Stage 1 ACL Rehab

What to Expect

Okay. So, you just had your surgery. And we’re going to call this immediate stage after your surgery Stage 1. In the medical world, we call this the acute stage. “Acute” meaning “ having a sudden onset, sharp rise, and short course.” This stage is short and might require a close medical attention to make sure your wounds heal appropriately.

You can expect to have bandages and to be on crutches. Usually the instructions are to weight-bear through your leg, so put pressure through your leg, as you’re able.

As far as the bandages, we’re looking for signs of any drainage. Your therapist or your nurse at the follow-up appointment will check to make sure there isn’t any yellow, green, or smelly substance coming out because those could be signs infection. However, a little fresh red-colored, maybe clear liquid is all normal to see in a bandage, so don’t worry about that.

One of the first goals for PT is to get the knee straight. We call that zero degrees of extension, which is the same as getting the knee completely straight.

It is also very important to get the swelling down in the first seven days. First, elevate the leg. True elevation means that you’re lying flat and your leg is well above your heart. Sitting on a couch or a chair with your leg propped up won’t be enough to manage the swelling effectively.

Second, use ice. Third, use compression. You can compress by wearing a knee sleeve or by using and ACE wrap in a spiral upward pattern. Check out this resource for the best knee wrapping technique.

ACL Stage 1 Rehab Exercises

Summary

Now let’s go over a few basic exercises that appropriate for this stage. So, it’s not uncommon for the knee to have a slight bend when you take your bandages off. It may be uncomfortable to get the knee completely straight, but that’s incredibly important in this first stage of rehab.

(please watch the video for instructions and tips for performing the exercises!)

• Exercise 1: the quad set
• Exercise 2: the heel slide

Great, we just went over a few basic things to expect from Stage 1. When you are ready check out the next stage of ACL Rehab, Stage 2.

I hope you found this helpful. Thank you for your time.