Postoperative Weeks 6-12

Goals: 1. 135 degrees of flexion of the knee

2. Continued strength of quadriceps, hamstrings, and core
3. Introduce treadmill exercises (running)

Expectations: Continue quad sets, straight leg raises, partial squats, toe raises, stationary bike,
elliptical machine, leg curls, and leg presses. See past weeks exercises for examples.

New Exercises
● Begin Proprioception Program
○ Proprioception is the sense of knowing where your body part is in space.
○ Proprioception exercises are designed to improve your proprioception feedback
circle. This feedback circle is essential to understanding where your body part is
in space
○ Repetition of these exercises allows patients to slowly regain their lost
proprioception in their knee

***It is important that patients do not overwork themselves during this 6 week period. Quite
often, patients will re-tear their ACL as they begin to feel stronger during this time.

Patients can also continue to use balance board/tilt board exercises for balance training. In this 6
week period, patients may begin walking slowly on a treadmill under a therapist’s supervision
and, if applicable, may continue their swimming program

Postoperative Weeks 12-20

Goals: 1. Continued strength exercises
2. Introduce agility exercises/drills
3. Introduce jogging and light running

Expectations: Continue strength exercises of quad sets, straight leg raises, partial squats, toe
raises, stationary bike, elliptical machine, leg curls, and leg presses.

Exercises:
● Begin straight jogging, backward jogging, and a light running program

● Can begin functional running program once the jogging program is completed

● Begin agility drills

○ Can perform zig zag drill or cross over drill