Whether you need ACL surgery as the result of a sports injury or because of another type of accident, the recovery timeline is similar for most people. A full recovery, including the return to your pre-injury condition, with full range of motion and stability in the knee joint, usually takes six months.1 However, it’s important to understand that recovery timelines may vary.The path to recovery involves several stages, each with recommended activities for helping you heal as quickly as possible and return to normal activity. The more closely you follow your doctor's instructions, the more likely you are to aid the recovery process.
Although full recovery typically takes several months, many people may return to low-impact activities within a month or two after ACL surgery.2
Your body starts healing the day of your surgery, and you can help it by actively participating in your recovery. You will learn strengthening and stretching exercises that may help you regain range of motion in the knee joint and ensure that you return to normal activity as quickly as possible. You may help the healing process in the first few days after ACL surgery with cold and compression therapy.2,3 Cryotherapy helps reduce pain, and swelling (within the first few days),while simultaneous compression may enhance the benefits of cold therapy and helps bring freshly oxygenated blood and vital nutrients to the damaged tissues. Also important for the removal of swelling is elevating the injury above the level of the heart.
You may need crutches for about two weeks following surgery, and you may wear a brace for a month or longer after the crutches are gone. You’ll also need physical therapy in the first few weeks, but can hope to return to light activity—such as walking—within a month or two.5
2. Most healing happens within weeks:
As your ACL surgery recovery progresses, you will learn more exercises and increase the intensity of your physical therapy. You can continue cold and compression therapy through this phase, especially if you continue to experience swelling.5
Although ACL surgery recovery can be challenging, most people make a full recovery and return to normal activity, especially if they remain committed to physical therapy and diligently follow their healthcare provider’s instructions.
If you are interested in adding cold and compression therapy to your ACL surgery recovery, speak with your doctor.