Post-Surgical Knee Rehabilitation
A progressive post-operative programme guided a keen runner back to full training following ACL reconstruction surgery.
After ACL reconstruction the patient had limited knee flexion, quadriceps weakness and swelling. She was anxious about re-injury and keen to return to running and recreational football.
We followed an evidence-based post-surgical pathway: range-of-motion work, progressive loading, proprioception and neuromuscular control drills, then graded return-to-running and sport-specific plyometrics.
Full range of motion was restored by week 6. Strength symmetry improved through progressive loading, and a graded running programme began at week 10 once strength criteria were met.
The patient completed a full return-to-sport progression, achieved over 90% limb symmetry on testing, and returned to running and football pain-free.
| Measure | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Knee flexion | 85° | 140° |
| Quad strength (LSI) | 55% | 92% |
| Single-leg hop | Unable | Symmetrical |
