Rehabilitation Guide: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Rehabilitation Guide
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Contents
General Information
Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Reconstruction
Terminology and Education
Phase 1
Acute Management, Early Motion and Basic
Movement Retraining
Phase 2
Basic Strength and Proprioception
Phase 3
Dynamic Neuromotor Strength,
Endurance and Coordination
Phase 4
Athletic Enhancement and Return to Activity
Phase 5
Rehabilitation of Athletic Movement
and Return to Sport
Physical Therapy
Evaluation Sheets
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Rehabilitation Guide
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Contents
UW Health Sports Medicine Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Special Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Understanding the
Anterior Cruciate Ligament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
UW Health Sports Rehabilitation:

Progressive ACL Testing for Return to Sport . . . . . . . . . . 11
Phase 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Acute Management/Early Motion and
Basic Movement Retraining
Phase 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Phase 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Dynamic Neuromotor Strength, Endurance
and Coordination
Phase 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Phase 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Rehabilitation of Athletic Movement
and Return to Sport
SM-41638-15
UW Health Sports Medicine Staff
Sports Rehabilitation Clinic Sports Medicine Clinic

621 Science Drive (608) 263-4765 621 Science Dr. (608) 263-8850
Beth Chorlton, MA, LAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261-1762 Surgeons

Elizabeth Chumanov, PhD, PT . . . . . . . . . . . . 261-1766 Geoff Baer, MD, PhD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-1356
Shari Clark, MS, LAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-7041 Warren Dunn, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-6208
Dan Enz, PT, LAT, SCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265-8314 Ben Graf, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-5411
Doug Grovergrys, MPT, LAT, CSCS, SCS . . . . . . 261-1761 James Keene, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-1356
Jenny Kempf, MPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265-1938 John Orwin, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-5636
Craig Lee, PTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-5407 Tammy Scerpella, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-5411
Lori Neilitz, PT, LAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265-8311 Physicians
Travis Obermire, DPT, SCS, CSCS . . . . . . . . . . 261-1767 David Bernhardt, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-6477
Marc Sherry, PT, DPT, LAT, CSCS . . . . . . . . . . . 265-8312 Alison Brooks, MD, MPH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 890-9133
Joe Tupta, PT, OCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265-8313 Kathleen Carr, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-8090
Sports Rehabilitation at Greg Landry, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-6477
Princeton Club East, Suite 100 John Wilson, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845-9531
1726 Eagan Rd. (608) 265-1221
Physician’s Assistants
Cynthia Gehrke, MPT, CSCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-9693
Brian Bruno, PA, LAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-8850
Zach Preboski, MS, PT, CSCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-9321
Jennifer Drake, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-8850
Mike Van Veghel, LAT, CSCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265-1208
Leslie Goodavish, PA, LAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-8850
Sports Rehabilitation at Becky Nelson, PA, LAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-8850
Princeton Club West
8042 Watts Rd. (608) 265-7500
Lisa Digman, PTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261-1769

Gary Diny, PT, CSCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-7288
Karl Fry, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261-1759
Ken Krogman, PT, LAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263-7288
Laura Moyer, MS, LAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265-8318
Jan Mussallem, MSPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265-1937
Kirk Schulz, PT, OCS, CSCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261-1765
Jacob Spiro, MPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265-8315
Rehabilitation Guide: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction uwsportsmedicine.org 1

Copyright 2015 UW Health Sports Medicine Center
General Information
Before Your Surgery Day Before and Day Of Surgery

Before your surgery you will have appointments in 1. Do not eat or drink after 12:00 a.m. on the day of your
two clinics: Sports Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. surgery.
In most cases these appointments will be scheduled 2. Scrub your leg with the Hibiclens the night before and
sequentially on the same day. The appointments with the morning of your surgery.
your physical therapist and your surgeon will occur at the
3. Call the outpatient surgery clinic at (608) 263-8804 if
UW Health Sports Medicine Center. You may also need to
they have not called you by 3:00 p.m. the day before
be seen in the Anesthesia Screening Clinic at University of
surgery.
Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. This will be determined
by the physician assistant during your appointment at the 4. Report to F6/2, the Outpatient Surgery Center, at the
Sports Medicine Clinic. time given to you.
Remember to bring the following items to the hospital for
Sports Rehabilitation appointment your surgery:
During this appointment you will:
• crutches
• be fitted with a postoperative knee brace if indicated • postoperative knee brace
based on your surgery
• postoperative cooling unit
• be fitted with and given instructions in proper use of
• shorts
crutches (if you don’t already have some)
• comfortable and secure walking shoes
• be issued and instructed in the use of a postoperative
cooling unit
Incision and Drain Care
• review your immediate postoperative exercises
The use of a drain will be determined by your surgeon.
• have a KT-1000 test to measure the laxity in your knee If you have a small drain in your knee, your nurse will
• set up additional postoperative appointments, show you how to empty the drain and measure the
approximately two times a week for 2-3 weeks drainage before you go home. If the reservoir becomes
full, it can easily be emptied from the side opening.
Sports Medicine Clinic appointment Measure the amount of drainage in the morning, or
During this appointment a pre-surgical physical and sooner if the reservoir is full. It is usual to have a decrease
an examination of your knee will be performed. You in the amount of drainage. It is normal to see some clot
will also have an opportunity to discuss the surgery formation in the tubing. Do not shower while the drain is
with your physician. You will also be given prescriptions in your knee.
for pain medication (Tylenol #3, Percocet) and anti-
Keep your dressings dry. A wet dressing is a prime site for
inflammatory/pain medication (Toradol). You will need
bacterial growth. If you shower, you must use a secure
to fill these prescriptions prior to surgery. The Percocet
plastic wrap to keep your knee dry. If your dressing has
prescription will expire if it is not filled within two weeks
visible drainage, your physical therapist may change the
of issuance. Staff will inform you when you should stop
dressing before your two-week follow up with the doctor.
eating and drinking prior to surgery.
Watch for signs of infection which include fever greater
Anesthesia Screening Clinic appointment than 100˚ F, chills, redness at the incision, increased knee
You may be asked to see the Anesthesia Screening Clinic pain not associated with activity, or cloudy,
if you have certain illnesses or past problems with pus-like drainage from your incision.
anesthesia. Any questions that you may have about the
anesthesia will also be addressed.

Day After Surgery Swelling Control
• Most patients are seen the day after surgery to begin During the first 24-48 hours after surgery, you may run
their post-operative rehabilitation, your surgeon will your cooling unit continually. For days 2-7, you should
determine this. If you have a small drain in your knee use the cooling unit 4-6 times per day for about 45
it will be removed prior to your rehabilitation/physical minutes each time. The frequency of icing after the first 7
therapy appointment. During this appointment your days will depend on how well your swelling is controlled.
physical therapist or athletic trainer will help you begin More swelling will require more icing. When you are
the phase one exercises and also make sure your are not using the cooling unit, you should remove the pad
walking and moving about safely. It is usually helpful over the knee. The pad should be removed for at least
to take your pain medication prior to the removal of eight hours per day. This will prevent condensation from
the drain and start of the rehabilitation. forming underneath the pad. If you have a reconstruction
using a hamstring graft, you may find it helpful for pain
• You should begin the exercises prescribed for you on
relief to alternate the position of the polar pad between
the first day after your surgery. These exercises were
the front of your knee and the posterior medial (back
explained to you by your physical therapist or athletic
inside) aspect of your knee where the incision is located.
trainer at your pre-surgical appointment.
Be sure to have ample ice at home.
• You should weight bear as tolerated on your surgical
Elevation and compression will also help to decrease
leg, using crutches to assist you in walking. Your
swelling. While icing, you should try to elevate your knee
surgeon will determine if you also need to use a brace
above your heart. When you are not icing, an ACE® wrap
post-operatively. Putting the foot on the floor with some
may be used for compression. The ACE® wrap should
pressure will reduce your risk of falling.
always be more snug below the knee and less snug above
• When you are not using your cooling unit, you should the knee, to push the fluid towards the heart and not
remove the polar pad, without removing the dressings towards the foot.
underneath the pad, to allow the dressings to air out.
This will prevent condensation from forming on those White Compression Stocking
dressings. Do this a couple times each day after surgery.
You may stop wearing the white compression stocking
on your non-operative leg after 24-48 hours. This
compression stocking helps prevent a blood clot from
forming in your leg. Once you are walking frequently you
will no longer need the stocking. If you develop lower leg
swelling, tenderness, and/or redness, please contact the
Sports Medicine Clinic or the Sports Rehabilitation Clinic.
Brace
Your surgeon will determine if it is necessary for you to
wear a brace after surgery. This will depend on the time
of year, other injuries in addition to the ACL tear and type
of procedure you have done. If your meniscus is repaired
you will have a brace that keeps your knee locked while
weight bearing for the first few weeks, but you will be
able to unlock the brace or remove it for range of motion
exercises that are non-weight bearing. Your surgeon and
physical therapist or athletic trainer will determine when
you can begin to remove the brace.

