Rehab after knee ligament surgery

Be sure to tell your doctor

• Exactly what was done in your knee, since the meniscus is sometimes repaired too
• What your surgeon allowed: putting weight on the leg, a brace
• Pain and swelling in the knee
• What sport you want to return to

How to prepare

• Brace and crutches. If you were given them, bring them to every session.
• Clothing. Shorts or loose trousers, and sports shoes.
• Cold. At home, keep a cold pack ready for your knee after sessions.

What to bring

• Your discharge papers from surgery
• Your brace and crutches
• Shorts and sports shoes
• Water

How it goes

1. In the first weeks, the swelling is reduced and you learn to straighten the knee fully
2. You learn to walk with crutches, then without them
3. The knee is bent a little more each time
4. The thigh and buttock muscles are strengthened
5. You practice balancing on one leg
6. Later come running, jumping, and sport-specific exercises

What you'll feel

• The knee aches and swells after sessions
• Straightening and bending hurt and feel hard at first
• The thigh muscle feels weak at first

Afterwards

• Do your exercises at home every day
• After exercise, use cold and keep your leg raised
• Do not start running or sport before your doctor allows it
• Return to sport only after your knee strength and stability are checked