When Can I Start Running After ACL Reconstruction?

This article provides general physiotherapy information for people recovering from surgery. Follow the advice of your own surgeon and rehabilitation team where it differs from general guidance.

Running should be earned through rehabilitation milestones

Time after surgery matters, but it is not enough on its own. Before running, clinicians commonly consider swelling, knee movement, strength, control during single-leg tasks and how the knee responds to loading.

Strength deficits matter

The quadriceps often remains weaker for longer than people expect after ACL reconstruction. Returning to running while significant weakness or poor control remains can overload the knee and reinforce poor movement strategies.

Start with a graded return

When cleared to run, begin with controlled intervals and increase volume gradually. Running is a rehabilitation stage, not the final stage before sport.

A structured rehabilitation programme can make progression clearer

Recovery involves more than one exercise or milestone. The full physiotherapist-written rehabilitation eGuide brings the stages, exercises, progressions and practical recovery guidance together in one structured programme.

View the complete £24.99 ACL reconstruction rehabilitation guide

Explore the complete recovery pathway

See the ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Resource Centre for related exercises, recovery questions and stage-by-stage rehabilitation information.

Related ACL Reconstruction resources

Explore the complete ACL Reconstruction rehabilitation hub for related articles, recovery questions and stage-by-stage guidance.

For a structured physiotherapist-written programme with exercise progressions and demonstration-video links, view the ACL Reconstruction rehabilitation eGuide.