Rehabilitation and Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT

Rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction requires patience, devotion, and discipline. Rehabilitation should be individualized to each patient's specific need and sport. Return to sport is a continuum throughout the rehabilitation, and patients should not return to performance before passing a battery of muscle function tests and patient-reported outcomes, as well as change of direction-specific tests. Return to full participation should be an agreement between the patient, physical therapist, surgeon, and coach. For minimal risk for second ACL injury, patients should continue with maintenance and prevention training even after returning to sport.