Three months following an ACL reconstruction, which components are most beneficial for recovery?

Following an ACL reconstruction, the recovery process is critical for restoring function and strength to the knee. After three months, the focus typically shifts toward regaining range of motion (AROM) and building strength through resistance training.

Active range of motion (AROM) exercises are essential at this stage to promote mobility in the joint, prevent stiffness, and encourage healing and flexibility in the surrounding muscles. These exercises help maintain joint health and ensure that the knee is functioning optimally as it heals.

Resistance training is equally important as it helps restore muscle strength, particularly in the quadriceps and hamstrings, which are crucial for stabilizing the knee joint. Building strength in these muscle groups can lead to improved functional performance, reducing the risk of reinjury.

In contrast, while aerobic fitness, stretching, cardio workouts, massage therapy, static stretching, and endurance training are beneficial for overall fitness and recovery, they do not directly address the specific needs of regaining strength and range of motion in the aftermath of ACL surgery at this stage. This is why the combination of AROM and resistance training is the most beneficial for recovery three months post-operation.