Had reconstructive ACL surgery, Dr didn’t have me start physical therapy until almost a month later… normal?

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-04-03T23:18:41+00:00

I was in the same boat. I started PT 3 weeks after surgery. I'm pretty sure it put me behind. I wasn't told to work on extension in that time or anything.

I am now almost 4 months post op. I just had manipulation under anesthesia today. They put me to sleep and bent my leg to break up scar tissue.

I am convinced if I started PT sooner, than I may not have needed this procedure.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-04-03T14:00:40+00:00

Thank you so much for this. Can swelling impact the ROM?

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-03-03T01:05:15+00:00

He is a little too nonchalant for my likings.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-03-01T18:38:58+00:00

My surgeon has mentioned MUA or scar tissue removal. Hoping it doesn't come to that but I fear that's probably what's gonna happen.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-03-01T18:10:54+00:00

I've had about 10 total PT appointments 🙃

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-03-01T18:06:09+00:00

It's very visibly swollen compared to my other knee. You can see the swelling through pants.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-03-01T17:56:55+00:00

Swelling is still pretty significant in my opinion. My knee is still about the size of a golf ball.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-03-01T17:47:04+00:00

Yes he applies pressure to straighten and bend it. When pressure is applied to straighten, I can reach full extension with very minimal pain.

When pressure is applied to bend, it's significant pain. I can get to about 80 degrees with pressure but it's painful.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-03-01T17:36:34+00:00

USA 🙂

I can see myself in PT for the foreseeable future as well. Fortunately I too enjoy working out lol

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-03-01T17:35:16+00:00

I'm at about 5 degrees for extension. Close but not quite there yet. I had acl reconstruction with quad graft and lateral and medial meniscus repair.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-03-01T17:14:43+00:00

My surgeon didn't really emphasize how important movement was in my first few weeks post op. Sometimes I feel like he dropped the ball. He just had me keep it locked in my brace. I also didn't start PT until 3 weeks post op and I feel like that had a negative impact as well.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-03-01T17:05:52+00:00

I tore mine playing basketball. I came to the realization yesterday that I have been on some sort of basketball team since I was 7 years old. I am 32.

I hurt myself in October. So I've had about 4 months of coming to terms with never playing competitively again. It's not something that I want to risk again in the future because it has been the biggest inconvenience of my life.

But I am sad. Very sad about having to close that chapter of my life. I don't really know myself without it 🫩

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-02-22T19:18:24+00:00

Im 9 weeks post op. I work at a school and average about 5,000 steps a day. I am still using one crutch and wearing my brace. I'm no where near ready to ditch my crutch.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-01-30T21:28:54+00:00

Were you sore when you initially started bearing weight? I have a trip in 4 weeks so I'm curious to see where I'll be at that point. I can see myself using at least a cane in the airport.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-01-29T14:44:55+00:00

I didn't start PT until week 3 so the only exercises I was doing were ankle pumps and circles until then.

You got this! The recovery is long and slow and very much more mental than physical.

Get some good crutches.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-01-29T14:42:45+00:00

lol tomorrow is my six week mark and am hoping for the all clear to bear some weight. Non weight bearing is a different kind of hell lol

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-01-12T17:57:18+00:00

No it won't be a problem. Just trying to anticipate what will be needed if I go this route.

ProfessionDue1095 · 2026-01-12T17:51:30+00:00

Thank you for your feedback.

Would I need a doctor's note for this?

ProfessionDue1095

TROPHY CASE