Best Exercises for ACL Injury Rehabilitation
Enhance your recovery from ACL injuries with these targeted exercises designed to restore knee strength and flexibility effectively.
Enhance your recovery from ACL injuries with these targeted exercises designed to restore knee strength and flexibility effectively.
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries are common among athletes and active individuals, often requiring careful rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery. Implementing the right exercises can help restore strength, flexibility, and stability in the knee. Here are some of the best exercises for ACL injury rehabilitation:
Sit on the floor with your legs extended. Slowly slide your heel towards your buttocks while keeping your foot on the floor. Return to the starting position and repeat. This exercise helps to improve knee flexibility.
Sit with your injured leg extended and the other leg bent. Tighten your thigh muscles and press the back of your knee down towards the floor. Hold for a few seconds and release. This exercise strengthens the quadriceps.
Lie on your back with one leg bent and the other straight. Lift the straight leg to the height of the bent knee, keeping your core engaged. Lower it back down slowly. This helps to strengthen the quadriceps without putting strain on the knee.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes and hamstrings. Lower back down slowly. This exercise strengthens the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
Stand with your back against a wall and slide down into a seated position with your knees at a 90-degree angle. Hold this position for as long as possible. Wall sits strengthen the quadriceps and glutes.
Lie on your stomach with your legs straight. Bend your knee, bringing your heel towards your buttocks. Lower your leg back down slowly. This exercise targets the hamstrings.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Slowly lift your heels off the ground, standing on your toes. Lower back down slowly. This exercise strengthens the calf muscles.
Use a sturdy platform or step. Step up with your injured leg and bring the other leg to meet it, then step back down. Repeat several times. This helps to improve strength and stability in the knee.
Lie on your side with your injured leg on top. Lift your top leg towards the ceiling, keeping it straight. Lower it back down slowly. This exercise strengthens the hip abductors.
Stand on your injured leg and try to maintain your balance for as long as possible. To make it more challenging, try closing your eyes or standing on an unstable surface like a pillow. Balance exercises improve stability and proprioception.
If you are recovering from an ACL injury or any other condition, consider seeking the help of a Warrior Health physical therapist. Warrior Health offers modern sports medicine and physical therapy virtual care to help reduce pain, improve strength and flexibility, and get you back to your favorite physical activities. With proper treatment and care, ACL injuries can be effectively managed, allowing you to enjoy a full and active life.