Return to Work sports such as basketball and soccer is approximately
Returning to work will vary for each person. Even if you six months. Ultimately your return to certain activities
have a desk job, you will want to be off work for 7-10 and full return to sports is not based on a specific time
days. If you do not have a desk job, your return to work frame but instead on your demonstrated ability to do
will be related to how well you are able to control the sport related movements safely. This is a function of your
swelling and protect the knee from potentially dangerous strength, balance, power, mobility, landing mechanics,
movements. endurance and mental readiness. Your physician and
rehab team (physical therapist and/or athletic trainer)
will decide when you are able to safely return to sports
Rehabilitation without restrictions based on various performance tests.
You will be working with a physical therapist or an
athletic trainer who will determine the frequency of
Driving
appointments needed, based primarily on your progress.
The recovery of strength, balance and movement control You may return to driving when you feel comfortable and
will occur over 4-8 months. Your compliance with your when you have adequate reaction time. It is in your best
rehab program will be the main determinant in the interest not to drive (unless it is the left knee and you
return of your strength, balance and movement control. are driving an automatic transmission) until your brace
is unlocked. Also remember, it is unsafe to drive while
Return to certain activities and sports will depend on how taking narcotic pain medication (for example, Percocet
stressful the activity is on your knee as well as strength, or Codeine).
balance, and movement control. Return to high demand

Special Precautions
Certain procedures may require slight modifications to Microfracture

the normal ACL post-operative restrictions. Please see the Patients need to modify the normal weight bearing
list of procedures and associated precautions: progression to protect the healing fibrocartilage matrix.
During the first two weeks, patients should be non-weight
Meniscal repair bearing (no weight placed on the involved leg), and
Patients of Drs. Graf, Dunn, Baer and Keene should not during weeks three and four they should be touchdown
perform any weight bearing with knee flexion (bending) weight bearing (20-30 lbs.). At the start of week five, they
for four weeks. This requires the patient to wear the brace can slowly begin to put more weight on the involved
locked while walking for four weeks. This protects the leg with the goal of achieving full weight bearing by six
meniscal repair sutures and anchors. You are allowed to weeks, post-operatively. During this time, the brace may
work on flexion range of motion in non-weight bearing be unlocked if the patient has good leg control.
positions. While performing these exercises, be cautious
to avoid a pinching type discomfort or pain in the back of OATS procedure (allograft or autograft)
the knee. Patients need to modify the normal weight bearing
Patients of Dr. Scerpella do not have any precautions progression to protect the healing cartilage plug(s).
for range of motion or weight bearing when a meniscal During the first three weeks patients should be non-
repair is performed with an ACL reconstruction. weight bearing (no weight placed on the involved leg),
and during weeks four through six they should be
The above precautions are the “standard” precautions touchdown weight bearing (20-30 lbs.). At the start of
for each surgeons usual procedure, but these precautions week seven, they can slowly begin to put more weight on
may change based on location or size of meniscus tear, the involved leg with the goal of achieving full weight
time of year or patient’s weight. bearing by seven to eight weeks, post-operatively. During
the first six weeks the brace should be locked in extension
Allograft (cadaver) ACL graft
(straight).
With an allograft, it is important to realize that pain is not
a sufficient guide for activity. Often with this procedure you Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
will have less pain, but the graft still requires significant If a patient has a concominant MCL injury they may be
time for healing. Follow your physical therapist’s or braced longer after ACL surgery. If the MCL is not operated
athletic trainer’s instructions carefully. Also, patients on but still healing this may protect it more, if the MCL is
should not do more than 10-15 minutes of biking per day repaired it will protect the repair until healed.
to avoid repetitive stress as the graft is healing.
“Over the Top” ACL reconstruction

(skeletally immature knee patient)
This procedure is used for young patients who have a
very open physis at the distal femur. Patients should
not perform any weight bearing with knee flexion
(bending) for six weeks. This requires the patient to wear
the brace locked while walking for six weeks, although
when the brace is locked they can put weight on it.
They may work on gentle flexion in non-weightbearing
positions. The patient will not be starting Phase 2 of the
rehabilitation guide until six to eight weeks after surgery
and subsequently all timeframes should be adjusted by an
additional six weeks.

Understanding the
Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Anatomy stimulated, the central nervous system activates muscles
The knee joint is composed of the femur (thigh bone), around the knee to bring the joint into a more stable
tibia (shinbone), and the patella (knee cap). The knee position. Thus, the overall function of the ACL gives the
joint is primarily a hinge joint, but it does allow a slight knee joint stability during movement.
amount of rotation during bending and straightening
movements. Sitting between the tibia and femur are two Mechanisms of Injury
pads of cartilage called the medial meniscus and lateral There are two typical mechanisms of injury that lead to
meniscus (collectively termed “menisci”). The menisci a torn ACL. The primary mechanism is a shearing of the
act as shock absorbers between the femur and the tibia ACL when a sudden shifting occurs between the tibia and
that protect the joint surfaces. The shape of the menisci the femur. This can occur when a person is running and
increases the concavity of the tibial surface, which attempts to rapidly slow down and change direction at the
enhances the stability of the knee joint (Figure 1). same time, or attempts to turn quickly after the foot has
been planted.
The second mechanism is hyperextension of the knee
causing failure of the ligament from excessive stretching.
Hyperextension can occur as a result of landing from a
jump with the knee extended or by sustaining a blow to
the front of an extended knee.
ACL
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a torn ACL is often suspected from the
description of the injury and immediate after effects.
In addition to describing a mechanism listed above,
85% of patients will feel a pop at the time of injury and
most will have significant swelling within two to three
Menisci
hours of injury. Almost all athletes will have to stop
playing because of the injury. Specific clinical exam
Figure 1. View of the front of the knee with the patella tests and the use of a KT 1000 can be used to determine
removed if the knee is loose (laxity) which may indicate a torn
ACL. An MRI provides an image of the ligaments of the
knee and determine if the ACL is torn (Figure 2). Often
A ligament is a bundle of connective tissue that connects
times an MRI is used to determine the presence of other
one bone to another bone. The anterior cruciate ligament
injuries, such as meniscal tears, chondral lesions or other
(ACL) is one of the four major ligaments in the knee
ligament injuries, whether or not the ACL is torn.
that connect the tibia to the femur. The ACL is located
in the center of the knee along with the posterior
cruciate ligament (PCL). The ACL’s primary function Consequences of Injury
is to prevent the tibia from shifting forward under the If the ACL is torn, the stability of the knee joint is
femur and to control the amount of rotation in the compromised. This may lead to episodes of knee
knee joint. Embedded in the ACL are nerve endings instability or giving way, particularly during activities that
and mechanoreceptors, called proprioceptors, that send require jumping or changing directions quickly. Repeated
signals to the brain and central nervous system about the episodes of knee instability increase the risk for injury to
joint position of the knee. When these nerve endings are the menisci and may lead to premature degeneration of
the joint surfaces.

Patellar Tendon Graft
Hamstring
Normal ACL Tendon
Graft
Figure 3: Donor sites for patellar tendon and

hamstring tendon grafts
Patellar Tendon Graft
Torn ACL
Figure 2: MRI images of the ligaments of the knee

Treatment Options for a Torn ACL
Surgery is not always indicated for, nor desired by
everyone who tears his or her ACL. In some cases it is
possible to do well by following a rehabilitation program
and avoiding activities that require cutting and/or
pivoting movements.
If surgery is chosen, the patient should undergo a
preoperative physical therapy exercise program to Figure 4: Example of a bone-patellar tendon-bone
regain normal knee range of motion, decrease pain and graft using two interference screws
swelling and strengthen the musculature around the
knee. This may last three to six weeks, but will allow the The patellar tendon graft is usually taken from the
postoperative course to progress faster. knee that has the torn ACL, although occasionally the
Surgical reconstruction involves replacing the torn ACL patellar tendon of the uninjured knee may be utilized.
with a graft. The most common grafts used are the In this procedure, the central third of the patellar tendon
patellar tendon graft, the hamstring tendon graft and an is removed along with a bone plug at each end of the
allograft (cadaver). tendon.

