Learn About ACL Repair Recovery at HealthSpan PT in Midland MI
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Midland Physical Therapy - Knee

Malorie T - Auburn MI

I came to HealthSpan Physical Therapy for rehabilitation on both of my knees that I had surgery a month apart. The office is very welcoming and makes it easy to be there. All the staff is wonderful, but I work with Britnee for most of my visits. She is easy to talk to, listens to your concerns that you have and makes physical therapy not something you dread going to. I would recommend this place to anyone in need of physical therapy.

ACL Repair

Do you see patients after ACL surgery?

Yes! We LOVE treating patients after ACL surgery!  We have years of extensive experience treating patients after ACL repair.  This includes hamstring graft, quad tendon graft, patellar tendon graft, and cadaver graft. Our owner, Dr. Jordan Schmidt is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist, so ACL repairs are right up his alley!

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Common ACL Repair recovery questions

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What is ACL repair recovery like?

Physical therapy is usually started within a week or two of surgery.  What we can do at the start is highly dependent on what type of ACL repair you received.  Early rehab is primarily focused on regaining range of motion (ROM), reduce pain, and safely increasing your quad muscle strength and function.  As you recover and your knee has time to heal. we then gradually progress  and advance your exercises, improve your gait (how you walk), and work to improve your balance.  It is important to note that proper ACL recovery involves strengthening other areas of the body like the ankles, hips, and core.  The recovery process takes several months, but most people are able to return to their normal daily activities within a few months, and sports around nine months to a year.

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How long with recovery take?

This is completely dependent on your goals and is highly variable.  However, most people are able to return to normal daily function within a few months, whereas return to sport typically takes 9-12 months,

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Will I need assistance at home afterwards? For how long?

This is highly dependent on your functional level prior to surgery and what type of repair you have.  We would recommend that you have assistance of some sort for at least a week after surgery,

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When can I drive my car?

This is again dependent on the type of repair you have and what leg you had your surgery on (obviously longer if it is your right leg).  It is also dependent on your pain medicine use as you do not want to be driving while on pain medication.

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When can I return to work?

Most people with desk jobs return rather quickly, within a few weeks.  If you have a job where you are on your feet or a more physical job this can take much longer, up to several months,.

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What can I expect at my Physical Therapy appointments after surgery?

We provide a unique and individualized plan of care for every patient, however there are a few things that are common in Physical Therapy.  

  1. Range of motion exercises: These exercises help to improve flexibility and mobility in the knee joint.

  2. Strengthening exercises: These exercises help to improve the strength and stability of the muscles around the knee, which can help to reduce pain and improve function.

  3. Balance and proprioception exercises: These exercises help to improve balance and stability, which can help to reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

  4. Gait training: Your physical therapist may teach you how to walk in a way that places less stress on your knee and helps to reduce pain.

  5. Manual therapy: This may include techniques such as massage or joint mobilization to help improve mobility and reduce pain.

  6. Modalities for pain as needed

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It's important to work with a physical therapist who is experienced in treating ACL repairs and who can tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.

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