Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
The ACL: Your Knee's Primary Stabiliser
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the primary restraint to anterior tibial translation and rotational instability of the knee. ACL tears occur most commonly in cutting and pivoting sports — football, cricket, basketball, badminton — and are one of the most devastating sports injuries due to the long rehabilitation timeline and risk of re-injury.
ACL Reconstruction vs. Conservative Management
Not all ACL tears require surgery. Conservative (non-surgical) management is appropriate for: low-demand individuals, older patients, and some partial tears. Surgery (ACL reconstruction) is generally recommended for: young athletes wishing to return to cutting/pivoting sports, and patients with associated meniscal or ligament injuries. Both pathways require comprehensive physiotherapy rehabilitation.
The Rehabilitation Phases
Phase 1: Acute (Weeks 0-2)
Goals: reduce swelling and pain, restore full extension, achieve straight-leg raise without extension lag. Interventions: ice, compression, elevation, quadriceps activation, range of motion exercises.
Phase 2: Early Strengthening (Weeks 2-6)
Goals: restore full range of motion, begin progressive strengthening. Interventions: closed-chain quadriceps exercises (mini-squats, leg press), hamstring strengthening, calf and hip strengthening, stationary cycling.
Phase 3: Neuromuscular Control (Weeks 6-12)
Goals: restore single-leg strength and balance. Interventions: single-leg exercises, balance training, proprioception work, pool running if available.
Phase 4: Running and Agility (Months 3-5)
Goals: restore running mechanics and begin sport-specific conditioning. Interventions: progressive return to running programme, lateral movements, change of direction drills at controlled speed.
Phase 5: Sport-Specific Training (Months 5-9)
Goals: return to full training. Objective criteria include: limb symmetry index >90% on strength testing, hop tests >90% symmetry, satisfactory psychological readiness (ACL-RSI score). We use objective testing — not just time — to determine readiness.
ACL Rehabilitation in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, our ACL rehabilitation programme is designed for full recovery. Start your recovery today.