Injury protocol

ACL Reconstruction Surgery

ACL reconstruction needs a staged plan that matches tissue healing, pain behavior, and progressive rehab loading in the knee.

Condition summary

Category: Post-surgical Rehabilitation

Body region: Knee

Common in: Structured rehab, Athletic return, Orthopedic follow-up, Knee, Post-surgery

Recovery phases

Immediate post-op (0-14 days)

Goals: Reduce irritability in ACL reconstruction, Protect tissue quality and appetite, Build the next rehab step safely

Nutrition focus: Protein at each meal, Collagen and vitamin C where appropriate, Hydration, Carbs around rehab

Meal examples: Overnight oats with yogurt and berries / Chicken soup with rice and carrots / Fish or tofu with potatoes and greens

Protected rebuild (2-8 weeks)

Goals: Reduce irritability in ACL reconstruction, Protect tissue quality and appetite, Build the next rehab step safely

Nutrition focus: Protein at each meal, Collagen and vitamin C where appropriate, Hydration, Carbs around rehab

Meal examples: Overnight oats with yogurt and berries / Chicken soup with rice and carrots / Fish or tofu with potatoes and greens

Late rehab and return (8+ weeks)

Goals: Progress loading tolerance for ACL reconstruction, Restore movement confidence and function, Prepare for return to work, sport, or daily activity

Nutrition focus: Protein at each meal, Collagen and vitamin C where appropriate, Hydration, Carbs around rehab

Meal examples: Overnight oats with yogurt and berries / Chicken soup with rice and carrots / Fish or tofu with potatoes and greens

Helpful recovery links