Three years ago I ruptured my ACL and had surgery to repair it. I was back in action but it took almost nine months to get to my former level of sports activity. Now I've injured my other knee. The surgeon tells me with the new accelerated rehab program, I can shave off three months from recovery time. What's this new program like?
Accelerated rehab following ACL reconstruction may vary from clinic to clinic. There can be differences even from surgeon to surgeon within a single clinic. The general consensus is that patients can start muscle contractions immediately after surgery.
The physical therapist will meet with you and guide you through isometric contractions of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles to start. The program progresses quickly from there.
You'll be instructed in how to walk with crutches while putting some weight on the operated leg. You'll be encouraged to increase weight-bearing as much as possible, and get rid of the crutches as quickly as possible. Some patients use a cane when making the transition from crutches to no crutches.
Bracing is not used in an accelerated rehab program. The focus is on getting full extension by the 14th day after surgery. You'll be able to start jogging after six weeks. Returning to competitive sports is still at least six months away after the surgery. The knee must be stable on testing to participate.
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