ACL Post-Op Reconstruction Exercise Program

Why are post-op ACL exercises important?

This ACL post-operative exercise program will improve movement of the injured knee and help the patient return to the former level of function.

When to begin this exercise?
Surgical patients should begin the exercises immediately after surgery.

Ankle Pumps

  1. Move your ankle up and down.
  2. Perform 30 movements up and down. Perform 3 sets of 30.
  3. Perform 3 times a day.
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Quad Set

  1. Sit up with your legs extended in front of you.
  2. Place a small rolled towel under your affected knee.
  3. Squeeze your muscle for 5 seconds to try to straighten your knee (push into the towel).
  4. Perform 30 times. Perform 3 sets of 30.
  5. Perform 3 times a day.

Straight Leg Raises

  1. Sit up or lie down with the leg straight. Keep your brace on and locked.
  2. Bend your other knee, keeping your foot on the floor.
  3. Lift up your leg with a straight knee.
  4. Perform 10 times. Perform 3 sets of 10.
  5. Perform 3 times a day.
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Heel Slide While Sitting in Chair

  1. Sit in a chair
  2. Use your opposite foot to bend knee with brace on and unlocked.
  3. Move your bent leg back so your foot is flat on the floor.
  4. Perform 30 times. Perform 1 set.
  5. Perform 3 times a day.
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If you have questions or concerns please reach out to your child’s occupational therapist.

This page was last updated on: June 30, 2022 04:39 PM