An ACL tear is one of the most common knee injuries in sports. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and knowing what to expect helps you stay on track.

Weeks 0 to 2: Calm the knee

The first goals are reducing swelling, getting the knee fully straight and waking up your thigh muscles.

Weeks 2 to 12: Build the base

You will work on walking without a limp, bending the knee fully, and building strength in your hips, thighs and core.

Months 3 to 6: Get strong

This is where the hard work happens. Strength training gets heavier, and running is usually added once your therapist clears you.

Months 6 to 12: Back to sport

Jumping, cutting and sport-specific drills prepare your knee for the real thing. Return-to-sport testing helps make sure you are ready.

The bottom line

Every knee is different. Your therapist will track your progress with clear tests, so you know exactly when it is safe to take the next step.

This article is general information, not medical advice.