Exercise guide after ACL reconstruction surgery

In this blog, we look at the types of exercises commonly used after ACL surgery, and how they’re progressed.

It has been developed with insights from Jakub Chudy, Managing Partner and Physiotherapist at HBF Physio Cockburn, and reflects his clinical experience supporting people through recovery.

Always follow your care team’s advice

There’s no one size fits all exercise plan after ACL surgery. What’s right depends on how your knee is responding at each stage.

Exercise programs after ACL reconstruction are designed to progress in stages, based on strength, movement quality and how the knee tolerates load – not just time since surgery. We advise you to follow the exercises and guidance provided by your healthcare team.

Exercises in ACL reconstruction surgery

Early exercises are about waking muscles up and supporting movement — not pushing strength. In the early stages of rehab, exercises commonly focus on:

Sit to stand and squat style movements: These movements help rebuild confidence with everyday tasks like standing up from a chair. Sit to stand patterns and squat style movements are commonly used to support lower limb strength and movement control for daily activities.

Step based movements: Step ups are often used to help prepare people for stairs. They can be included to support functional strength and coordination as confidence with movement improves.

Calf raises and lower leg strengthening: Calf strength plays an important role in walking and balance. Later stage rehabilitation programs may include calf focused exercises to support walking endurance and overall stability.

Balance exercises: Balance work helps people feel steadier and more confident as activity levels increase. These exercises are commonly included to support safe movement and reduce fall risk as recovery progresses.

Over time, rehab programs often shift from supported or floor based exercises to more upright and functional movements. These exercises help rebuild strength and confidence for daily life – and, for some people, higher level activity. As your knee settles and strength improves, exercises gradually become more challenging.

Exercise should feel challenging – but manageable

Exercises should challenge you, but they shouldn’t leave your knee angry. Rehab programs are designed to progress gradually, and signs like increased swelling, pain or stiffness can be signals to adjust rather than push through.

Consistency and control should always be prioritised over intensity or speed.

How can HBF help?

If you have eligible extras cover with HBF, you may be able to claim benefits for visits to a physiotherapist as part of your recovery after ACL reconstruction surgery.

Physiotherapy can support rehabilitation by:

• Guiding safe exercise progression, based on your recovery stage
• Supporting strength, balance and movement control, as exercises become more demanding
• Monitoring how your knee responds, helping reduce setbacks
• Adjusting your program over time, as confidence and capacity improve