ACL Rehab Roadmap: Recover confidently with Dr. Himanshu Gaur’s team in South Delhi
Whether you tore your ACL during a football match in Nehru Place or a routine gym session in GK-II, rehab can feel overwhelming. Here’s the exact approach our orthopedic and sports rehab specialists use to help Delhi athletes get back on the field safely.
Why a structured program matters
The ACL graft needs time to heal into your bone tunnels. Too much too soon stresses the new ligament; too little movement leads to stiffness, weak muscles, and poor balance. Sticking to a measured plan keeps pain, swelling, and fear in check while steadily building strength and control.
Week 0-2 · Calm the knee, regain basic movement
- Elevate the leg, keep your brace on as advised, and ice 4-5 times a day to control swelling.
- Start gentle heel slides, quad sets, and ankle pumps under physiotherapist guidance.
- Walk indoors with crutches; put only the amount of weight cleared by your surgeon.
Week 3-6 · Build strength and confidence
- Progress to stationary cycling without resistance, mini squats, and step-ups.
- Focus on balance drills—single-leg stands with support help retrain your knee-hip control.
- Continue manual therapy sessions twice a week to keep the knee cap gliding smoothly.
Week 7-12 · Dynamic training & light cardio
- Add resistance to cycling and elliptical work, aiming for 20-25 minutes of cardio.
- Introduce gentle jogging on an anti-gravity treadmill or soft track if your physio clears it.
- Start sports-specific drills: ladder work for footballers, shuffle steps for racket sports.
3-6 months · Return-to-sport readiness
- Perform single-leg hop tests, agility drills, and Nordic hamstring curls to assess symmetry.
- Your care team will use strength benchmarks (hamstrings ≥ 90% of the other leg) before clearing you.
- Continue wearing a sports brace for the first few competitive matches for peace of mind.
How we support you at every stage
1. Surgical precision & clear handover
Dr. Himanshu Gaur performs arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using minimally invasive techniques, providing a detailed rehab plan to our in-house physiotherapists before you even leave the OT.
2. Dedicated sports rehab studio
Expect one-on-one sessions with therapists trained in sports science, anti-gravity treadmill access, and constant form correction so each exercise builds confidence rather than anxiety.
3. Progress benchmarks & return-to-sport tests
We track range of motion, limb symmetry indices, hop tests, and strength ratios every few weeks. You receive a simple dashboard outlining when you can jog, pivot, and finally return to competitive play.
4. Guidance for nutrition & mindset
Recovery is not just physical. We coach you on anti-inflammatory nutrition, safe home workouts, and staying mentally resilient during the slower weeks.
When to contact us immediately
- Persistent swelling or fever after the first week post-surgery.
- A feeling of “giving way” during rehab drills despite wearing your brace.
- Sharp pain, popping, or inability to straighten the knee after a minor twist or fall during recovery.
- Difficulty balancing even after 10-12 weeks of guided therapy.
Do not wait—our team can triage over a call, advise immediate steps, and get you in quickly if needed.
Ready to start your ACL recovery?
Speak with our care team or request a callback—we’ll align your consult, imaging, and rehab under one roof.