ACL Reconstruction Exercises: From Early Rehab to Strength and Control

Early exercise goals

Early ACL rehabilitation often focuses on reducing swelling, restoring knee extension, improving flexion, activating the quadriceps and returning towards a normal walking pattern. The exact exercise selection depends on the operation and any additional restrictions.

Building strength

As the knee settles, loading usually progresses through exercises such as squatting patterns, step work, calf strengthening, hamstring work where appropriate and progressively heavier resistance. Strength should be developed through a useful range with good control.

Single-leg control and balance

Single-leg tasks help expose differences in strength, balance and movement strategy. Progressions may include step-downs, split-stance work, single-leg squats, reaching tasks and increasingly dynamic balance challenges.

Power and sport preparation

For people returning to running and sport, later rehabilitation may include jumping, landing, hopping, acceleration, deceleration and change-of-direction drills. These should be earned through adequate strength and control rather than added simply because time has passed.

See the staged programme

Use the ACL Rehabilitation Resource Centre for free information, and view the complete ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Guide for the full exercise pathway and progression framework.

Trusted UK guidance

For general NHS recovery information after ACL surgery, see NHS: Recovering from ACL surgery.