Adherence
Postoperative rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) should be structured into a prehabilitation phase and three criterion-based postoperative phases (impairment-based, sport-specific, return to play) lasting 9–12 months, guided by objective strength, hop, and movement quality tests rather than time-based protocols.
Do not rely on time alone to decide when you can return to sport after ACL surgery. Your rehab should last 9-12 months and be divided into phases. You only move to the next phase (like sport-specific training) when you pass specific tests for strength, hopping ability, and movement quality, not just when you feel ready. This objective approach helps ensure you actually return to your pre-injury level and reduces the risk of tearing the ligament again.
Rehabilitation after ACL injury should include a prehabilitation phase and 3 criterion-based postoperative phases: (1) impairment-based, (2) sport-specific training and (3) return to play. A battery of strength and hop tests, quality of movement and psychological tests should be used to guide progression from one rehabilitation stage to the next. Postoperative rehabilitation should continue for 9–12 months.
Why this rating
Based on a systematic review of 90 studies and multidisciplinary expert consensus (Level 1/2 evidence for specific components).
Source
Evidence-based clinical practice update: practice guidelines for anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation based on a systematic review and multidisciplinary consensus
Nicky van Melick et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2016
DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095898
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