ACL Tear Recovery: A Month-by-Month Timeline from an Orthopedic Surgeon
- nickwessling
- Sep 20
- 2 min read
ACL Tear Recovery: A Month-by-Month Timeline from an Orthopedic Surgeon
By Dr. Nicholas Wessling, Orthopedic Surgeon – Sports Medicine and Foot & Ankle Specialist
An ACL tear can feel like a devastating injury—especially for athletes or anyone with an active lifestyle. One of the first questions I hear from patients is, “How long until I’m back to normal?” The answer depends on your goals, the type of tear, and whether surgery is required, but here’s a general month-by-month timeline to help you understand what to expect after ACL reconstruction surgery.
Week 0–2: Recovery Starts with Protection and Pain Control
You’ll go home the same day with crutches and a brace.
The focus is on reducing swelling, regaining some knee motion, and protecting the graft.
Physical therapy usually begins within the first few days.
Goal: 0–90 degrees of motion by end of week 2.
Weeks 3–6: Building the Foundation
Gradual weight bearing as tolerated; most patients are off crutches by week 4.
Rehab focuses on restoring full extension, improving quad strength, and maintaining hip/core stability.
You may begin stationary biking and closed-chain exercises under supervision.
Goal: Full extension, 110–120 degrees of flexion, no limp.
Months 2–3: Regaining Strength and Confidence
• This is when you start feeling like you’re turning a corner.
• Emphasis shifts to more functional movement, including squats, step-downs, and balance work.
• Graft is still fragile—pivoting or impact activity is still off limits.
• Goal: Normal gait, good quad control, improved endurance.
Months 4–5: Reintroducing Impact
• Light jogging may begin if you’ve met strength and stability benchmarks.
• Plyometric drills, single-leg training, and more sport-specific movement are added.
• Focus: Symmetry, neuromuscular control, and confidence.
Months 6–9: Return to Sport—But Only When Ready
• Not everyone is cleared at 6 months; return to play is based on testing, not the calendar.
• You must pass strength, hop, and agility assessments before returning to cutting/pivoting sports.
• Rushing back too early increases the risk of re-tear.
• Goal: Safe, confident return to full activity with optimal biomechanics.
Long-Term:
• Full recovery can take up to a year or more, especially for high-level athletes.
• Ongoing strength, proprioception, and injury-prevention training are essential.
• Psychological readiness is just as important as physical readiness.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Wessling:
Everyone’s ACL journey is different. I tailor rehab and return-to-play plans based on the patient, not the calendar. If you’re dealing with an ACL injury or want a second opinion, I’m happy to guide you through the process and help you get back to doing what you love safely.
Have questions about ACL surgery or rehab? Reach out through my website or schedule an appointment today.