Data-Driven Recovery

Post-Operative
ACL Rehabilitation

Return to sport safely with clear benchmarks, expert guidance, and elite performance testing. We don't just heal your knee. We rebuild your athletic capacity.

Schedule a Post-Op Visit
Start with Phase 1

Pre-Op

Pre-Surgery

Post-Op

After Surgery

Phase 1

Weeks 0–4

Phase 2

Weeks 5–12+

Phase 3

Weeks 20-36

Quantitative Testing

Ongoing

FAQs

Your Recovery in Three Phases

A structured, milestone-based approach to ensure you earn the right to progress at every stage of your recovery.

Phase 1: Restoration

Build the Foundation Early

Reduce surgical stress and restore basic function so your knee can handle load again.

Primary Goals
  • Reduce swelling and inflammation
  • Restore full knee extension and flexion
  • Activate the quadriceps
  • Normalize walking mechanics
Interventions
  • Progressive weight-bearing
  • NMES & BFR for early strength

Phase 2: Return to Run

Earn the Right to Progress

Develop enough strength and control to safely reintroduce running and higher impact.

Focus Areas
  • Quadriceps strength development
  • Single-leg control and endurance
  • Deceleration and movement control
Running Criteria

Introduced only when strength benchmarks are met, not just based on time. Structured loading progression.

Phase 3: Return to Sport

From Strength to Performance

Prepare for the chaotic demands of sport through higher-level strength, power, and agility work.

Key Benchmarks
  • Quad strength ≥ 90% symmetry
  • Hamstring-to-quad strength balance
  • Advanced strength and control testing
Performance Focus
  • Power production & Force absorption
  • Change of direction
  • Sport-specific movement
How recovery timing actually works

Important Context on Timelines

Timeframes are variable based on meeting benchmarks and complication of surgery. They are not specific to any one patient and may change depending on tissue healing, meniscus or additional structure involvement, and how your body responds to each phase.

Why our timeline sometimes differs from your surgeon’s

We are by no means “arguing” with the opinion of your surgeon if our timelines are different.

Surgical clearance to run is based mostly on timeline since surgical intervention and tissue healing guidelines. When they clear you for “return to run,” it is essentially handing you off to be tested and continually assessed for when you meet the appropriate muscular strength, endurance, and testing measurements to effectively perform that activity. Those qualifications are listed within each phase.

How we set you up for Phase 1

What to Expect at Your First Visit

What to expect at your first post-op visit

We assess swelling, range of motion, and quadriceps activation. We discuss what your surgeon performed (graft type, any meniscus or additional structure involvement) and tailor your Phase 1 program accordingly. We introduce the equipment we will use across your recovery, including Tindeq dynamometer testing, force plates, and Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training.

Return to Run vs. Return to Sport

We progress you from controlled return to running to advanced sport readiness, building strength, stability, and confidence for high demand movements.

 

Return to Run

Focused on endurance and repeated loading capacity.

Key Question:

Can your body handle continuous impact?

Return to Sport

Focused on power, control, and unpredictability.

Key Question:

Can your body handle chaos, speed, and force?

Your Recovery Roadmap

From pre-surgery prep to full return to sport, each phase has a purpose. Our process is built around clear benchmarks, advanced testing, and a plan that adapts to you.

Pre-Surgery
Pre-Surgery

Pre-Op

What you do before surgery directly impacts how well you recover after. This phase is focused on preparing your knee and your body for the demands of surgery and rehab.

We work on restoring range of motion, improving quad strength, and reducing swelling so your knee is in the best possible position going into surgery. Patients who commit to pre-op rehab consistently see better outcomes and a smoother recovery. You’ll leave with a clear plan, exercises to follow, and a full understanding of what to expect next.
Weeks 0–4
Weeks 0–4

Phase 1

This is the most critical early phase of recovery. The focus is on reducing swelling, restoring full knee extension, and reactivating your quadriceps. We guide you through safe, progressive movement immediately after surgery, using tools like neuromuscular stimulation, blood flow restriction, and targeted strength work to accelerate recovery without compromising the graft. Our goal is simple: get your knee “quiet” and functioning again so you can walk normally and move into the next phase with confidence.
Weeks 5–12+
Weeks 5–12+

Phase 2

Now we shift from recovery to performance. This phase is about rebuilding strength, control, and stability in the surgical leg. We don’t guess when you’re ready to progress, we test it. Using objective strength metrics and movement assessments, we ensure your body is prepared before introducing higher-level activity like running. You’ll follow a structured progression that builds tolerance step by step, reducing risk and setting the stage for long-term success.
Weeks 20-36
Weeks 20-36

Phase 3

This phase bridges rehab and real performance. You’re no longer just recovering, you’re preparing to return to sport at a high level. We build a program that combines strength, conditioning, and sport-specific movement. Training is structured, progressive, and designed to match the demands of your sport. By this stage, the focus is not just being “cleared,” but being fully prepared, confident, and capable when you step back onto the field.
Ongoing
Ongoing

Quantitative Testing

At every stage, we use advanced testing to guide decisions and eliminate uncertainty. From force plates and dynamometry to functional movement testing, we measure strength, symmetry, and performance so you know exactly where you stand. Return to running and return to sport are earned through data, not timelines. This ensures safer progression, better outcomes, and a higher level of performance when you’re back.

Just Out of Surgery?

Don't leave your recovery to chance. Get a data-driven plan designed for elite performance.

Schedule Your First Post-Op Visit