ACL Surgery Rehab Phase Names

Many physiotherapists you talk to over the course of your recovery will refer to the phases of ACL surgery rehab in different names. Here is a quick breakdown of the phases and their names...

Early Rehabilitation Phase 
1-2 weeks - Phase 1
FOCUS - RICE(rest, ice, compression, elevate)

Second Rehabilitation Phase
3-4 weeks - Phase 2
FOCUS - Improve Range of motion

Controlled Ambulation Phase
4-6 weeks - Phase 3
FOCUS - Bend the knee to at least 130 degrees

Protection Phase
6-8 weeks - Phase 4
FOCUS - ACL surgery exercises will be increased in intensity

Light Activity Phase
8-10 weeks - Phase 5
FOCUS - Balance and movement - combining strength, range of motion and balance work together

Functional Activity Release
10+ weeks - Phase 6
FOCUS - Being released by physio and surgeons to return to pre injury activities

Everyone is different and this ACL surgery rehab process is highly dependent on what condition you are before you have surgery and what level of activity you are looking to return to.

Image from Phase 1 of my ACL Surgery Rehab process