ACL Recovery: Week One
Excerpt
The first week after ACL surgery lays the foundation for recovery. Here's what you can expect during the early stages.
Content
The first week after ACL reconstruction is focused on healing, reducing swelling, and restoring basic movement.
During the first few days, it is normal to experience:
Swelling
Stiffness
Discomfort
Difficulty walking
Your main goals should be:
Protecting the knee
Managing swelling
Regaining knee extension
Activating the quadriceps
Many patients use crutches during this period and begin gentle rehabilitation exercises under professional guidance.
While progress may feel slow, early rehabilitation plays an important role in long-term recovery.
Conclusion
Patience and consistency during the first week help build the foundation for successful ACL rehabilitation.
