Hewett TE, Di Stasi SL, Myer GD. Current concepts for injury prevention in athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The American journal of sports medicine 2013;41(1):216-24.