May 20, 2026

Sakshyam Health Care & Rehabilitation Center

Physiotherapy Rehabilitation For all Ortho & Neuro Conditions

ACL Rehab Protocol after ACL Surgery in Nepal

ACL Rehab Protocol after ACL Surgery in Nepal

ACL Rehab Protocol after ACL Surgery in Nepal

ACL rehab protocols used in Nepal are generally done after the ACLR ( Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstrution ) surgery and this phyio rehabilitation are generally the same evidence-based, phase-wise protocols used worldwid

THe steps and the rehabiliation protocoal are adapted by physiotherapists depending on your surgeon, graft type, and access to rehab facilities as per need.

Here’s a clear, practical ACL rehabilitation protocol (used in most Nepali physio rehabiliation centers and phyisotherapy clinics too):


🦡 ACL Rehab Protocol (Step-by-step)

πŸ”Ή Phase 1: Immediate Post-op (0–2 weeks) Physio Rehab

Goals: To reduce swelling, regain knee extension, activate muscles

What you have to do:

  • RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
  • Knee brace + crutches (as advised)
  • Gentle exercises:
    • Quadriceps sets
    • Straight leg raises
    • Heel slides
  • Try to achieve:
    • Full knee extension
    • ~70–90Β° flexion

πŸ‘‰ Early motion + weight bearing (as tolerated) is encouraged to avoid stiffness


πŸ”Ή Phase 2: Early Rehab (2–6 weeks) Phyiso

Goals: TO improve ROM, start strength, normalize walking

Core Exercises:

  • Stationary cycling
  • Closed-chain exercises (mini squats, step-ups)
  • Balance training
  • Gradually stop crutches and
  • Partial weight bearing followed by full weight bearing

πŸ‘‰ By ~6 weeks: YOu have to Aim for near full ROM and normal gait


πŸ”Ή Phase 3: Strength & Control (6–12 weeks) Phyiso Rehab

Goals: To build muscle strength + stability of the Join

Core Exercises:

  • Leg press, lunges
  • Hamstring curls
  • Core & hip strengthening
  • Proprioception (balance boards)

πŸ‘‰ Focus shifts to endurance and neuromuscular control


πŸ”Ή Phase 4: Advanced Training (3–6 months)

Goals: prepare for running & sports

Core Exercises:

  • Jogging β†’ running progression
  • Plyometrics (jumping drills)
  • Agility drills

πŸ‘‰ Running starts only when:

  • Full ROM
  • No swelling
  • Strength β‰₯ ~80% of other leg

πŸ”Ή Phase 5: Return to Sport (6–9+ months) Phyiso

Goals: safe return without re-injury

Criteria:

  • Strength symmetry (β‰₯90–95%)
  • Good balance & hop tests
  • No pain/swelling

πŸ‘‰ Aftere completion of all the rehab phyiso for post ACLR Most athletes return around 6–9 months (sometimes up to 12 months)



⚠️ Important Advice

  • Rehab is criteria-based, not just time-based
  • Don’t rush phases β†’ increases re-tear risk
  • Consistency matters more than intensity
  • Always follow your surgeon + physio plan

🦡 ACL Rehab Protocol (Table Format)

PhaseTimelineGoalsKey Exercises / ActivitiesCriteria to Progress
Phase 1: Immediate Post-op0–2 weeks– Reduce swelling
– Restore full extension
– Activate quadriceps
– RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
– Quad sets
– Straight leg raises
– Heel slides
– Ankle pumps
– Minimal swelling
– Full knee extension
– Flexion ~70–90Β°
– Good quad activation
Phase 2: Early Rehab2–6 weeks– Improve ROM
– Normalize walking
– Begin strength
– Stationary cycling
– Mini squats
– Step-ups
– Balance exercises
– Gait training
– Full/near full ROM
– Walking without crutches
– Minimal pain/swelling
Phase 3: Strength & Control6–12 weeks– Build strength
– Improve stability & control
– Leg press
– Lunges
– Hamstring curls
– Core strengthening
– Balance board training
– Strength β‰₯70% of other leg
– Good balance
– No swelling after exercise
Phase 4: Advanced Training3–6 months– Prepare for running
– Improve agility
– Jogging progression
– Plyometrics (jumping)
– Agility drills
– Sport-specific drills
– Full ROM
– Strength β‰₯80%
– No pain/swelling
Phase 5: Return to Sport6–9+ months– Safe return to sport
– Prevent re-injury
– Full training drills
– Cutting/pivoting drills
– Functional testing
– Strength β‰₯90–95%
– Pass hop tests
– No instability

πŸ‡³πŸ‡΅ What’s specific in Nepal?

In Nepal, the phyisotherapy protocol after ACLR surgery is similar, but differences may include:

  • More manual therapy + exercise-based rehab
  • Limited access to advanced equipment (isokinetic machines, Alter-G treadmill)
  • Greater reliance on:
    • Therabands
    • Bodyweight exercises
    • Home programs

Top centers in Kathmandu (like sports physio clinics) usually follow international guidelines (Aspetar / Melbourne protocols).