ACL Surgery Recovery Tips

by Chad
(Connecticut, USA)

Just had my second ACL surgery on my left knee after doing the meniscus and ACL on my right knee 4 years ago. All injuries were indoor soccer related and I'm now 31 years old. I never had any knee problems through all of my years playing a lot of soccer until I was 28. Here are some tips I thought I'd share since I've been there and back again.

1. Get to physical therapy as soon as your doc allows it and take it seriously. I started my second week after surgery and it helps a lot especially with range of motion. I go 3x a week for two hours each day.
2. Do your home exercises every day. Some players I know did not take their rehab seriously and still have problems with the repaired knee.
3. Eat right and drink a lot of water. Painkillers can cause you constipation and other discomfort if you don't be careful.
4. Wear your brace and crutches outside and when traveling stairs or not so sturdy/safe places in your house. Your brace and crutches will help you break or prevent a fall since you can't count on your quads yet.
5. Allow time to heal, be positive, and expect to be able to play at the same level you did before surgery once you wait your 6-7 months. If your surgeon did a good job and you work hard on your rehab, you will most likely be able to perform at the same speed and skill level you did pre-ACL tear (remember Tom Brady just won NFL league MVP two years after his ACL surgery).

Hope this helps.