An ACL injury can be painful, frustrating, and life-disrupting especially if you’re someone who enjoys sports, working out, or just being active. If you’ve had ACL surgery, you’re probably wondering:
- “When will I be able to walk normally again?”
- “Will I ever get back to sports?”
- “What can I do to recover faster?”
The answer lies in physiotherapy — the most important part of your recovery journey.
In this blog, we’ll explain how physiotherapy after ACL surgery works, why it matters, and how you can use it to heal faster, regain strength, and return to your normal life.
What Is ACL and Why Surgery Is Needed?
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the main ligaments in your knee that helps with stability. It connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and prevents the knee from moving too much.
ACL injuries usually happen during sports that involve sudden stops, jumping, or twisting — like football, basketball, or even running.
Sometimes, the ligament is torn completely and surgery becomes necessary to repair or reconstruct it.
But here’s the thing:
Surgery fixes the ligament — but physiotherapy brings your knee back to life.
Why Physiotherapy After ACL Surgery Is So Important?
After ACL surgery, your knee may feel weak, stiff, swollen, or unstable. Without proper rehab, these problems can stay for months — or even get worse.
Physiotherapy helps by:
- Reducing pain and swelling
- Restoring normal movement
- Rebuilding muscle strength
- Improving balance and control
- Preventing further injury
Think of physiotherapy as the second half of the treatment. Without it, the surgery alone won’t give you full results.
Phases of ACL Physiotherapy (And What to Expect)
Let’s break recovery down into simple stages so you know what happens and when.
First 1–2 Weeks: Control Pain and Swelling
The main focus in this early stage is to:
- Reduce swelling using ice and elevation
- Start gentle movements to prevent stiffness
- Begin light muscle activation (especially quads)
- Learn how to walk safely using crutches
What you’ll do in physiotherapy:
- Heel slides
- Ankle pumps
- Straight leg raises
- Ice therapy and gentle massage
This stage sets the foundation. The goal is to protect the knee and slowly prepare it for the next steps.
Weeks 2–6: Regain Motion and Start Strengthening
Now, your knee needs to regain its normal range of motion and start building strength again.
Physiotherapy goals:
- Bend and straighten your knee fully
- Strengthen thigh and hip muscles
- Start putting more weight on the leg
- Improve walking without limping
Common exercises that are done:
- Stationary bike
- Step-ups
- Resistance band exercises
- Balance training
You’ll notice big improvements in this phase if you stay consistent and follow your physio’s advice.
Weeks 6–12: Build Strength and Improve Function
By now, you’re moving much better, and the focus shifts to more intense strength and coordination training.
Physiotherapy goals:
- Rebuild leg muscles fully
- Improve balance and joint control
- Prepare for dynamic movements (like light jogging or squatting)
Exercises in this stage include:
- Squats and lunges
- Single-leg balance
- Leg press machine
- Core stability workouts
This phase is key if you want to return to sports or intense physical activities.
Month 3 and Beyond: Return to Sport or Full Activity
In this final phase, physiotherapy becomes more sports-specific and movement-focused.
Goals:
- Jumping and landing safely
- Sprinting and cutting movements
- Mental confidence in the knee
- Full return to sports (usually after 6–9 months)
Exercises may include:
- Agility drills
- Plyometrics (jump training)
- Sport-specific drills
- High-intensity strengthening
Your physiotherapist will assess when you’re ready to go back to sports — based on strength, balance, and movement quality.
Tips to Speed Up Recovery After ACL Surgery
1. Start physiotherapy as soon as your doctor allows
Early movement reduces complications.
2. Be consistent with your home exercises
Daily practice matters more than just clinic visits.
3. Eat well and stay hydrated
Your body heals faster with the right fuel.
4. Listen to your body
If something hurts abnormally, speak to your physio.
5. Don’t rush the process
Healing takes time. Rushing can cause setbacks.
6. Stay positive and motivated
Recovery isn’t just physical — your mindset plays a big role too.
Conclusion
ACL surgery is just the beginning of your journey. What you do after surgery — especially with physiotherapy — decides how well and how quickly you recover.
At Threads Physio, we’ve helped countless ACL patients regain their strength, confidence, and performance with guided rehab plans tailored to their goals.
Whether you’re a young athlete or someone just looking to walk without pain again — we’re here to walk that journey with you.
Book a consultation today by contacting us on our phone – 9310138022 and let’s start building your comeback.