Arthroscopic ACL Rehabilitation

The primary purpose of ACL rehabilitation is to restore knee function and stability while preparing the patient to return to daily activities or sports with confidence. The specific goals include:

• Reducing post-surgical pain and swelling.
• Restoring knee mobility and flexibility.
• Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and supporting muscles.
• Improving balance, coordination, and joint stability.
• Preventing re-injury by retraining safe movement patterns.

1. Immediate Post-Operative Phase (Weeks 0–2)

This stage begins within days of surgery. The focus is on protecting the new graft and controlling discomfort. Patients are advised to use ice packs, compression bandages, and leg elevation to manage swelling. Crutches and a knee brace may be required to support mobility. Gentle exercises such as ankle pumps, heel slides, and quadriceps tightening are introduced under a physiotherapist’s guidance to maintain circulation and prevent stiffness.

2. Early Rehabilitation Phase (Weeks 2–6)

Once the knee begins healing, the emphasis shifts to regaining range of motion and initiating controlled weight-bearing. Exercises like straight-leg raises, and step-ups help rebuild muscle strength. Stationary cycling at low resistance may also be included to encourage movement without overloading the joint. This stage is crucial to prevent muscle atrophy and improve mobility.

3. Intermediate Phase (Weeks 6–12)

During this period, patients progress to more challenging workouts aimed at enhancing balance, stability, and strength. Closed-chain exercises such as lunges and leg presses are commonly used. Proprioception and balance training on foam pads or wobble boards help retrain the knee’s stability. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises like cycling, elliptical workouts, or swimming are encouraged to build endurance.

4. Advanced Strengthening Phase (Months 3–6)

At this stage, patients work on regaining agility, speed, and functional strength. Plyometric drills, single-leg exercises, and sport-specific activities are gradually introduced. Agility training—such as ladder drills, cone runs, and directional changes—prepares athletes for dynamic movements while ensuring joint safety.

5. Return-to-Sport Phase (Months 6–9+)

The final stage focuses on restoring full performance levels. Patients undergo sport-specific training that includes sprinting, cutting, and pivoting movements. Functional assessments ensure the operated leg matches the strength and stability of the non-injured side. Only after passing these evaluations are patients cleared for competitive sports or high-demand physical activity.

Even though arthroscopy is less invasive, recovery still requires patience and consistency. Professional physiotherapy in Chennai ensures that rehabilitation progresses safely without rushing into advanced exercises. Skipping therapy or returning to activity too soon increases the risk of complications or reinjury.

Arthroscopic ACL rehabilitation in Chennai by Dr.Vijay Sohanlal provides patients with a systematic pathway to restore knee strength, flexibility, and stability. With expert guidance, dedication, and time, most individuals recover effectively after arthroscopic ACL rehabilitation surgery in Chennai and can return to their normal lifestyle—and even competitive sports—within 6 to 9 months.

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