Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common knee injuries, particularly in athletes and active individuals. When the ligament is torn beyond natural healing, ACL reconstruction surgery becomes necessary to restore stability and function to the knee. This blog provides a detailed overview of what patients can expect before, during, and after the surgery, including a comprehensive recovery timeline and essential rehabilitation tips.
If you’re considering ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Bangalore or seeking expert care for ACL Reconstruction Surgery in KR Puram, consulting an experienced orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Shiva Reddy H A ensures precision in surgical technique and holistic post-operative recovery.
Understanding ACL Reconstruction Surgery
The ACL is one of the major ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). Tears often occur during sports that involve sudden stops, jumping, or changes in direction—such as football, basketball, or skiing.
ACL reconstruction surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, usually taken from the patient’s patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or a donor. The surgery is typically performed arthroscopically, which means it’s minimally invasive and promotes quicker healing.
Who Needs ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
- Complete ACL tear with knee instability
- Young and active individuals involved in sports
- Inability to return to physical activity without knee pain or buckling
- Combined injuries to other knee ligaments or cartilage
Dr. Shiva Reddy H A, a renowned orthopedic surgeon offering ACL Reconstruction Surgery in KR Puram, recommends a detailed evaluation using physical examination and MRI to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgery.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before undergoing ACL reconstruction:
- You may be advised to wait for swelling to reduce and regain a range of motion.
- Prehabilitation or “prehab” may be recommended. This includes exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee to improve post-op outcomes.
- Avoid smoking and follow dietary recommendations for better healing.
Patients opting for ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Bangalore often undergo a tailored prehab program to ensure optimal post-operative results.
Recovery Timeline After ACL Reconstruction Surgery
Recovery from ACL reconstruction is a gradual process. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown:
Week 1–2: Immediate Post-Surgery
- Goals: Manage pain and swelling, begin gentle movement.
- Activities: Ice therapy, elevation, pain medications, use of crutches.
- Rehab: Gentle bending and straightening exercises, quad activation.
- Tip: Keep the incision clean and dry. Follow up with Dr. Shiva Reddy H A to monitor wound healing.
Week 3–6: Early Rehabilitation
- Goals: Regain range of motion and basic mobility.
- Activities: Begin partial weight-bearing as advised.
- Rehab: Stationary bike, hamstring stretches, calf raises, closed-chain exercises.
- Tip: Don’t rush—follow your physiotherapist’s guidance carefully.
Week 7–12: Strength & Stability
- Goals: Improve muscle strength, regain balance.
- Rehab: Leg presses, lunges, balance board training.
- Tip: This is a crucial stage—overexertion can delay healing or cause re-injury.
Month 3–6: Advanced Strengthening
- Goals: Restore near-normal strength and functional movement.
- Activities: Resistance training, agility drills.
- Rehab: Jump training, sport-specific movements.
- Tip: Always perform high-intensity exercises under supervision.
Month 6–9: Return to Sport
- Goals: Resume full activities and sports.
- Evaluation: Functional testing to assess strength, balance, and reaction time.
- Tip: Clearance from your surgeon, like Dr. Shiva Reddy H A, is vital before returning to competitive sports.
Rehabilitation Tips for Faster Recovery
Successful recovery is not just about surgery—it’s about following a structured rehabilitation plan. Here are key tips:
1. Follow Your Physiotherapy Schedule Religiously
Whether you’re recovering from ACL Reconstruction Surgery in KR Puram or any part of Bangalore, personalized physiotherapy is the cornerstone of recovery. It helps in regaining range of motion, strength, and preventing complications.
2. Use Ice and Elevation to Control Swelling
Swelling is common post-surgery. Applying ice packs for 15–20 minutes several times a day and keeping your leg elevated helps reduce inflammation.
3. Gradually Progress with Weight Bearing
Follow your surgeon’s instructions on when to bear weight on the knee. Crutches or a knee brace may be needed initially.
4. Stay Active, But Avoid High-Risk Movements
Walking short distances, light stretches, and controlled exercises help improve circulation and prevent stiffness.
5. Nutrition and Hydration Matter
Protein-rich foods, vitamins (like C and D), calcium, and adequate hydration speed up tissue repair and bone healing.
6. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking hampers blood supply and healing; alcohol may interfere with pain medications and recovery.
7. Mental Health Support
Dealing with surgery and restricted activity can be frustrating. Stay positive, meditate, or seek support if you’re feeling low.
Complications to Watch Out For
While ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Bangalore is generally safe and effective, it’s important to be aware of potential complications:
- Infection at the incision site
- Blood clots
- Knee stiffness or limited range of motion
- Graft failure due to premature return to sports
- Persistent knee instability
Contact Dr. Shiva Reddy H A immediately if you notice signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever) or severe pain.
When to Resume Normal Activities
- Office Work: 2–3 weeks post-surgery if sedentary
- Driving: 4–6 weeks (for right knee surgery)
- Cycling: Around 6–8 weeks
- Jogging: 3–4 months
- Sports: 6–9 months, depending on progress
A return-to-sport clearance is typically granted after passing functional tests, including jump tests, balance assessments, and strength evaluations.
Why Choose Dr. Shiva Reddy H A for ACL Reconstruction?
With extensive experience in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery, Dr. Shiva Reddy H A is known for performing ACL Reconstruction Surgery in KR Puram with excellent outcomes. His approach is holistic—combining surgical expertise, advanced rehabilitation protocols, and patient education for a smooth and complete recovery.
If you are searching for reliable, expert care for ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Bangalore, booking a consultation with Dr. Shiva Reddy H A is your first step toward a pain-free, active future.
Book Your Consultation Today
If you’ve suffered an ACL injury and are looking for long-term recovery and sports reintegration, trust an expert like Dr. Shiva Reddy H A to guide your journey.
📍 Location: Sarjapur Road, KR Puram, Bangalore
📞 Call now – (+91) 073539 50055
Let your comeback be stronger than your setback!
