Post-Op ACL Rehab: Daily Milestones & Red Flags

Your Guide to a Successful Recovery with NGP Physiotherapy, Greenwood

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a major setback for athletes and active individuals — but with the right post-operative rehabilitation plan, you can return to your sport or daily life stronger than ever. At NGP Physiotherapy in Greenwood, we guide patients through every phase of recovery, using evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique needs.

Whether you’ve just had ACL reconstruction or are preparing for it, here’s what to expect — and what to watch out for.

 

Week-by-Week ACL Rehab Milestones

📅 Week 1–2: Control Pain & Swelling

 

• • Goals: Reduce swelling, begin gentle mobility

• • Typical Interventions:
    

     

    • • Ice and compression
    • • Gentle heel slides and quad sets
    • • Use of crutches and knee brace (as advised by your surgeon)

🚩 Red flag: If swelling increases after 1 week or you develop calf pain – contact your physio or surgeon immediately.

 

📅 Week 3–6: Regain Range & Muscle Activation

 

• • Goals: Restore full knee extension, improve quadriceps strength

• • Typical Interventions:
    

     

    • • Stationary cycling (no resistance)
    • • Mini squats and straight leg raises
    • • Balance and proprioception drills

✅ Tip from NGP: Avoid aggressive stretching – controlled movement gives better long-term outcomes.

 

📅 Week 7–12: Build Strength & Coordination

 

• • Goals: Return to normal walking, increase functional strength

• • Exercises May Include:
    

     

    • • Step-ups, lunges, resistance band work
    • • Begin light gym exercises under supervision
    • • Core and hip strengthening to prevent compensation
        
        

📅 3–6 Months: Sport-Specific Training

 

• • Goals: High-level strength, agility, and confidence

• • Activities May Include:
    

     

    • • Plyometric drills (jumping, hopping)
    • • Ladder drills and agility cones
    • • Progression to running and directional movement

🚩 Red flag: Feeling unstable or sharp pain while running – stop and consult your physiotherapist.

 

Why Choose NGP for ACL Rehab?

At NGP Physiotherapy Greenwood, we provide:

 

• • Expert-led care from experienced and PhD-qualified physiotherapist

• • Evidence-based protocols tailored to your surgery type and recovery speed

• • NDIS support and in-home rehab options if needed

• • Progress tracking to help you safely return to sport or work

“Rehab isn’t just about healing the knee — it’s about rebuilding your movement confidence.” – Dr. Robert Vander Kraats, NGP Founder & Physiotherapist

 

When to Seek Help Early

Don’t wait to address these symptoms:

 

• • Swelling that won’t resolve

• • Pain that worsens with rehab

• • Locking or catching of the joint

• • Difficulty walking unaided after Week 4
    
    

Ready to Start Rehab the Right Way?

Book your first post-op consultation with NGP Physiotherapy today.

📍 Located in Greenwood WA
☎️ Call (08) 9448 2994 or Book Online