One bone plug is taken from the patella and the other is The hamstring tendon graft is also usually taken from the
harvested from the tibia (Figure 3). Tunnels are drilled in knee that has the torn ACL. A strip of tendon is taken from
the femur and the tibia near the normal attachment sites two muscles, the semitendinosus and gracilis. These two
for the ACL. muscles are located on the back of the knee on the inner
(medial) side. The two tendons are then put together to
The patellar tendon graft is then threaded through the
make one graft. This graft does not have attached bone.
tunnels so that it is placed where the original ACL was
Tunnels are drilled in the femur and the tibia at the
located. The bone plugs of the graft are then anchored
normal attachment sites for the ACL. The hamstring graft
with screws into the femur and tibia.
is then threaded through the tunnels so that it is placed
The disadvantage of the patellar tendon graft is that in the location of the original ACL. The graft is anchored
patients occasionally have problems with anterior knee in the tibia and femur with either screws or buttons
pain or patellar tendonitis because of the location from (Figure 5). Another advantage of the hamstring graft
which the tendon graft was taken. procedure is that there is usually less postoperative pain
Removing the central third of the patellar tendon often and tendonitis.
causes more immediate post-operative stiffness than
using a hamstring graft. This may require more initial Quadricep Tendon Graft
work with range of motion exercises. A quad tendon graft is usually taken from the knee that
has the torn ACL. A strip of tendon is taken from above
Hamstring Tendon Graft the knee cap, including a small piece of the knee cap as
well. This bone creates a bone plug for fixation with an
interference screw in the tibial tunnel and the tendon
is placed in the femoral tunnel with soft tissue fixation
techniques. The advantages of this graft are that a thick
and adequate graft can be easily harvested and may
create less donor site symptoms and less quadriceps
inhibition than the patellar tendon graft.
Allograft
An allograft is tissue used from a cadaver. This could be a
bone-patellar tendon-bone graft (Figure 4) or a soft tissue
graft (hamstrings, Achilles). The potential advantages
of an allograft include less chance of patellofemoral
symptoms, shorter operative time, availability of larger
grafts, smaller scars on your skin and the possibility
for multiple ligament reconstructions.3 Possible
disadvantages include increased cost, sub-optimal healing
leading to a potential graft rupture, disease transmission
Figure 5: Example of a hamstring tendon graft using and immune reactions. These cases have been reported,
an endobutton on the femoral side and a interfix but are extremely rare.
screw on the tibial side.
The hamstring graft is a relatively newer graft than the
The UW Health Sports Medicine physicians use all of the
patellar graft, but evidence supports that it is a good
grafts described above to best meet the needs of their
option. Recent studies have shown success rates and
patients. It is important to discuss with your surgeon
return to sport times to be similar to those of patellar
which graft choice is best for your individual situation.
tendon grafts.

Rehabilitation and pivoting are emphasized, it is essential that the body is
Post-operative rehabilitation is essential in optimizing in correct alignment.
your function and return to sport after an ACL One primary goal of Phase 3 is to eliminate strength
reconstruction.6 Frequently during an ACL reconstruction, differences between both legs. You will be doing strenuous
other injuries or pathologies are addressed during surgery. strength training exercises three to four times a week.
These additional procedures require special post-operative Often times it may be necessary to do more sets and
precautions. (see page 5). The process of returning to repetitions on the surgical leg than the non-surgical leg to
physical and athletic activities is not based on time, it eliminate the difference. You must also be careful not to
is based on the individual’s ability to achieve certain compensate or “overuse” the non-surgical leg while doing
milestones or criteria. The time needed to do this will vary your strengthening exercises, as this will have the reverse
from individual to individual. effect on the difference. During this phase your physical
Post-operative rehabilitation begins the day after surgery. therapist or athletic trainer will also begin to introduce
The four phases of post-operative rehabilitation are running, agility and impact (jumping) exercises.
described in detail in this booklet. Your compliance with Phase 4 of rehabilitation is termed “athletic
this program will have a direct effect on your function enhancement”. This is the phase where you will work
and return to sport.4, 6 on sport-specific movement drills.5 Although you will
During the first phase of rehabilitation, the goals are to perform some exercises and movements from earlier
increase your range of motion and strength, and return phases, you will be working on doing these activities
to walking without crutches. There is evidence that pain at higher speeds until you progress to game speed.
and swelling can hinder or inhibit your ability to generate Conditioning drills for muscular endurance and
muscular force in your leg, especially your quadriceps.7 cardiovascular conditioning are included in this phase.
Thus, it is important to minimize swelling and pain to Being released to return to sport is a collaborative
help restore your strength – your ability to get stronger is decision between your surgeon and physical therapist
limited if your knee is swollen. You can decrease swelling or athletic trainer. They will use a series of tests to
by elevating your knee above your heart, icing your knee help determine your readiness for sport, including a
with the cooling unit, using compression wraps on your computerized strength test (Biodex), a series of hopping
leg and avoiding too much activity the first few weeks tests, a shuttle run and a balance test.
after surgery. In addition to your prescribed medications, The chance of re-tearing your ACL after surgery is 5-15%.8
the points listed above will also help to minimize your There is actually a greater chance of tearing your other
pain. Scar tissue massage/mobilization and patellar ACL, the risk being 10-22%.8 The reason for the greater
mobilizations may also be used to help decrease pain.1 risk on the other side is not entirely known. It may be due
As pain and swelling decrease, you will begin more specific to your anatomy, compensation for your surgical knee or
strength training exercises in Phase 2. During this phase genetic risk factors. Some of these risk factors cannot be
it is still important to monitor the return of any pain or modified, but there are measures you can take to reduce
swelling. Phase 2 will also focus on restoring your strength the overall risk of another ACL tear. Research has shown
and proprioception. There is evidence to show that strength that continuing proprioceptive exercises and continuing
deficits have a direct effect on functional outcomes and to train your landing mechanics and deceleration will
return to sport.4, 6 Proprioception is a sensory modality reduce your risk of ACL injury. Your physical therapist
that provides internal feedback solely on the status of the or athletic trainer will give you recommendations and
body’s position, movement and alignment.2, 5 Various guidelines to continue these exercises after you are
balance exercises will be used to help improve and recover discharged from therapy. UW Health Sports Rehabilitation
your proprioception. These exercises also help to regain also offers individual and group training programs for
strength.2 In subsequent phases when jumping, cutting injury prevention.

References
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2. Cooper RL, Taylor NF, Feller JA. A systematic review of the effect
of proprioceptive and balance exercises on people with an
injured or reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament. Res Sports
Med. Apr-Jun 2005;13(2):163-178.
3. Krych AJ, Jackson JD, Hoskin TL, Dahm DL. A meta-analysis
of patellar tendon autograft versus patellar tendon allograft
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4. Moisala AS, Jarvela T, Kannus P, Jarvinen M. Muscle strength
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Orthop Sports Phys Ther. Jun 2006;36(6):385-402.
7. Palmieri-Smith RM, Thomas AC, Wojtys EM. Maximizing
quadriceps strength after ACL reconstruction. Clin Sports Med.
Jul 2008;27(3):405-424, vii-ix.
8. Pinczewski LA, Lyman J, Salmon LJ, Russell VJ, Roe J,
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2007;35(4):564-574.

