How long after acl surgery do you start physical therapy

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Post-Op ACL Exercises (Level 1)
How soon should you start physical therapy after ACL surgery?
How many times a week should I do PT after ACL surgery?
What happens if you don't do PT after ACL surgery?
What happens at 3 weeks after ACL surgery?

Post-Op ACL Exercises (Level 1)

1. LONG SITTING TOWEL CALF STRETCH

Sit up with good posture and place towel on the bottom of your foot, while holding on to the ends.

Now pull the towel across the foot, so that your toes are being pulled towards you. Repeat for 2 sets for 30 seconds.

2. SUPINE HAMSTRING STRETCH

Sit up and place towel over your foot, while holding on to the towel with both hands.

Lie down on your back and bring your leg up until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Hold this for 30 seconds. Repeat twice, 30 seconds each time.

3. QUAD SETS

Lie down on your back, place a small towel roll behind your knee.

Tighten the muscles at the front of your leg, and hold 3-5 seconds. Repeat for 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

4. ANKLE PUMPS

Lie on your back, or sit in a chair.

Life your ankles and toes up, then point them down. Repeat this for 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

5. HEEL SLIDES

Sit down with a towel over your foot.

Slide your foot back by pulling the towel with your arms, bend your knee as far as you can. Hold it bent for 3-5 seconds. Continue to bend and straighten your knee for 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

6. PRONE HIP EXTENSION

Lie on your stomach with your head on a pillow.

On your stomach, lift your leg up with your knee completely straight.
Continue this for 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

How soon should you start physical therapy after ACL surgery?

In most cases, ACL surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be permitted to go home the day of surgery. For the first two weeks, expect to take it easy. In most cases, you will be allowed to bear weight as tolerated, and to start physical therapy immediately.

How many times a week should I do PT after ACL surgery?

Right after surgery, physical therapy visits may be 2 to 3 times per week, but later, once per week is often sufficient. Home exercises are done on days not scheduled for a formal therapy sessions.

What happens if you don't do PT after ACL surgery?

Decreased blood flow to the area can negatively affect healing at the surgical site. Muscles can weaken and atrophy if they go too long without use. Not learning or relearning proper movement can put stress on the knees.

What happens at 3 weeks after ACL surgery?

After 2 to 3 weeks, you should be able to walk without crutches. As well as specific exercises, activities that do not put much weight on your knee may also be recommended, such as swimming for fitness and cycling.