Phases of ACL Rehabilitation

Acute Stage (0-2 weeks) - Focus on reducing pain and swelling - Regain range of motion and strength - Use the PEACE AND LOVE principle: Protection, Elevation, Analgesia, Compression, and Load management [1] - Exercises: - Passive knee extension and flexion - Patellar self-mobilizations - Heel props - Prone hang exercise - Static quads/SLR

Pre-Surgical Stage (2-6 weeks) - Focus on strengthening and proprioception - Maintain full extension and improve flexion - Use closed kinetic chain exercises (CKC) and open kinetic chain exercises (OKC) - Exercises: - Strengthening exercises for calf muscle, hamstring, and quadriceps - Proprioception exercises (one-leg standing, balance boards) - Gait training

Post-Surgical Stage (6-12 weeks) - Focus on progressive strengthening and functional exercises - Improve range of motion and proprioception - Exercises: - Progressive strengthening exercises for quadriceps and hamstrings - Functional exercises (squats, lunges, steps) - Proprioception exercises (balance boards, single-leg hops)

Return to Sport Stage (3-6 months) - Focus on advanced strengthening and functional exercises ...