Weeks 0-2 :
- TDWB, Brace locked at 0 degrees for ambulation and sleeping
- ROM: 0-90º with emphasis on full extension
- Patella mobilization
- SLR supine with brace locked at 0 degrees, Quad Sets
- Ankle Pumps
- Short crank (90mm) ergometry
Weeks 2-6 :
- Begin WBAT. Unlock Brace for Weight Bearing
- No weight bearing past 90° for ACL with meniscal repair
- D/C crutches when gait is non-antalgic (two weeks with meniscal repair)
- ROM: 0-125 degrees (Maintain full extension)
- Active knee extension to 40 degrees
- Standard (170mm) ergometry (when knee ROM > 115 degrees)
- Leg Press (80-0 degree arc)
- Mini Squats / Weight Shifts
- Proprioception training
- Initiate Step Up program
- Avoid Tibial Rotation until 6 weeks
Weeks 6-14 :
- D/C Brace and wean from crutches
- Progressive Squat program
- Initiate Step Down program
- Leg Press, Lunges
- Isotonic Knee Extensions (90-40 degrees, closed chain preferred)
- Agility exercises (sport cord)
- Versa climber/Nordic Track
- Retrograde treadmill ambulation
Weeks 14-22 :
- Begin forward running (treadmill) program when 8” step down satisfactory
- Continue Strengthening & Flexibility program
- Advance Sports-Specific Agility Drills
- Start Plyometric program
> 22 weeks :
- Advance Plyometric program, Return to Sport (MD Directed)
- **May require Functional Sports Assessment (FSA) 5-6 months post op for clearance to return to sport
Other Knee Rehabilitation Protocols
You will need the Adobe Reader to view and print these documents.