Recovery after ACL reconstruction surgery has evolved significantly over the last 25 years. We have progressed from casting the knee, allowing immediate movement and weight bearing in very short amounts of time. As our understanding of rehabilitation concepts continues to evolve, our focus has shifted to functional exercises and rehabilitation levels that are integral to maximizing the effects of post-ACL reconstruction surgery. We are now seeing professional athletes absolutely dominate their post-operative rehabilitation. Adrian Peterson is now going to return to sports after ACL surgery to tear up the league and win NFL MVP just a few months after ACL reconstruction surgery for the poster boy. Meanwhile, AP is definitely the exception, not the rule, and post-op rehab is a huge factor in determining how well people recover from surgery. While everyone wants to talk about advanced exercises and returning to sports, it is probably infinitely more important to ensure a smooth recovery in the early stages to avoid complications and allow for more advanced exercises down the road. the early stages of ACL recovery, if it doesn’t go well, you will definitely be behind for the duration of your recovery. On this point, I want to talk about the early stages of rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction surgery in 6 keystrokes. It is easy to master these basics and advanced stages.