08/14/2026
Being cleared isnāt the same as being ready.
Surgical healing is one milestone. Athletic readiness is another.
At 6 months, you may be further along in the healing and rehab process, but that doesnāt automatically mean your strength, power, confidence, and movement quality are ready for the demands of sport.
Thatās why return to sport should be based on criteria, not the calendar.
Before returning to sport, you should be able to demonstrate:
ā¢ Strength ā appropriate strength with minimal side-to-side deficits. A ā„90% limb symmetry index is commonly used as a benchmark, but symmetry alone isnāt enough. Both legs need to be strong.
ā¢ Hop performance ā single, triple, crossover, and timed hop tests with appropriate performance, control, and symmetry.
ā¢ Landing mechanics ā the ability to absorb force and control the knee and trunk without excessive valgus or compensations.
ā¢ Change of direction & reactive ability ā control during sprinting, deceleration, cutting, jumping, and unplanned movements.
ā¢ Knee response ā no significant pain, swelling, instability, or symptoms that persist after training.
ā¢ Psychological readiness ā confidence and readiness to trust the knee during high-level sport movements.
The calendar tells you how long itās been.
Testing tells you what your body can actually do.
Donāt return because the months have passed.
Return because youāve earned the capacity to handle the demands of your sport.
