ACL recovery: home physiotherapy

How physiotherapy helps

Recovery after ACL tear or surgery is a 6–9 month process requiring absolute dedication and specialized physiotherapy. Home physiotherapy is ideal because it ensures consistency and personal attention. The protocol is divided into 5 phases with specific criteria-based goals: (1) postoperative (0–2 weeks) — full extension, swelling reduction, (2) early (2–6 weeks) — walking without aids, active quadriceps activation, (3) strengthening (6–12 weeks) — progressive loading, (4) functional (3–6 months) — plyometric exercises, (5) return to sport (6–9 months) — sport-specific drills. Proper rehabilitation is crucial — premature return to sport increases re-tear risk by 6 times.

Common symptoms

• Postoperative knee pain and swelling
• Sensation of knee instability
• Quadriceps muscle atrophy
• Difficulty with full knee extension
• Fear of returning to sport