03/11/2026
Custom ACL Rehab Programs Matter!
Not all ACL rehab programs are created equal. A custom program designed for the individual athlete is critical for a successful recovery.
Recently I consulted with an athlete 6 months post-op from their second ACL reconstruction on the same knee. Their first graft used the hamstring tendon, while the second surgery used a patellar tendon graft with a LET procedure.
For the past few months they had been dealing with significant patellar tendon pain, which limited their ability to properly load the knee.
When we reviewed their home program, it consisted of about 6 exercises with no clear order, no sets, and no rep ranges. Because of the pain, they were simply doing what “felt right” that day — which often led to more knee pain the following days.
They had also been cleared to start running based on timeline, without any strength testing, movement assessment, or anyone actually watching them run.
These are two major gaps we often see in ACL rehab:
• No structured progression
• No clear loading parameters
ACL athletes need specific direction — what to do, how much to do, and when to modify if symptoms increase.
A detailed history, understanding the athlete’s struggles, and building a progressive, individualized rehab plan are key for long-term success and safe return to sport.
If your ACL rehab program feels unclear or incomplete, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Send me a DM and let’s build a custom ACL rehab program designed for your knee and your sport.
