Anterior cruciate ligament - ACL tear exercises

Key points below

The ACL is a major ligament inside of the knee. If injured, an ACL will need treatment. In some cases, the injury can be treated with physical therapy and follow-up care. In some cases surgery willalso be needed.

What exercises might be needed?

Early therapy is needed, starting the day after surgery. Therapy will focus on motion, building strength and walking.

 1. Hip out/in with knee straight
On your back with brace on: Keep knee straight
and toes/foot toward the ceiling. Bring the affected
leg out to the side and back in to the start position.
Repeat 10 to 20 times per set.
Do 1 to 3 sets per session.
Do 2 to 4 sessions per day.		 Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear exercises 
 2. Sitting hamstring stretch with brace on: Keep
affected leg straight in brace, tuck unaffected foot
near groin. With back straight bend forward at the
waist until a stretch is felt in back of affected thigh.
Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 to 5 times per set.
Do 1 to 3 sets per session.
Do 2 to 4 sessions per day.		  Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear exercises
 3. Knee extension with towel
On your back (no brace): Put a rolled towel under
the affected side ankle. Put a light weight across
the knee. If using a cold pack (bag of frozen
peas/corn, etc), cover the knee with a light cloth
first. Hold for 15 to 20 minutes as tolerated.
Do 2 to 4 sessions per day.		  Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear exercises
 4. Quad set with slight knee flexion (no brace):
Tense muscles on top of affected thigh. Hold for 3
to 5 seconds. Relax. Repeat 10 to 15 times per set.
Do 2 sets per session.
Do 2 to 3 sessions per day.		  Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear exercises
 5. Quadriceps set
On your stomach (no brace): Use toes to support
lower legs. Tighten thigh muscles to straighten
knees. Hold for 5 to 7 seconds. Relax. Repeat 10 to 20 times per set.
Do 1 to 3 sets per session.
Do 2 to 4 sessions per day.		  Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear exercises
 6. Heel Slide
On your back (no brace): Slide the heel of the
affected leg toward the buttocks until a gentle stretch
is felt. Hold for 3 to 5 seconds. Relax and straighten
the leg. Repeat 10 to 20 times per set.
Do 1 to 3 sets per session.
Do 2 to 4 sessions per day.		  Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear exercises
 7. Ice for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours while awake. This can be done by using bag of frozen peas, corn or other vegetables or ice cubes sealed in a plastic bag. Put a towel or pillow case between the ice and the skin. The bags of vegetables can be refrozen many times, but do
not eat them once they have thawed.

 

For other health and wellness information, check out this resource:

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, therapist or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has:

  • Sharp pain during or after exercise.
  • A fever.
  • A significant increase in swelling, redness or drainage.
  • Special health care needs that were not covered by this information.