Fitness
Post-Operative ACL Protocol
A post-operative ACL protocol stages brace use, loading, and exercises after reconstruction—protecting the graft while restoring motion and quad control.
A post-operative ACL protocol is the surgeon and physical therapist’s staged plan—brace rules, weight-bearing limits, exercise order, and clearance milestones—after reconstruction. It balances protecting the graft while avoiding stiffness and quadriceps shutdown.
Home exercises like quad sets, heel slides, and terminal knee extension often start within days when cleared. Deviating from protocol without clinician approval risks graft strain or prolonged extension loss.
Common questions
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Can you skip ahead in an ACL post-op protocol?
Only with clinician clearance. Rushing open-chain loading, running, or jumping before strength and ROM criteria raises re-injury and stiffness risk.
Related terms
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