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)
🔹 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
- ~70–90° flexion
👉 Early motion + weight bearing (as tolerated) is encouraged to avoid stiffness
🔹 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
👉 By ~6 weeks: YOu have to Aim for near full ROM and normal gait
🔹 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)
👉 Focus shifts to endurance and neuromuscular control
🔹 Phase 4: Advanced Training (3–6 months)
Goals: prepare for running & sports
Core Exercises:
- Jogging → running progression
- Plyometrics (jumping drills)
- Agility drills
👉 Running starts only when:
- Full ROM
- No swelling
- Strength ≥ ~80% of other leg
🔹 Phase 5: Return to Sport (6–9+ months) Phyiso
Goals: safe return without re-injury
Criteria:
- Strength symmetry (≥90–95%)
- Good balance & hop tests
- No pain/swelling
👉 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 → increases re-tear risk
- Consistency matters more than intensity
- Always follow your surgeon + physio plan
🦵 ACL Rehab Protocol (Table Format)
| Phase | Timeline | Goals | Key Exercises / Activities | Criteria to Progress |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Immediate Post-op | 0–2 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 ~70–90° – Good quad activation |
| Phase 2: Early Rehab | 2–6 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 & Control | 6–12 weeks | – Build strength – Improve stability & control | – Leg press – Lunges – Hamstring curls – Core strengthening – Balance board training | – Strength ≥70% of other leg – Good balance – No swelling after exercise |
| Phase 4: Advanced Training | 3–6 months | – Prepare for running – Improve agility | – Jogging progression – Plyometrics (jumping) – Agility drills – Sport-specific drills | – Full ROM – Strength ≥80% – No pain/swelling |
| Phase 5: Return to Sport | 6–9+ months | – Safe return to sport – Prevent re-injury | – Full training drills – Cutting/pivoting drills – Functional testing | – Strength ≥90–95% – Pass hop tests – No instability |
🇳🇵 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).

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