UW Health Sports Rehabilitation:
Progressive ACL Testing for Return to Sport
Patients will be seen in coordination with their Performance Testing
physician follow-up visits. Follow-ups are scheduled • Vertical Hop
immediately prior to physician visits. These visits are • Vertical 4 Hop
generally scheduled at 2, 3, 4 and 6 months post ACL
reconstruction. All visits will be scheduled for 60 minutes • Horizontal Hop
and will consist of a progression of testing beginning • Horizontal Cross-over Hop
with a basic knee assessment and measurements (height, • Repeated Hop for fatigue
weight, limb length, etc.). The following tests will be
performed and progression to the next test on the list is Psychological Testing
dependant on level of limb symmetry index (involved • Psychological readiness to return to sports scale
limb/uninvolved limb x100) and therapist’s assessment • TSK-11
of the quality of movement—i.e. the alignment and
balance during landing. Notes:
• Appropriate clinical decision making needs to be
Joint Assessment employed by the physical therapist or athletic trainer
• Limb length – measured at 1st testing visit to make sure the individual patient is ready for each
• Height and weight test since some patients may need to delay their
testing. Patients should be encouraged to test as hard
• Range of Motion
as they feel is safe.
• KT-1000 testing (performed at all follow-up visits)
• For all testing it is important that the patient controls
Strength Testing the landing positions. Failure to hold a landing
• Y-Balance Test position with control is deemed a failed attempt and
must be repeated. Control for this purpose is defined
• Single-leg Press Test as at least a full second of single-leg balance after
• Isokinetic Strength Testing landing.
o 60°/sec
Return to Sport
• Quadriceps peak torque
Return to sport is collaboratively determined by the
• Hamstring peak torque surgeon, sports rehabilitation staff and athlete. Return to
o 240°/sec sport includes return to selected drills, partial participation
• Quadriceps total work and full unrestricted participation. (see the Participation
• Hamstring total work Continuum on the following page) The above tests will
help determine when it is safe for you to return to sport. It
Jump / Landing Mechanics is important to realize that return to sport is not based on
• Double-leg Jump/Landing Symmetry a specific timeline; it is based on the individual athlete’s
(Force plate test) ability to meet physical performance criteria, mental
readiness, age, sport and the position you play.
• Landing Mechanics (LESS test)
(continued)

Participation Continuum:
1. Movement Patterns
a. Sprinting
b. Shuffle
c. Carioca
d. Zig-zag cutting
e. Shuttle change of direction
2. Closed Drills – sport-specific drills without opposition
in a controlled speed environment
3. 1 on 1 Drills (no-contact) – sport-specific drills/
activities where the athlete is expected to react to his/
her opponent without compensation
4. 1 on 1 Drills – full speed 1 on 1 drills with game
necessary contact
5. Team Scrimmage (no-contact) – patients are asked
to wear a different colored jersey to indicate there
contact restrictions during team scrimmaging when
appropriate
6. Team Scrimmage – full scrimmaging
7. Restricted Play – progressing time and situational
play as appropriate.
8. Full return to play

Phase 1
Acute Management/Early Motion and
Basic Movement Retraining
This phase begins immediately after surgery and continues for 2-4 weeks, depending on your
progress. To promote proper healing it is important not to progress too rapidly.
Goals Prone hangs (below)
1. Achieve full active knee extension equal to the Lie on your stomach with your brace off and your knees
uninvolved side and lower legs hanging off the bed or table. Try to keep
2. Eliminate swelling your hips down on the table. You may place a small
weight on your ankle or use the other foot to apply some
3. Restore the ability to control the leg while weight
downward pressure onto the heel to increase the stretch.
bearing
You should feel some stretching and mild discomfort in
4. Achieve at least 125˚ of knee flexion the back of the knee. Hold this for 1-5 minutes, rest for
5. Be able to lift the leg in all directions without 30-60 seconds, repeat 3-5 times consecutively, and
assistance perform 3-5 sessions per day. This exercise should
6. Normalize walking pattern with the assistance of not be done if your surgery was performed
crutches and/or brace with a hamstring graft.
NOTE: You may do either exercise 1 or 2 but
A. R
ange of Motion (ROM) it is not necessary to do both unless you were
Exercises specifically instructed to do so.
Extension on a bolster (below)
While sitting or lying down with the brace off, support
your heel on a towel roll. Now let your knee straighten
as much as possible. To increase the stretch you may
activate your quadriceps muscle or apply some pressure
(your hands or weight) on the thigh, but not over the ROM wall slides (below)
knee cap. You should feel some stretching and mild Lie on your back with your involved foot up on the
discomfort behind the knee. Hold this stretch for 1-5 wall, with your brace off. Slowly slide the foot down the
minutes, rest for 30-60 seconds, repeat 3-5 times wall as far as possible. You may use your other foot to
consecutively, and perform 3-5 sessions per day. push the involved foot farther down the wall. At this point
it is normal to feel pressure in the front of the knee. Hold
this for 5-10 seconds, Then push into the wall and slide
the foot back up until the knee is flexed approximately
90˚. Now push into the wall for 10 seconds, such that you
are performing an isometric leg press. Now slide foot up
until the knee is fully extended. Repeat 15-25 times, and
perform 3-5 times per day.

Heel slides with assist (below) Patellar mobilizations (below)
Lie on your back with your brace off and slowly slide your With your fingers, palpate the edge of your patella (knee
foot toward your hips, as far as possible. You may use cap). Then gently glide the patella in four directions;
your other foot to push for greater motion. At this point it up, down, to the inside and to the outside. Try not to tip
is normal to feel pressure in the front of the knee. Hold or tilt the patella, but slide it. Hold for 2 seconds at
this for 5-10 seconds, Now slide the foot back until the end of the glide. This will prevent scar tissue from
the knee is fully extended. Repeat 15-25 times, and forming around the patella. Glide in each direction for
perform 3-5 times per day. 1 minute, and perform 3-5 times per day.
Seated knee flexion (below)

Sit with your leg off the edge of a table or chair. Your
brace should be off. Allow the knee to bend as far as
possible. At first you may need to use the opposite leg to
help slowly lower the foot. Then use the uninvolved foot
to apply a little overpressure over the foot, trying to bend
it further. At this point it is normal to feel pressure in the Knee
front of the knee. Hold this for 5-10 seconds, Repeat angle ~30˚
10-20 times, and perform 3-5 times a day.
NOTE: It is necessary to do exercises to increase
knee flexion. The previous three exercises all work
on increasing knee flexion. If there is one that
works better for you, you may do that exercise
more often and spend less time on the other
flexion exercises. They should be done with your
brace off.
Place a towel under knee so knee is flexed

approximately 30˚.

B. Muscle Activation be done with the brace off and when you may begin doing
this exercise standing on your surgical leg.
Quad sets
With the knee fully extended, contract your quadriceps Weight shifting
muscle as much as possible and hold for 5-10 seconds, Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and knees
then relax for 5 seconds, Repeat for 2-3 minutes. slightly bent. Shift your weight from one foot to the other.
Hold for 5-10 seconds. This can also be done with one
Straight leg raises foot in front of the other, shifting your weight forward
Once you can achieve a good quad set you can attempt and backward from one foot to the other, holding for
to lift the leg up 12 to 16 inches while maintaining full 5-10 seconds. Continue these various weight shifting
knee extension. This should be held for 5-10 seconds, and patterns for 2-3 minutes. You should start this exercise
repeated 10-15 times. Your physical therapist or athletic with your brace on and your therapist will tell you when
trainer will determine if you should do this with the brace it is okay to remove the brace.
on or off.
Double leg mini squats
NOTE: If the patient is having difficulty with
quadriceps activation using the above exercises it may Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Perform a
be helpful to try some short arc quad or full arc quad mini squat by bending your knees and flexing your
movements to assist in the re-activation. Electrical hips. A good squat alignment will have the chest over
stimulation may also be helpful in this phase. the knees and the knees over the feet, with the weight
evenly distributed over the feet. Do 1-3 sets of 10-15
Hamstring sets repetitions. You should start this exercise with your brace
on and your therapist will tell you when it is okay to
Sit on the floor. With your knee slightly bent, push your
remove the brace.
heel into the floor. You should feel your hamstrings
contracting on the backside of your thigh. Hold for
5-10 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Repeat for
2-3 minutes.
NOTE: This exercise should not be done
if your surgery was performed with a
hamstring graft.
Standing leg lifts

Stand on your uninvolved leg.
Keeping your involved knee
completely straight, lift your
leg forward and hold for 2
seconds. Do not allow your
upper body to sway. Do the lifts
in four directions; forward,
backward, outside (away) and
inside (across). Do 1 set of
5-10 repetitions for each
direction. You should start
this exercise with your brace
on. Your therapist will tell
you when this exercise may

