How Long Does It Take to Recover from ACL Surgery?

An ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear is one of the most common knee injuries, especially among athletes and active individuals. While the injury can be painful and limiting, the good news is that with modern surgical techniques and expert care, full recovery is possible.

At the Center for Sports Injury, our senior orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Pushpinder Singh Bajaj and Dr. Abhimanyu Suresh, specialize in minimally invasive ACL reconstruction that helps patients return to normal activities with improved strength, stability, and confidence.

What Happens During ACL Surgery?

ACL reconstruction surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft, usually taken from the patient’s hamstring or patellar tendon. The procedure is typically performed using arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique that enables quicker healing and reduced post- operative discomfort.

ACL Surgery Recovery Timeline

Recovery from ACL surgery is a gradual process and can vary from person to person based on:

Age
Physical condition
Extent of injury
Compliance with physiotherapy

Here's a general timeline:

First 2 Weeks

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
Use of crutches to reduce weight-bearing
Start gentle range-of-motion exercises

Weeks 2–6

Gradual improvement in knee motion
Begin strengthening exercises under physiotherapy guidance
Transition to walking without support as advised

Weeks 6–12

Increase in activity level
More focused strength and balance training
Stationary cycling or swimming may be introduced

3 to 6 Months

Higher intensity training begins
Sport-specific drills for athletes
Monitoring of knee strength and stability

6 to 9 Months

Most patients are ready to return to sports or high-impact activities
Clearance is given only after clinical and functional assessment

The Importance of Expert Guidance

Every recovery journey is unique. Having a skilled and experienced orthopaedic team makes a significant difference. At the Center for Sports Injury, Dr. Pushpinder Singh Bajaj and Dr. Abhimanyu Suresh provide personalized care and closely monitored rehabilitation programs to ensure optimal recovery.

Conclusion

Recovery from ACL surgery is a gradual process that depends on expert surgical care, dedicated physiotherapy, and patient discipline. At the Center for Sports Injury, patients are treated by some of the best ACL surgeons in Delhi NCR, including Dr. Pushpinder Singh Bajaj and Dr. Abhimanyu Suresh. Their extensive experience as leading ACL surgeons ensures precise diagnosis, minimally invasive treatment, and a personalized recovery plan. With timely intervention and expert care, most patients can regain full knee function and confidently return to sports or daily activities.

Looking for the Best ACL Surgeon in Delhi NCR? Contact Center for Sports Injury