I’m not an athlete, but I like to bike, hike, and swim on a regular basis. Recently I tore my ACL in a rock climbing accident. After an ACL repair, I’m now in physical therapy. I’m concerned about one thing. The therapist doesn’t have me strengthen the knee through the full motion I’m going to need for my recreational activities. How am I going to get my full strength back with this kind of program?

Don’t despair! If you are in the early stages of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehab, full motion and full strength is on its way. But the healing tissue must be protected until it has its full strength. Then you can put the knee through its paces by doing exercises that stress the ACL repair.

And there’s more good news. A recent study from Boston University showed that knee strengthening through a partial range of motion increased strength outside the target motion. In fact, it didn’t seem to matter what direction or speed the exercises were done in. Everyone in four different exercise groups got better!

In any case, make sure your therapist knows your goals and plans so that the rehab program can be geared toward your future activities.