Dos and don’ts after ACL Surgery: An Expert Guide

What can I do to maximise my recovery?

To maximise your recovery following ACL reconstruction surgery, you should:

• Consult a physiotherapist for prehabilitation exercises soon after injuring your ACL, before surgery
• Continue to exercise using a cross trainer or stationary bike as part of your prehabilitation
• Practise using crutches correctly in preparation for surgery
• Eat a healthy diet, avoid excessive use of alcohol and seek help to quit smoking if necessary
• Make an appointment to see your physiotherapist within a week of surgery
• Make use of cold therapy machines if available
• Use crutches for as long as you feel it’s necessary, bearing weight on your leg as it feels comfortable
• Keep your wound covered for two weeks, aiming to keep it as dry as possible
• Keep your leg raised as much as possible by putting pillows under your heel whilst at rest and in bed
• Always follow the advice of your physiotherapist, surgeon and nursing team
• Always use your own comfort and common sense as a guide

What should I avoid whilst I’m recovering from surgery?

It’s important to appreciate that your recovery is a staged process that can take up to 12 months before you can pivot and move your knee normally.

During this time you shouldn’t:

• Avoid therapy
• Take part in any activity that isn’t part of your rehabilitation programme
• Allow your knee to become stiff through immobility
• Take part in activities where your knee feels unstable

Crucially, Mr Webb advises avoiding thinking that you’ll be fine to get back to your normal activities sooner than advised – you’ll be more likely to re-injure your knee and suffer setbacks in your recovery.

When should I speak to my doctor?

If during your recovery you begin to develop any of the following symptoms, they could be a warning sign that your healing isn’t going to plan. You should therefore make an appointment to see your surgeon as soon as possible.

• New or increased swelling in your knee
• A reduction in your freedom or range of movement
• Warmth, redness or increased pain at the surgical site or yellow/green fluid forming in your wounds (these could be signs of an infection)
• Recurrent instability in your knee joint

More information

• If you have knee pain and think you may have damaged your ACL, speak to your GP or consultant. (Don’t have a GP?)
• Mr Mark Webb is an expert in sports injuries and ACL reconstruction and is part of the King Edward VII’s Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery department, a world-renowned centre of excellence staffed by dedicated doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. Make an enquiry.
• Read Mr Webb’s guide to ACL reconstruction surgery. 
• Read a patient story of an ACL reconstruction at the King Edward VII’s Hospital.