Post-Surgical Rehab
ACL reconstruction rehab is a 9–12 month process. We follow phased criteria-based progression — you advance when you hit objective milestones, not just calendar dates. Most patients return to sport between months 9 and 12 with formal return-to-sport testing before clearance.
Weeks 0–4
Full passive extension, flexion to 120°+, swelling control, quad activation, normalized gait without crutches
Weeks 4–12
Quad and hamstring strengthening, single-leg work, light jogging if criteria met
Months 3–6
Plyometric progression, change of direction, sport-specific drills
Months 6–12
Hop testing, isokinetic strength testing, sport-specific reconditioning, return-to-sport clearance
We progress you between phases based on measured milestones, not just time. Quad strength must be within 80–90% of the uninvolved side before plyometrics. Hop tests should be within 90% before return-to-sport testing. This protects the graft and reduces re-injury risk.
Sixty-minute evaluation with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We review your op report and your surgeon's protocol, measure range of motion, isolate quad activation, and look at gait. First treatment same visit.
Early phase: manual therapy for motion, quad activation work, gait retraining, blood-flow restriction training where appropriate to accelerate quad strength. Mid phase: progressive strength training, single-leg work, light return to running. Late phase: plyometrics, change of direction, sport-specific reconditioning. We coordinate with your surgeon throughout.
Before clearance, we run a battery: quad strength symmetry, hop tests (single, triple, crossover, timed), agility drills, and a sport-specific demand check. Most patients aren't ready at 6 months even if they feel ready — the data is consistent on this.
We work with most commercial insurance and Tricare for ACL rehab. Self-pay $150. Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home — though most ACL rehab benefits from clinic-based equipment access.
Same-week evaluations at Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home throughout the DMV.
Book an ACL Rehab Eval9–12 months for return to cutting and pivoting sports. Some patients take longer; very few should return sooner. Time is a guideline — the criteria-based milestones are the real gate.
Most patients start light jogging around weeks 12–14 if they meet criteria: full motion, quad strength close to symmetric, no swelling with activity, normal gait. We'll progress you week by week.
Yes. BFR is well-supported for accelerating quad strength recovery after ACL surgery, especially in the early phases when heavy loading isn't allowed yet.
Almost certainly not. The 6-month timeline is from older protocols. Current evidence supports 9+ months with criteria-based testing — patients cleared earlier have meaningfully higher re-injury rates.
Yes. We work with most DC-area orthopedic practices and follow surgeon-specific protocols where they have one.