Squat with Bounce/Lateral Shift/Sagittal Crunches (below)
Shift Lie on your back with the knees bent and feet flat on
Assume a proper squat position with your shoulders the floor. Tighten abdominals by pressing the small of
aligned vertically over you knees and hips pushed back your back against the floor. Hold abdominals in as you
behind your heels. This is the base position for the slowly curl upper back, shoulders, and head 6-12 inches
following exercise progressions: away from the floor, one segment at a time towards your
Bounce center, or core. You should feel the movement being
Maintain your weight distribution over the entire foot or initiated at your abdominals, not at your head. Hold this
slightly toward the ball of the foot. Using a quick and position for a few seconds. Return slowly to the floor and
controlled motion, bounce into your hips as if sitting back repeat. Hold your hands at your sides, across your chest,
into a high chair. This motion should be no greater than or clasp your hands behind your head to support the
about 6”. Focus on maintaining your weight distribution weight of your head.
and not allowing your knees to thrust forward.
Lateral Shift
From the squat position, shift your weight side to side
quickly with control. As you shift, be sure to shift both
your hips and shoulders at the same time. Avoid letting
your knees rotate inward as you shift into each side. This
exercise can be made more difficult by slightly widening
your stance and/or shifting more quickly.
Reverse crunches (below)
Sagittal Shift
Shift your weight forward onto your toes (heels just raise Lie on your back with the knees bent and lift your feet
off the ground), then back into your heels (should be a few inches off the floor. Tighten your abdominals by
able to wiggle your toes). This movement is performed by pressing the small of your back against the floor. Hold
using a whole body forward/backward weight shift. The abdominals in as you slowly curl your lower back and
angles of your knees, hips and trunk should not change. hips 4-6 inches off the floor and towards your center, one
segment at a time. Hold this position for a few seconds.
Double leg toe raises Return slowly to the floor and repeat. Hold your hands at
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and knees your sides.
fully extended. Rise up onto your toes. Hold this position
for 2 seconds and then return. Do 1-3 sets of 10-15
repetitions. You should start this exercise with your brace
on and your therapist will tell you when it is okay to
remove the brace.
C. Core Body Training
Maintaining good core body strength enhances
performance of physical activities and reduction of
injuries. Your abdominal muscles, low back muscles
and pelvic stabilizing muscles are considered your core. Diagonal crunches
Strong abdominals are important in every motion. The Lie on your back with your right knee bent and foot
trunk and torso transfer and stabilize all forces generated flat on the floor. Bend the left knee and rest the outside
by the upper and the lower body musculature. Your aspect of the left ankle on the right knee to form a figure
core is the foundation in activities of daily living and in four cross. Clasp your hands behind your neck. Tighten
athletic movements. abdominals by pressing the small of your back against
the floor. Keeping your left shoulder and left elbow on the
Abdominal isometrics floor, rotate your body and bring your right elbow towards
Lying on your back or standing, tighten the abdominal your left knee. Return slowly to the floor and repeat.
muscles by drawing your stomach in. Do not hold your Switch legs to work on rotating towards the right.
breath. Do not attempt to flex your trunk. Hold for 10
seconds, repeat 1-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.

Back extension Step-overs (below)
Lie on your stomach. Place your hands at your side or Place a series of books or paper cups in a row, about
clasp behind your lower back. Lift your chest 6-12 inches one step length apart. The books or objects should stack
off the floor and towards your center. Return slowly to the up so that they are at least ankle height. Now walk
floor and repeat. forward and backward, bending the knee to step over the
objects. Do 2-4 sets, walking continuously for 30-45
D. Ambulation seconds.
Diagonal weight shifting (below) The following criteria are a guideline for determining
when it is safe for you to discontinue using the crutches
Place your involved foot in front of the uninvolved foot, and brace:
maintaining shoulder width distance between them.
Start with all of your weight on the uninvolved foot.
The involved leg should start in front of the other with
only the heel contacting the ground. As you shift your
weight towards the front foot, gradually let the entire foot
come into contact with the ground and slightly flex the
knee. Hold for 5 seconds and then return to the starting
position. Do 2-3 sets of 15-20 repetitions.
1. Discontinuation of crutches (1-7 days)

• Normal gait with brace on
2. Unlocking the brace (3-14 days)

• Good quad set
• Within two degrees of full knee extension
• Able to stand on surgical leg with good alignment and
control, without brace, for at least five seconds
Backward stepping
• Able to perform a double leg mini-squat, with equal
Walk backward, focusing on raising your leg and avoid weight bearing, through 30 degrees of knee motion
swinging your legs out to the side. Try to lift the toes off
the ground before the heel when stepping off. 3. Removal of the brace (1-4 weeks)
Do 2-3 sets, walking 50-75 feet for each set. • Normalized gait (walk without a limp)
• Able to stand on surgical leg with good alignment and
control without the brace for at least 10 seconds
• No apprehension when walking without the brace
• Initially, go without the brace in safe environments
(avoiding icy conditions, uneven terrain and crowds)

Phase 2
This phase begins 2-6 weeks after surgery. It will usually take 3-5 weeks to achieve the goals in
this phase.
Goals Stationary bike

1. Restore proper body alignment and control with basic Adjust the seat height so that you feel a gentle stretch
movements, such as walking without assistance, with the knee bent at the pedal’s highest point.
squats, stationary lunges and single-leg balance Bike 5-10 minutes with minimal to no resistance.
2. Build lower extremity and core body strength Patients should be cautious to avoid too much biking
in Phase 2 as it may place too much repetitive stress
3. Develop increased proprioception, starting with
on the graft.
stationary postures and then progressing to movements
4. Achieve active range of motion equal to the uninvolved Prone hangs (below)
knee Lie on your stomach with the lower half of each leg
hanging off the bed. Hold this stretch position for
A. Range of Motion Exercises 30-60 seconds, repeating 3-4 times. You may use the
Patellar mobilizations (below) uninvolved leg to apply a downward force on the heel
With your fingers, palpate the edge of your patella. Then of the involved leg. This will force the knee into more
gently glide the patella in four directions; up, down, to the extension.
inside and to the outside. Try not to tip or tilt the patella,
but slide it. Hold for 2 seconds at the end of the glide.
This will prevent scar tissue from forming around the
patella. Glide in each direction for 1 minute, 3 times
per day.
Extension on a bolster (below)

Place heel on a towel roll and let the knee sag downward.
Maintain this position for 30-60 seconds, repeating
3-4 times. You may place a sandbag weight over thigh to
help apply additional pressure if needed.
Knee
angle ~30˚
Place a towel under knee so knee is flexed

approximately 30˚.

Standing knee flexion (below) Lower extremity flexibility
Standing with your back to a chair, place the top of the In addition to knee range of motion, promote lower
involved foot/toes up onto chair. Then slowly squat down extremity flexibility by beginning a static stretching
on the uninvolved leg to bring the involved knee into a program for the following muscle groups:
flexed position. Hold 20-30 seconds, repeat 3 times.
• Hamstrings
• Iliotibial (IT) Band
• Gastrocnemius/Soleus (calf)
• Hip Flexors/Quadriceps
B. Gait Drills
These drills should be done with slow controlled
movement:
1. Forward high knee walk
2. Backward high knee walk
3. Forward high knee hurdler walk with hip circles
Prone knee flexion (below)

Lie prone (on stomach), contract your abdominal 4. Backward high knee hurdler walk with hip circles
muscles to prevent the low back from arching and bring
the heel of your surgical leg towards your gluts. Hold
20-30 seconds and repeat 3-4 times. Use your other
leg or hand to provide the bending pressure. 5. Side step in mini squat position
6. Forward zig zag skater’s step with pause
7. Backward zig zag skater’s step with pause

C. Functional Strengthening Partial lunge (below)
Step forward to 3/4 of your full stride. This is the starting
Squat (below) position. Distribute your body weight so that 75% or more
Stand with your feet approximately hip width apart or a of your body weight is on the lead leg. Lower your body
little wider. Point your toes forward or slightly out to the until your front thigh is almost parallel to the floor. If you
side. Lower your hips until your thighs are almost parallel lose balance before your thighs are parallel to the floor,
to the floor. If you lose balance before your thighs are you may return to standing at any time. Keep your front
parallel to the floor, you may return to standing at any knee aligned over the first and second toes. Your trail leg
time. Keep your knees aligned over your first and second can be bent at the knee comfortably or remain straight
toes. Distribute your body weight over your entire foot or depending on your chosen stride length. The trail foot
towards the balls of your feet. Be sure to bend at the hips should also rise up onto the toes. Use your lead leg to
when bending the knees. Return to standing. push yourself up to the starting position. Your physical
therapist or athletic trainer may progress this to a walking
partial lunge.
Step back (below)

Stand with both feet on a step. Reach back with one foot
and slowly lower your body until your foot taps the floor
behind you. Return to standing. Repeat with the other
foot. The further you reach back, the more challenging
this exercise becomes.

