PREHABILITATION Pre-Surgery GOALS

After an ACL injury it is very important to start exercising as soon as possible. This is helps retain your muscle strength around the ACL, range of motion and control swelling. These functions are vital to prepare an injured athlete for ACL surgery. These exercises can begin immediately after an ACL injury.

After prehabilitation, the knee will feel and look normal. However, IT IS NOT! DO NOT run, cut, jump, land, return to ANY sports that will involve any changing of direction. If one does, the knee will go out and will likely sustain further serious injury.

Retain Muscle Size and Strength

Leg Press

(3 sets of 10 reps, every other day)

You can use the leg press machine at the gym. Keep feet shoulder width apart come down as deep as possible, without pain, and extend to your leg in extended position. Keep the muscles firing or tight throughout the exercise.

Tips:

Keep up the good work: Leg strength is important going into your surgery.