Question - ACL (full motion return)

by Elise
(Indiana)

I am 22 years old and had ACL surgery on october 13 of 2008...i have full extension but dont have full bend back...how long does this generally take for the full ROM to be reached
thanks!

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Question - ACL (full motion return)

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Jan 22, 2009
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full flexion after ACL
by: Bart - SII

Most of the time, full flexion can take several months to return - it really depends on a lot of different things. It is important to continue to work on the motion, especially if you are lacking more than just a few degrees at the very end. Stretching and exercises that utilize full bend can help.

It can take up to a year or longer to get it all the way back to normal, but most people are able to get enough flexion that they don't have any problems unless they are at the very end range.

Bart

Sep 07, 2009
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My experienc
by: Matt

I depends on how hard you work it and if you are a fast healer.
I tore my ACL 3 months ago and got full range of motion after 3 weeks, walking after 2, running after 6, and i just got cleared to play football. I recovered freakishly fast, i think alot of it has to do with your pain tolerance. I have some insane pain tolerance and was able to come back very soon because i worked it so hard.

I basically had a best case scenario, but i dedicated my entire summer ( i mean i was doing exercises every minute of the day)

Also if your not already going, head to physical therapy it helps alot having someone else stretch you because your muscles are so weak.

By the way since you are talking about flexion, it is no big deal, that is the easiest to get, you gain it by walking around. DONT LOSE YOUR EXTENSION. this is the most important part. My extension was at 40 degress and Flexion was at 100 at my first PT so much harder to straighten. Advice: focus less on flexion and more on keeping your extension and strengthening your quads(most important muscle in recovery) because flexion will come very quickly even if you just moderately work at it.