Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

reconstruction exercises
You can start these exercises immediately after your operation. These exercises are to
keep your thigh muscles strong and to improve the movement of your knee. Complete
them at least 3 times a day as the pain allows.

1. Sit on a chair with your feet on the floor. Slide your leg back to
bend your knee as far as you feel comfortable. Keep your foot
in contact with the supporting surface throughout the
movement.
Repeat 10 times

2. Sit up with your operated leg straight out in front. Pull your
toes to point up towards the ceiling and push your knee down
firmly against the bed, so your thigh muscles tighten.
Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times

3. Lie on your back with your operated leg straight and

the other leg bent. Pull your toes to point up towards
the ceiling and lift your operated leg 5cm off the bed.
Only complete this exercise if you have good control
and are able to keep your leg straight throughout the
movement.
Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times

4. The aim of this exercise is to use gravity to assist with fully

straightening your knee. Sit with your operated leg
supported at the ankle. Hold for 10 minutes as pain allows.
Repeat regularly throughout the day.

A video of these exercises is available at:

www.derbyhospitals.nhs.uk/about/depts/physiotherapy/group-rehabilitation/knee-ligament-surgery/
General advice following your operation

Swelling
After your operation, it is normal to experience knee, foot and ankle swelling.
When resting, keep your leg elevated so your foot is higher than your hip/heart to help
reduce swelling.
Ice and cool packs can be used to help manage swelling. If using ice, wrap it in a towel and
only apply it for up to 20 minutes at a time. Make sure you monitor your skin while the ice is
in place to see if there are any adverse effects.

Movement and positioning

In the first week, keep walking to a minimum using the crutches.
Alternate periods of walking with periods of rest with elevation and gradually build up as
your pain allows.
Avoid a position where the foot of your operated leg is off the floor and the operated knee
is bent. If you need to lift your leg from the supporting surface, your knee should be held
straight.

Pain relief
Use your pain relief as prescribed. Your pain needs to be well managed in order to get the
maximum benefit from your rehabilitation. This will enable you to do your exercises
properly, so that your knee does not stiffen up.
It is better to do short, frequent exercises, rather than long sessions that may make your
knee uncomfortable.

Outpatient appointment
You will be referred to an outpatient therapy department and seen by a physiotherapist
within 2 weeks of your operation.
The advice and exercises you are asked to follow will support your rehabilitation and help
you to achieve the best level of recovery.
If you have not received an appointment within the first 2 weeks, please contact us.

If you have any queries, or require further information,

please contact the Trauma and Orthopaedic Therapy Office on 01332 787642.

P2117/1785/12.2016/VERSION1
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