D. Balance Reverse crunches (below)
In Phase 2 the focus will be on the development of Lie on your back with the knees bent and lift your feet a
balance and proprioception. Exercises that challenge few inches off the floor. Tighten abdominals by pressing
different planes of balance will be emphasized, including: the small of your back against the floor. Hold abdominals
in as you slowly curl your lower back and hips 4-6 inches
1. Single leg toe raises off the floor and towards your center, one segment at a
2. Single leg balance with reaches, time. Hold this position for a few seconds. Return slowly
involving arms and legs to the floor and repeat. Hold your hands at your sides.
Exercise__________________
Repetitions_________ Hold time___________
3. Single leg balance, eyes closed
4. Single leg leaning towers
5. Single leg balance with various head, arm, trunk and
leg positions to challenge balance
Individual instructions:
Diagonal crunches
Lie on your back with your right knee bent and foot
flat on the floor. Bend the left knee and rest the outside
aspect of the left ankle on the right knee to form a figure
four cross. Clasp your hands behind your neck. Tighten
abdominals by pressing the small of your back against
E. Core Body the floor. Keeping your left shoulder and left elbow on the
floor, rotate your body and bring your right elbow towards
Crunches (below)
your left knee. Return slowly to the floor and repeat.
Lie on your back with the knees bent and feet flat on Switch legs to work on rotating towards the right.
the floor. Tighten abdominals by pressing the small of
your back against the floor. Hold abdominals in as you Back extension
slowly curl upper back, shoulders, and head 6-12 inches Lie on your stomach. Place your hands at your side or
away from the floor, one segment at a time towards your clasp behind your lower back. Lift your chest 6-12 inches
center, or core. You should feel the movement being off the floor and towards your center. Return slowly to the
initiated at your abdominals, not at your head. Hold this floor and repeat.
position for a few seconds. Return slowly to the floor and
repeat. Hold your hands at your sides, across your chest, Bridge (below)
or, clasp your hands behind your head to support the
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on
weight of your head.
the floor. Your arms should be on the floor at your side.
Tighten your abdominals and buttocks as you lift your
hips off the floor high enough to form a straight line
from your shoulders to your knees. Do not arch your
back. Return slowly to the floor and repeat.

One legged bridge (below)
Perform a bridge. Straighten one leg out while still
maintaining good posture and a straight line from your
shoulders to the knee and foot. Hold for approximately 10
seconds. Return slowly and repeat with the opposite leg.
Cardiovascular conditioning
Alternate the modes of cardiovascular exercise.
(For example, Stairmaster for 10 minutes, stationary
bike for 10 minutes, UBE (upper body ergometry) for
5 minutes). Your goal is to use this variety to create a
cardiovascular demand without causing anterior knee
pain.
Upper body strength

Each patient will have an individualized program. The
demands of your sport or work requirements will guide
the design of this component.

Phase 3
Dynamic Neuromotor Strength, Endurance
and Coordination
This phase can be initiated when the goals of phase 2 are met. On average this will begin 6-8
weeks after surgery.
Goals B. Dynamic Agility Drills
1. Increase the strength of the involved leg. You should Begin with small strides at low velocity, gradually
be doing strenuous pain-free strengthening at least progressing the velocity and then stride length as your
3 times per week. Consider doing more sets and movement control improves.
repetitions on the involved side to eliminate side-
to-side strength differences. Be very cautious not to 1. Forward skip
overuse your non-surgical leg, as this will increase
the side-to-side difference. Progress from single plane
strengthening and functional exercises to multi- 2. Backward skip
plane strengthening and functional exercises (before
progressing the patient should be able to demonstrate
good alignment and control with each component of 3. Side skip
the multi-plane exercise). This is a prerequisite for
future progression to cutting and pivoting activities.
2. Develop eccentric neuromuscular control to allow 4. Side shuffle with trail leg push off
acceptance of impact activities without increasing
symptoms (before initiating impact activities the
patient should not have any swelling, have full 5. Carioca or grapevine with short quick strides
knee extension, be able to balance on one leg for 10
seconds and be able to perform a single leg squat
to approximately 45-60° of knee flexion with good 6. Carioca with increasing backward hip rotation with
posture and control). longer strides
3. Develop dynamic flexibility to allow for proper
alignment during activities of increasing speed.
7. Three step and stop
4. Full range of motion is expected.
A. Range of Motion 8. Back pedal accelerations

If full range of motion has not been achieved by this
phase, your physical therapist or athletic trainer may
want to consider additional measures such as modalities 9. Fast feet in place
or manual therapy to assist in regaining range of motion.
• Continue with extension on bolster or prone hangs
10. Tall-fall-run
• Continue with flexion exercises such as stationary bike
and prone flexion
• Continue with static flexibility exercises

C. Functional Strengthening laterally (to the outside) with the opposite leg until your
NOTE: Most of the recommended strengthening hip is fully extended. Return to a squat. Do not allow any
exercises are closed chain with a component of transfer of weight from the stance leg to the reaching leg
stability and control. If a patient is having trouble until the desired numbers of repetitions are completed.
re-gaining quadriceps strength it is acceptable to Switch legs.
provide that patient with some open chain quadriceps
Squat and alternating reach (below)
strengthening exercises. Caution should be taken to
monitor any associated anterior knee pain with these Perform as the squat and reach exercise but alternate
exercises. legs with every repetition. Maintain the distance between
your hips and the floor as you alternate legs as quickly as
Squat with knee lift possible.
Start with your feet together. Squat to a comfortable
level that you can maintain for at least 10 seconds.
Shift your body weight to one leg and raise the opposite
knee without compromising your posture. Hold 5-10
seconds, Lower your knee and switch legs.
Squat and reach (below)

Squat to a comfortable level that you can maintain for at
least 10 seconds. Shift your body weight to one leg. Reach
Dumbbells or medicine balls can be added to progress the amount of resistance with these exercises.

Reverse lunge Forward lunge walk (below)
Start from a standing position with your feet together. Start from a standing position with your feet together. Step
Step backwards into a lunge, then return to standing. forward into a lunge. Try to get 80-85% of your weight on
Your center of gravity should be forward and above your to the forward leg, with the knee over the foot. The trail leg
front knee. should be relatively straight and come up on to the toes.
Then push off and up with the forward leg to bring body
Lateral lunge walk (below) up and knee straight. Repeat with the other leg.
Start from a standing position with your feet together.
Step sideways into a lunge with 80-85% of your weight
on the lead leg (knee over the foot) with the trail leg
relatively straight. Push up with the lead leg to return to
standing. Be careful not to bounce off the toes of the trail
leg. Repeat with the other leg.
Dumbbells or medicine balls can be added to progress the amount of resistance with these exercises.

D. Landing and Takeoff Drills E. Balance
Step offs In Phase 3, balance exercises will challenge postural
control and duration. The goal of these exercises is
Step off a 6-10 inch high box. Try to land on both feet to make balance an unconscious phenomenon. By
simultaneously. Absorb the shock of the landing by using tasks that require hand-eye coordination and
coming into a squat position upon landing. When you concentration, your cognitive awareness of body position
are able to perform this consistently, correctly and without is diminished. Some examples of these exercises are listed.
symptoms, your physical therapist or athletic trainer will
progress you to single leg landings. 1. Balance board activities
2. Soccer ball drills balancing on injured leg
3. Stick handling with a hockey stick and ball
Bounce jumps
4. Football passes while balancing on injured leg
Stand with equal weight on both feet. Now perform
the first portion of a shallow jump. Your toes may not 5. Tennis racket swings while balancing on injured leg
leave the ground initially. Repeat this to produce a
light bouncing action. When you are able to perform 6. Swim strokes
this consistently, correctly and without symptoms, your
7. Volleyball bumps or sets while balancing
physical therapist or athletic trainer will progress you to
on injured leg
single leg bouncing.
8. Basketball ball handling drills in single leg stance
position
Leap and land 9. Walk and hold stance on single leg

Stand on one leg, then using opposite arm and leg action, 10. Windmills
push off that leg to become slightly airborne. Land softly
by bending the knee and hip as your other foot contacts 11. Single leg balance with your eyes closed
the ground. Pause and hold your balance in this partial
squat position for 2-3 seconds. 12. Single leg balance while standing on a towel roll
Complete the above exercises highlighted by your physical

therapist or athletic trainer.
Jump stops
Perform three forward jumps, with both legs, then stop.
Maintain good balance in a squat position for 3-4 seconds Duration________________ Repetitions________
upon stopping. Repeat this sequence 10-20 times. When
you are able to perform this consistently, correctly and
without symptoms, your physical therapist or athletic
trainer will progress you to single leg hopping.

