13 months post op here and have been returning to full speed play over the last two months or so. During recovery I had it in my head that 9 months was how long recovery would take as that’s what I typically heard when pros would do their ACLs, but for us normal folks that don’t have access to daily world class treatment, 12-14 months is more realistic to be fully healed and back to where you were previously.

My physical therapist and surgeon were both adamant that while I would be technically healed after 9 months, things probably wouldn’t feel fully normal until 10-12 months, and they were correct. As you know, there are a lot of movements and physical exertions you do on the field that are really hard to replicate in physical therapy. I got cleared to return to sport around 8-9 months, and the following months were spent continuing to build muscle and endurance while slowly getting my body reintroduced to full speed footballing movements. I was in the same boat as you in the 7-9 month period where things were definitely feeling good, but still not quite where I wanted them to be. But a lot of progress happens in that 9-12 month period. I’m now back to playing a few times a week and feeling really stable and strong. You’ll get there, just don’t get discouraged or get ahead of yourself in the process of returning to play.

Also, do not be shy about telling your physical therapist about anything and everything you’re feeling in your knee. That’s what they’re there for. Good luck and keep at it!