6 Weeks — Restore Normal Movement
The inflammatory phase is behind you. Now, we reclaim the range of motion that allows you to move like a human again.
What Is Happening Inside Your Knee?
Your graft is in a vulnerable state of 'ligamentization.' The initial swelling has subsided, allowing the joint capsule to loosen and internal scarring to become more organized and flexible.
What You May Notice
- Reduced pain with daily activities
- Ability to walk without a limp (if cleared)
- Stiffness after sitting for long periods
- Visible muscle atrophy in the quadriceps
Your Job Right Now
- Full extension (0 degrees) is mandatory
- Achieve equal flexion (bending) to the other side
- Consistent low-impact cycling to flush the joint
- Re-educating the brain to fire the quad muscle correctly
You’re Progressing When
- You can descend stairs with a normal gait
- You can tolerate using a stationary biking
- Single-leg balance is stable for 30+ seconds
- Swelling does not increase after exercise
- This may go slower if you had a meniscus repair at the time of surgery
Common Trap
The 'False Confidence' Trap: Feeling so good that you attempt to jump, run, or twist. The graft is actually at its weakest point physically right now (weeks 6-12) as it transforms into a ligament. Stay the course.
What Comes Next
The next six weeks matter more than any stretch so far. Motion and walking are largely handled, so the job shifts almost entirely to strength — heavier loading, more single-leg work, and real attention to control rather than just completing a movement. This is where the quadriceps gap starts to close, and it has to happen now for the twelve-week stage to stand on something solid.