Postoperative rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

After ACL reconstruction surgery, it depends on the specific stage of recovery to determine the method of rehabilitation, including ankle pump exercises, straight leg raises, lateral leg raises, semi-squats against a wall, and stride exercises. 1. Within 2 weeks after surgery: The purpose of rehabilitation is to reduce pain, oozing and swelling. (1) Ankle pumping exercises: lie flat and straighten your legs, do toe hooking and toe tensing movements, repeatedly, more often, and maintain each movement for 5 seconds to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots. (2) Straight leg raising: lie flat, straighten your legs and lift them about 30 degrees away from the bed, 10 times per group, 3 groups per day. (3) Lateral leg raising: lie down on the side with straight legs raised at 30 degrees from the bed surface, alternately, 10 times per group, 3 groups per day. 2. 2-6 weeks after surgery: the purpose of rehabilitation is to gradually restore joint movement. The same training methods as in the first stage can be adopted, and the training intensity can be gradually increased as tolerated. 3. 6-12 weeks after surgery: the purpose of rehabilitation is to restore normal walking and normal knee joint activities, and to increase the muscle strength of the lower limbs. (1) Semi-squatting against the wall: stand with your back against the wall with your feet apart, slowly squat down, pay attention to the knee not to exceed the toes, and the angle of the legs can be bigger, squat until you can’t continue and then get up, 3 times a day. (2) Hurdle exercises: including front hurdles, side hurdles, etc., so that the affected limb to the front or side step, transfer the center of gravity to maintain balance, 30 times per group, 3 groups per day. Rehabilitation training can be carried out after ACL reconstruction. Suitable training methods can be adopted according to the stage of rehabilitation, and it should be done according to the strength and not in a hurry.