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ACL Reconstruction Rehab - 7 Week Plan

Generated by MMSx Authority Team

Overview: ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction is a surgical procedure to repair a torn ligament in the knee. The rehabilitation process is critical for a successful recovery and a safe return to sport. Pain during this time is common and can be caused by the surgery itself, swelling, or the body's reaction to new stress on the joint. This 7-week plan follows the NEEBAL framework (Neutral → Elasticity → Endurance → Balance → Activation → Load) to systematically address the issue by managing pain, restoring a pain-free range of motion, building foundational strength, and safely re-educating the movement patterns for a return to activity. This plan is designed to be a guide, but all movements should be pain-free and approved by a medical professional or physical therapist. A professional's guidance is paramount for this type of recovery.

Pain Profile (10 Parameters)

Technical Name: Post-operative ACL Rehabilitation
Layman's Description: Pain, swelling, and stiffness after ACL surgery.
Common Triggers: Weight-bearing, attempting to fully straighten or bend the knee, and a sudden increase in activity.
Movement Pattern Involved: Knee extension and flexion, squatting, and single-leg stability.
Region / Body Part: The entire knee joint, particularly the surgical site and surrounding musculature.
Pain Type: Dull ache, sharp pain with specific movements, and a general feeling of soreness or stiffness.
Severity / Stage Tags: Acute (post-op), sub-acute (early rehab), and chronic (long-term recovery).
Suggested Drill Focus: Pain-free range of motion exercises, non-weight-bearing exercises, isometric holds, and gait re-education.
Red Flags: Severe, unmanageable pain, excessive swelling, fever, or signs of infection.

Warm-Up (5–7 mins)

Light Cardio (2 min): Gentle walking or stationary cycling to increase blood flow to the joint.
Supine Pelvic Tilts (2 min): Lie on your back. Gently rock your pelvis forward and back to gently mobilize the spine and pelvis.
Supine Hip Circles (1 min each leg): Lie on your back. Gently move your hip in a small circle, both clockwise and counterclockwise.
Glute Bridges (10 reps): A gentle activation to wake up the glutes, which are crucial for hip stability.

Weeks 1–2 — Pain & Swelling Management & Gentle Activation (Daily)

Goal: Reduce swelling and pain, restore range of motion (especially full extension), and activate the quadriceps. This phase is non-weight-bearing unless cleared by a medical professional.

#	Exercise	Instructions	Key Cues
1	Quad Sets (Isometric)	Sit or lie with your leg straight. Press the back of your knee into the floor and squeeze the thigh muscle. Hold for 5-10 seconds. 10 reps x 3 sets.	Focus on feeling the muscle contract. This is a pain-free way to activate the quads without joint movement.
2	Passive Knee Extension	Lie on your back with a rolled-up towel under your ankle. Allow gravity to gently straighten the knee. Hold for 5-10 minutes, several times per day.	The goal is a pain-free, passive stretch. Do not push through any sharp pain.
3	Heel Slides	Lie on your back and slowly slide your heel towards your buttock, bending your knee as far as comfortable. Then slowly slide it back. 10-15 reps x 3 sets.	Keep the movement slow and controlled. Do not force past the point of pain or tightness.
4	Straight Leg Raises	Lie on your back. With the knee straight and quad engaged, slowly lift the leg about 6-12 inches off the floor, then lower it with control. 10-15 reps x 3 sets.	This exercise builds quad control. Keep your knee locked out and avoid lifting the leg with your hip flexors.

Cooldown (5–7 mins)

Diaphragmatic Breathing (2 mins): Lie on your back. Focus on slow, deep belly breaths to promote relaxation.
Gentle Hamstring Stretch (1 min each side): Lie on your back and gently pull one knee toward your chest with a towel or band around the foot to gently stretch the hamstring.
Gentle Quad Stretch (1 min each side): Standing, hold onto a chair for balance. Gently pull your ankle towards your buttock.
Self-Assessment (1 min): Briefly assess current discomfort and overall feeling of relaxation. Note any changes.

Written/Suggested by MMSx certified Professionals (MMSx Authority) — NEEBAL framework applied.

Disclaimer: This rehabilitation program is educational and follows evidence-based principles. **This program is designed for the rehabilitation stage and should only be initiated with direct approval from your medical professional. Individuals with persistent pain, numbness, or tingling should be immediately assessed and cleared by a medical professional.** Stop any exercise that causes increased pain, a grinding sensation, or other concerning symptoms. This is not medical advice. MMSx Authority, TrainersEye, and affiliates disclaim liability for injuries or adverse outcomes.