The blog post you're reading was initially written on June 24, 2019, and has been updated since then. If you're preparing for ACL surgery, you might be asking yourself, "How long will I be out of my usual routine?" While this is a crucial question, ACL surgery recovery involves much more than just getting back on your feet. Even after you're able to walk without crutches or other aids, your body is still healing, and the recovery process continues. For most people, it takes between 2 and 9 months to fully recover from ACL surgery. A 2016 study of 80 amateur athletes found that, on average, athletes returned to their sport after eight months.
Your doctor can offer personalized recommendations based on your unique situation, but the following timeline and rehabilitation tips may help you recover as quickly and safely as possible from ACL surgery.
### ACL Surgery Recovery Timeline
While everyone's journey is different, you can expect the following general timeline for ACL surgery recovery:
#### The First 2 Weeks After Surgery
This is a critical phase in the recovery process because it’s when your body is most vulnerable. Even though the surgery is minor compared to other types of operations, it still represents trauma to your tissues, prompting an inflammatory response. Immediately after surgery, you might experience pain, swelling, and fluid buildup around the knee joint.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, it’s essential to start moving your muscles within a few hours of surgery. These will be passive movements, like gently bending and extending the knee joint. Your doctor will likely advise you not to put weight on your knee right away, and you might need to use crutches or other walking aids for 10 days or more. Above all, follow your surgeon’s instructions and avoid rushing the process. You don't want to risk re-injuring your knee.
**Rehabilitation Tips to Try:**
- Elevate the leg above the level of your heart and apply therapeutic cold every two hours.
- Place the leg over the edge of a bed or chair to promote knee flexion.
- Use a prop under the heel when the leg is straightened for knee extension.
#### 2-6 Weeks After Surgery
By this point, you might be able to bear some weight on the recovering knee, but your activities will still be limited as your tissues continue to heal. Depending on the kind of car you drive, your medication regimen, and which leg is injured, you might be able to resume driving.
You’ll likely be referred to a physical therapist who will guide you through exercises designed to help you regain full range of motion. Since your knee remains vulnerable, you may need to wear a protective brace when not exercising to shield it from undue stress.
**Rehabilitation Tips to Try:**
- Perform walking exercises in 15-20 minute intervals.
- Engage in leg-strengthening exercises like squats, leg presses, and hamstring curls if recommended by your physical therapist.
- Incorporate stationary cycling or elliptical training into your routine.
#### 6 Weeks to 3 Months After Surgery
As healing progresses and your knee becomes stronger, you may be permitted to engage in more low-impact activities. By the end of this period, you might be able to start light jogging if your physical therapist approves. Always consult with your healthcare team before starting any new exercise or resuming old ones. Some experts suggest avoiding running or swimming for at least five months post-surgery.
**Rehabilitation Tips to Try:**
- Practice lateral (side-to-side) exercises like lunges and side steps.
- Experiment with flutter-style swimming strokes.
- Avoid twisting or pivoting motions.
- Continue strength exercises and incorporate sport-specific training.
#### 3-6 Months After Surgery
You might feel eager to return to your sport or daily activities. If you're getting back into sports, your physical therapist may recommend sport-specific activities to help you prepare. They might also demonstrate exercises to perform even after you've healed, which can help protect the ACL and prevent future injuries. Continue wearing a knee brace if advised by your healthcare team.
**Rehabilitation Tips to Try:**
- Gradually reintroduce running activities.
- Add jumping and agility drills.
- Work towards single-leg plyometric exercises.
Assuming your tissues have fully healed, you should be able to return to athletic activity after six months. Some doctors recommend wearing a supportive brace for 1-2 years after ACL surgery.
### Additional Helpful ACL Surgery Recovery Tips
Being proactive in your recovery can speed up the healing process, reduce pain, and help you return to your previous activity level as swiftly as possible.
#### Be Patient During Physical Therapy
It’s tempting, particularly for athletes, to push themselves hard during physical therapy. While it’s vital to perform the recommended strengthening and stretching exercises, overdoing it can hinder progress. Stick to your physical therapist’s advice regarding appropriate exercises and limits. If you believe you can do more, consult your physical therapist before attempting additional exercises.
#### Use Cold Therapy to Manage Inflammation
Pain and swelling peak in the first week after ACL surgery. Applying cold therapy during this time is especially important to reduce swelling and manage pain naturally. Adding active compression with a cold and compression therapy device can further reduce swelling by helping your body pump away excess fluid and allowing the cold to penetrate deeper for a prolonged therapeutic effect. The clinically proven Game Ready System combines cold and compression therapies to help alleviate pain and swelling, outperforming traditional rest, ice, compression, and elevation methods.
If you're about to undergo ACL surgery, ask your doctor about using cold and compression therapy for your recovery.
### References:
1. ACL Surgery Recovery: What to Expect Before and After Reconstruction. UPMC HealthBeat. https://share.upmc.com/2015/04/recovery-time-for-acl-reconstruction-surgery/. Published December 15, 2021.
2. Notarnicola A, Maccagnano G, Barletta F, et al. Returning to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Amateur Sports Men: A Retrospective Study. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal. 2016. doi:10.11138/mltj/2016.6.4.486.
3. Recovery & Follow Up. Emory Healthcare. https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/centers-programs/acl-program/recovery/rehab-timeline.html. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
4. After ACL Surgery. UCSF Health. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/after-acl-surgery. Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.
5. Murgier J, Cailliez J, Wargny M et al. Cryotherapy with Dynamic Intermittent Compression Improves Recovery from Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty, 2017;32(9):2788-2791.
Special Welding Machine For Concrete Reinforcement
Special Welding Machine For Concrete Reinforcement,Steel Truss Girders Welding Machine,Steel Truss Girders Welding Machines,Steel Truss Girders Welding Line
Jiaoyang Welding Industries Hebei Co., Ltd , https://www.jiaoyangmachine.com