F. Core Body V-Sit and twist (rotation)
The core functions to bend, stretch, twist and stabilize Begin in the same starting position as the V-sit. Twist your
your body. The anatomical terms for these functions are body and reach to touch the floor on the other side of the
flexion, extension, rotation and stabilization, respectively. opposite hip. Return and repeat in the opposite direction.
Iso abs (stabilization)

Lie face down. Lift your upper body and hips off the floor
into a push up position. You can support your upper body
weight either on your elbows or your hands. Stabilize and
hold this position for approximately 30 seconds.
Diagonals (combines flexion and

extension movements with rotation)
Stand with your feet close together and your back to a
wall. Put both hands together. Now touch both hands to
the wall as high as possible above the right shoulder then
Chopping (flexion and extension) bring them across your body and touch the wall to the
You will need a ball and a solid wall. With your back outside of the left hip. Use your abdominal muscles to
facing the wall, stand approximately 1-2 feet away (the control the movement. Repeat this diagonal pattern
further you stand away from the wall, the greater the 12-15 times, then do the opposite diagonal which will be
challenge). Straddle your feet so they are approximately from the left shoulder to the right hip. Do two sets of each
shoulder width apart. Hold the ball in both hands and diagonal pattern. The progression for this exercise is to
raise it to tap the wall overhead behind you. Then lower hold a weight between your hands.
it down and bring the ball between your knees to tap the
Cardiovascular conditioning
wall behind you at knee height. Repeat.
Continue cross training, but begin to design your
V-Sit and stretch (flexion and extension) program more toward the type of cardiovascular
While seated on the floor, form a “V” with your body by requirements you will need for your sport
bending at the hips and knees. Raise your feet 4-6 inches (i.e., intervals vs. moderate intensity, moderate duration
off the floor. Widen the “V” by stretching at the hips and vs. low intensity, long duration). During this phase you
knees while maintaining a distance of 4-6 inches from should be working hard to get in shape, or improve your
your feet to the floor. Return and repeat. muscular and cardiovascular work capacity to allow for
more intense rehabilitation exercises in Phase 4.
Russian twist (rotation)
Upper body strength
Begin in the same starting position as the chopping
exercise. Slightly bend one knee and twist in the opposite Continue on individualized program as determined by
direction of that knee to tap the ball on the wall behind your rehabilitation provider.
you. Return and repeat in the opposite direction. The
speed of the twist will vary depending on your sport.

Phase 4
This phase can be initiated when the goals of Phase 3 are met. This phase will usually begin 12-16
weeks after surgery.
Goals B. M
ulti-planar Landing Control
1. Progress from double leg impact control to single and Neuromuscular Reaction
leg impact control (this should not be initiated
before 8 weeks post-op, a KT1000 measurement and Jump rotations
completing the double leg progression). Perform a squat jump, while in the air turn 90˚, then
2. Develop proper technique and appropriate land on a box and hold the landing. Attempt to increase
neuromuscular control with start and stop movements the duration of balance and control during the landing.
and change of direction movements. This includes
cutting and pivoting (this should not be initiated Sets_______ Repetitions_______
before 8 weeks post-op, a KT1000 measurement and
completing the double leg progression). Fast feet and lunge
3. Eliminate apprehension that may exist with complex Do fast feet choppers in place for 3-4 seconds, then lunge
movements related to sports. forward. From the lunge position return to the upright
fast feet sequence. Continue this cycle, alternating the
A. Dynamic Warm Up lunge leg.
These drills are designed to enhance athletic performance a. Forward
by preparing your body for the demands of your sport. b. Lateral
This warm-up will help with increasing core body
temperature, mental alertness, elasticity of the muscular c. Multi-angle
system and activation of your neuro-muscular system. It
may take from 5-15 minutes to perform. The following Sets_______ Repetitions_______
exercises are similar to the agility drills in Phase 3, but
now you will begin to increase the size and speed of Multi-planar leap and land
movement: Stand on one leg, then using opposite arm and leg action
1. Forward skip push off that leg to become slightly airborne. Land softly
by bending the knee and hip as your other foot contacts
2. Backward skip the ground. Pause and hold your balance in this partial
3. Side skip squat position for 2-3 seconds.
4. Side shuffle with arm swings a. Forward
5. Carioca or grapevine with short quick strides b. Lateral
6. Carioca with increasing backward hip rotation with c. Diagonal
longer strides
d. 90 degree rotation
7. 3 step and stop
8. Back pedal accelerations
Sets_______ Repetitions_______
9. Fast feet in place
10. Tall-fall-run Stop and go
Jog forward a few paces and stop softly on one foot, hold
this landing for 1-2 seconds. Continue this sequence in
multiple directions.

Hopping C. F
unctional Movements and
(Single foot takeoff–single foot land)
Strengthening
Use opposite arm and leg action. Land softly by initiating
contact at the ball of the foot and as the heel comes to the Forward lunge walk with rotation
ground the knee and hip should flex (bend). Attempt to Start from a standing position with your feet together and
increase the duration of balance and control (not letting hands holding a small weight overhead. Step forward into
the knee go in towards midline) during the landing. a lunge and bring the weight over forward leg to touch
a. 4 hop for height the ground. As you stand to lunge forward to the other
leg, the weight should travel in a smooth arc overhead.
b. 4 hop for forward distance
c. 10 yard speed hop
Power bounds
One legged squat
This high intensity exercise is basically a progression of
This exercise is performed in a similar manner as the
the forward hop and requires cycling of your legs during
squat, but is performed with only leg at a time. Attention
the flight phase of the hop. You should increase your
to postural alignment is very important.
distance with each bound.
Agility ladder Sets_______ Repetitions_______

Progress various drills to promote dynamic balance and
agility from the least provocative plane of movement Single leg deadlift
(usually sagittal) to the most stressful plane of movement Stand on one leg with the knee straight but not hyper-
(usually transverse). You can simulate an agility ladder extended while holding a weight or medicine ball. Reach
using a tape pattern on the floor. Your physical therapist toward the floor with the weight by flexing at the hip but
or athletic trainer will provide you with a handout of keeping the knee and back straight. Raise back up to a
drills specifically designed for you. standing position by extending the hip.
Lunge clock
This exercise utilizes the lunge at multiple angles. To
perform this exercise, imagine yourself standing in the
Cutting and pivoting drills
center of a clock. Now, lunge out to each number on the
As outlined by your physical therapist or athletic trainer, face of the clock, coming back to the center each time.
these drills encourage equal weight distribution between
the surgical and nonsurgical legs. You should start at
a low velocity and progress to higher velocity as your Sets_______ Repetitions_______
movement control increases and your apprehension
Lateral lunge walk
decreases.
Start from a standing position with your feet together
holding a medicine ball overhead. Step sideways into
a lunge with 80-85% of your weight on the lead leg
(knee over the foot) and the trail leg should be relatively
straight. As you go in to the lunge position you should
bring the medicine ball down, just in front of the knee.
Then push up with the lead leg to return to standing.
The ball should be pushed overhead while the lead leg is
extending (straightening).

Power step up (below) D. Advanced Core Training
Start with left foot flat on top of a stable chair, a weight Core muscles are important as they provide stabilization
bench or stacked aerobic steppers. With a majority of your to your body and assist in transfer of power from lower to
weight maintained through the left foot, explode quickly upper body and vice versa during sport.
upward by straightening left knee and left hip ending up
only on left leg. At the same time, the left arm will punch 1. Prone body bridge
upwards with elbow bent at 90 degrees and the right 2. Body bridge left
knee will end up in a high knee march position. Repeat 3. Body bridge right
on opposite side also. Hold dumbbells in your hands to 4. Supine body bridge
increase resistance.
Progress these exercises by adding extremity motion and
eventually adding resistance through dumbbells/light
resistance.

Phase 5
Sports Performance and Injury Prevention
At this point your physical therapist or athletic trainer will provide you with specific exercises
based on your sport and specific needs. These exercises are important for enhancing sports
performance and preventing future injuries.

