07/07/2025
Recovering from an ACL injury requires more than just rest — it demands a structured, progressive rehabilitation plan. At Advance Physical Therapy, we break it down into 4 key phases, each carefully designed to restore strength, mobility, and performance.
Phase 1: Function (0–1 Month)
In the early stage, the priority is to reduce swelling, regain full knee extension range of motion (ROM), and normalize gait. This phase lays the foundation for long-term recovery by addressing pain and mobility from the start.
Phase 2: Tolerance (1–3 Months)
Next, we focus on rebuilding tolerance to loading and restoring gross movement patterns. This helps patients return to functional tasks without fear of re-injury, preparing them for more intensive strengthening exercises ahead.
Phase 3 & 4: Capacity and Performance (3–9 Months)
During months 3–6, our goal is to improve quadriceps strength using both open and closed chain exercises. By 6–9 months, we emphasize rate of force development (RFD) and sport-specific performance to ensure you're ready to return stronger and more confident than before.
📍 Serving Houston, Dallas, and College Station | Call: 281-984-4348
Visit us: www.advancephysicaltherapy.com