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Patient Questions  /  Return to sports after ACL surgery

Knee

When Can I Return to Sports After ACL Surgery?

For sports with cutting, pivoting or jumping, research supports waiting at least about nine months after ACL reconstruction, and only going back once you pass strength and movement tests. Time alone isn't enough. Your surgeon and physical therapist decide with you, based on how your knee is doing, not just the date on the calendar.

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Why waiting matters

The new ligament, called a graft, takes many months to mature, and the thigh muscles get much weaker after surgery. Going back to pivoting sports too early is a major risk for tearing the graft again or hurting the other knee. Many people feel ready well before their knee actually is.

The usual steps back

  • First weeks: calm swelling, get the knee fully straight, and walk normally.
  • Next few months: build strength, balance and control. Running usually starts after a few months, once the knee is ready.
  • Later: jumping, landing, cutting and drills for your sport, added step by step.
  • Last: practice first, then games.

Signs you may be ready

  • Full knee motion, and no swelling after hard sessions.
  • Thigh strength close to your other leg.
  • Good results on hop, landing and agility tests.
  • Confidence in your knee, without fear of it giving way.
  • Your surgeon agrees you're ready.

When to see a doctor

Stop and contact your surgeon or doctor if you have:

  • A new pop, or your knee giving way
  • Swelling that keeps coming back after activity
  • A knee that locks or won't fully straighten
  • Calf pain, swelling or warmth, which needs urgent attention to rule out a blood clot
  • Early after surgery: fever, or redness, warmth or drainage at the incision

How physical therapy at ARI can help

At ARI, we follow your surgeon's protocol and build your strength, control and confidence step by step. Our therapists use return-to-sport testing to help you and your surgeon decide when you're ready, and you leave with a program to keep lowering your risk of another injury.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: ACL and MCL injuries →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026