ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Program

The GLSM ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Program is an evidence-based and soft tissue healing dependent
program which allows patients to progress to vocational and sports-related activities as quickly and safely as
possible. Individual variations will occur depending on surgical details and patient response to treatment. Not all
patients will use a post-op brace. If a meniscus repair is performed in conjunction with the ACL repair, follow the
meniscus repair program for weeks 0-3. Contact us at 1-800-362-9567 ext. 58600 if you have questions or concerns.

Phase I: 0-6 weeks Phase II: 6-12 weeks Phase III: 12 weeks+
Brace: 0-1wks: 0-90. 1+wks Brace: As needed Brace: Functional brace for
Full ROM 4-6 wks D/C brace certain activities
if given
ROM: Emphasis on ext initially 0- ROM: 6+wks Full ROM: Full
2 wks 0-90 2-3 wks 0-110 3-4
wks 0-120 6+wks Full ROM
WB: 0-1 + wks WBAT using WB: No restrictions WB: No restrictions
crutches with brace locked at 0 1-
3 wks D/C crutches when full ext
ROM, good quad control
Modalities: Cryotherapy 4x/day Modalities: Cryotherapy Modalities: Cryotherapy
IFC for pain/effusion NMES IFC for pain/effusion NMES
quads / hams quads /hams
RX: Recommendations: RX: Recommendations: RX: Recommendations:
If hams graft, no hams curls. Wk 5 Sapega-McClure technique if Begin terminal extension OKC if
start isometrics, wk 6 isotonics needed (see previous) KT <3mm and no PF chondrosis
Sapega-McClure technique: 1. Pat mobs/ Scar tissue massage Bike with resistance Elliptical
Active Warm-up: Bike ROM 2. Prone hang Knee ext / flexion Runner, Stairmaster Flexibility
Heat in stretch: Prone hang stretches Flexibility exercises exercises Total Leg
1stTERT=Total End Range Time 3. Bike with resistance Elliptical Strengthening Hip strengthening
Mobilizations / ROM: Pat mobs Runner / Stairmaster Biofeedback Heel raises CKC exercises- leg
/Scar tissue massage Knee ext / Total Leg Strengthening Hip press, step-ups, lunges, squats
flex stretches 4. Therapeutic strengthening Heel raises Isotonic Quads / Hams 0-90
exercises: Flexibility exercises Hamstrings isotonics 0-90 Isokinetic Quads/Hams Balance/
Biofeedback QS, SLR Hip 4 way Quadriceps isotonics 30-90 CKC Proprioception Perturbation
SLR M<l quads/hams 30, 60, 90 exercises - leg press, step- training Core stability, CV
Hamstring curls 0-90 4 wks OKC ups/downs, squats, heel raises, conditioning
knee ext 30- 90 CKC exercises - lunges to 90 knee flex Balance/ 12 wks Impact activities if 75%
heel raises, 2 wks leg press, step- Proprioception Perturbation strength: Running, Plyometrics,
ups, step-downs, mini-squats 3 training 16 wks Sport specific exercises
wks partial lunges front and 8 wks Sub-max impact activities,
lateral, lateral step-overs 4 wks Isokinetic knee ext/flex 30-90
Elliptical Runner 5 wks Core stability, CV conditioning
Stairmaster, Euroglide Balance/ 8-10 wks Progress to independent
Proprioception Perturbation strengthening program with Testing: 8 wks Linea 12 wks
training Core stability, CV monthly rechecks if good ROM Linea, Biodex (prox pad) 16 wks
conditioning and muscle control Linea, Biodex (prox pad) 18-24
5. Ice in stretch (2nd TERT) 6. HEP wks Linea, Biodex, FXN tests
for 3rd TERT
Updated 11/03 Return to Work/Sport
No pain or effusion Full ROM
Isokinetic Strength- 90%
Functional Tests - 90% MD
approval Return to Sports 4-6
months
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Accelerated Rehabilitation Following ACL Reconstruction using Ipsilateral Patellar Tendon Graft
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