Spectrum: Rehabilitation of Athletic Movement
and Return to Sport
General Information
1. Welcome to Spectrum! Classes meet two times 4. Spectrum is a fee for service program. The monthly
per week. fee will be due at the beginning of each month. The
monthly fee is $120 per month for phase I, $160 per
Phase I Mon, Wed 4:00–4:30 p.m. month for phase II, and $190 per month for phase III.
Phase II Mon, Wed 4:30–5:15 p.m. This fee is pro-rated at the start based on the number
Phase III Tues, Thur 4:00–5:00 p.m. of session available your first month. You will be
responsible for the entire monthly fee at the beginning
2. Regular Spectrum class attendance is important for of the next month.
proper progression of your rehabilitation program. If 5. Appropriate exercise wear is required. We recommend
you cannot attend a class, please call cross trainers or shoes with good lateral support vs.
(608) 263-4765 to cancel. running shoes. Please do not wear wet or muddy shoes
3. Prior to beginning Spectrum, each in the aerobics room. Floors that are wet or dusty
athlete will need to schedule an orientation. are hazardous for the type of activities performed in
The purpose of the orientation is to evaluate the Spectrum class.
athlete and determine the appropriate phase of 6. You will need to warm up and stretch independently
participation. The athlete will go through a series of before class starts. The stretching area in the fitness
exercises designed to assess the athlete’s functional center is reserved for patients and members to use for
ability (strength, endurance, mechanics, etc.). The the purpose of stretching only. Please do not use it as
orientation fee is a non-refundable $30 which is a waiting area. When you are finished with your warm
due at the time of the orientation. To schedule the up and stretch, please move to the aerobics room.
orientation, call (608) 263-4765.
7. Due to special events or holidays, the Spectrum
program may be closed during usual class hours.
These events and dates will be posted in advance.

and Return to Sport
Description
UW Health Spectrum is a lower extremity, group Phase II: Restore biomotor patterns
rehabilitation program that integrates philosophies (intermediate)
of sports training with philosophies of functional As the athletes relearn to control their strength and
rehabilitation. The program is designed to provide coordination, they then need to apply their coordination
athletes an opportunity to work on functional to simple biomotor tasks such as running, jumping,
conditioning and sport specific drills that prepare hopping, skipping, leaping, catching, etc. before advanced
them to return to sport activities. We can better return athletic movements can be achieved. Activities in Phase
athletes to their full motor potential by rehabilitating II progressively become more complex by adding
the injuries, retraining the kinetics, or movements, of components of speed, impact, change of center of gravity
their required sports skills and provide the necessary components and by combining more than one movement
tools to attain higher levels of fitness, strength, flexibility, and more than one direction or plane of movement. They
movement and sports skill. Athletes in this program will also continue to work to rebuild their strength.
participate with others who have experienced similar
injuries, and therefore, receive the camaraderie and Phase III: Retrain and recondition to return
motivation needed to successfully achieve performance to sports (advanced)
goals. The class is primarily designed for patients who In phase lll, athletes will demonstrate that they are
have had ACL reconstruction but is beneficial for all efficient with simple biomechanical locomotor and non-
lower extremity injuries. Evidence has shown that locomotor patterns. The rehabilitation now will be more
return to sport rehabilitation and sports performance specialized to returnto individual sport by retraining in
training have similarities. Therefore this program is also agility, plyometrics, speed, strength and power exercises.
available to non-injured athletes. There are three phases Phase lll is longer than phase I or ll. This is to allow
of progression in the program: basic, intermediate and for appropriate conditioning, intensity, and movement
advanced. complexity to meet each individual’s needs to return
to their desired sport(s). After completion of phase lll,
Phase I: Return to basic fundamental athletes are prepared to resume full sports participation at
movement: pre-injury level or beyond.
The key to bridging the gap between rehabilitation and
sports application is to return to basic fundamental Core body
movement skills. This begins with postural awareness Underlying the three phases of Spectrum is core strength.
exercises, balance activities, proprioceptive challenges, There is a relative comparison to overall athletic
coordination activities and basic functional strengthening performance and reduction of injuries to maintaining
drills. These activities are used as building blocks for good core strengthening and mobility in our athletes.
more advanced and complex sports movements. Lack The trunk and torso transfer and stabilize all forces
of these skills may result in a deficit in movement generated by the upper and lower body musculature.
pattern and movement response. Athletes in this phase Each participant in the program is instructed on an
of rehabilitation must have already addressed the individualized core body program that includes exercises
physiological responses of pain, swelling, range of motion for trunk flexion, extension, rotation and stabilization.
and basic strength during the early phases of healing. Core body drills are always performed as part of a five to
ten minute cool down after each class session. All three
phases of the rehabilitation program integrate a program
of core body training.

and Return to Sport
Fitness
By incorporating components of general athletic Flexibility
fitness, athletes can maximize the gains made in Normal musculoskeletal function requires that an
rehabilitation. More importantly, each participant adequate range of motion be maintained in all joints.
works with others who have similar needs to emphasize Stretching exercises are important for developing and
functional strengthening, agility and sports specific maintaining these motions. Stretching not only prepares
training. To make this class work, individual time and the body for activities but also helps in preventing
effort is required. Below is a list of some very important unnecessary injuries. Stretches are generally performed
aspects of general athletic fitness. Athletes will be right after warm-up and again at the end of the workout.
instructed on activities for each component and will
become independent with these activities. Participants Cardiovascular conditioning
are encouraged to pair up with a classmate as a good General athletic fitness is the base on which sport-specific
motivational tool. athletic fitness and skills are built. Each sport demands a
certain level of aerobic or anaerobic endurance. To begin
Warm-up, cool-down developing cardio-respiratory endurance, a conditioning
Warming up before each workout and cooling down program is initiated at the beginning of the program.
afterwards are very important aspects of total fitness. A
proper warm-up period allows the heart to gradually Core body
accelerate into the training zone, preparing the body Strong core body musculature is important in every
for more strenuous activity. Warm-up consists of 5-10 athletic motion. The trunk and torso transfer and
minutes of gradually progressive exertion on the stabilize all forces generated by the upper and lower body
stationary bike or stair master, followed by a dynamic musculature. Strong abdominals also help support the
warm-up outlined by the Spectrum staff or your physical lower back, which is a common site for athletic injury.
therapist/athletic trainer. This component helps to
prepare the neuromuscular system for the demands of
class activities.

and Return to Sport
Patient Profile
Name__________________________________________________________________________
Street Address_____________________________________________________________________
City____________________________________ State________ Zip_________________________
Work Phone__________________________ Home Phone____________________________________
Date________________ Age_________
What is included in your current exercise program?
Stretching
Strengthening (include frequencies and volume (sets x reps) of each exercise)__________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Cardiovascular conditioning (include frequencies and duration)___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Where do you perform your exercise program?________________________________________________
What activities tend to irritate your injury?__________________________________________________

Do you perform regular recreational physical activities? Yes No
If not, what is the major obstacle? time motivation lack of facility other__________________________
What is your rehabilitation goal?
return to sports return to work physical demands with activities of daily living
What is your profession?______________________________________________________________

Would you describe your lifestyle as: sedentary fairly active moderately active highly active?
What sport(s) do you participate in?______________________________________________________
What position(s) do you play?__________________________________________________________

T-shirt size (circle one) M L XL XXL
This section will be completed by the Sports Rehabilitation staff

Start date___________________ Orientation date______________________
Phase: I II III (circle one)
Registered in Spectrum Binder Yes No


Rehabilitation Guide: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

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Rehabilitation Guide

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Anterior Cruciate Ligament

The world-class health care

UW Health Sports Rehabilitation:

Sports Rehabilitation Clinic Sports Medicine Clinic

Beth Chorlton, MA, LAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261-1762 Surgeons

Lisa Digman, PTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261-1769

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Before Your Surgery Day Before and Day Of Surgery

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Certain procedures may require slight modifications to Microfracture

“Over the Top” ACL reconstruction

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Figure 3: Donor sites for patellar tendon and

Patellar Tendon Graft

Figure 2: MRI images of the ligaments of the knee

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Seated knee flexion (below)

Place a towel under knee so knee is flexed

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Standing leg lifts

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1. Discontinuation of crutches (1-7 days)

2. Unlocking the brace (3-14 days)

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Goals Stationary bike

Extension on a bolster (below)

Place a towel under knee so knee is flexed

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2. Backward high knee walk

3. Forward high knee hurdler walk with hip circles

Prone knee flexion (below)

6. Forward zig zag skater’s step with pause

7. Backward zig zag skater’s step with pause

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Step back (below)

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Upper body strength

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A. Range of Motion 8. Back pedal accelerations

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Squat and reach (below)

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Leap and land 9. Walk and hold stance on single leg

Complete the above exercises highlighted by your physical

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Leap and land 9. Walk and hold stance on single leg

Agility ladder Sets_ Repetitions_

City____________ State Zip_

Work Phone Home Phone__________