ACL Rehab

Structured rehab after cruciate ligament reconstruction — hamstring or patellar tendon graft, anterior or posterior. We guide you through all four phases with objective measurements — up to a Limb Symmetry Index of 90% or more.

Key facts

Phase plan from day 1 after surgery
9-month structured model
Data-based return-to-sport testing
Locations in Zurich West and Kloten

Who this rehab is for

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (hamstring or patellar tendon graft)
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction
With associated injuries (meniscus, cartilage, MCL)
Re-rupture rehab (second or multiple surgeries)

The rehab phases

Phase 1 — Directly after surgery

Weeks 0–6: mobility, swelling reduction, quadriceps activation. Weaning off crutches.

Phase 2 — Building up

Months 2–4: two-leg strength, balance, full active extension, first running drills.

Phase 3 — Sport-specific

Months 4–6: single-leg strength, jump drills, cutting, sport-specific loading.

Phase 4 — Return to sport

Quantified return-to-sport clearance — based on data, not on feel. Limb Symmetry Index of 90% or more.

What makes our ACL rehab quantified

Returning to sport after ACL reconstruction needs hard criteria, not gut feeling. We work with a Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) of at least 90% as the central clearance indicator: strength of the operated leg compared with the healthy side, jump performance in several directions, movement control in sport-specific drills. Only when the data is right do you go back to competition. This measurably reduces the risk of re-rupture.

Graft type and rehab adjustments

Hamstring graft, patellar tendon graft, quadriceps graft — the choice is made by your surgeon, and we know the rehab implications of each. With a hamstring graft the early focus is on restoring knee flexor strength; with a patellar tendon graft we protect the extensor mechanism and monitor patellofemoral loading. The exact guidelines come from the operating clinic’s aftercare protocol and are implemented 1:1 — together with the knee surgeons in the region.

What makes MTT different with us

Medical training therapy (MTT) does not happen in a back room but in the main area of our Sport Performance Center — with the same equipment professionals train on. For ACL rehab this means isokinetic strength testing, jump-test platforms with force-plate data, running drills and sport-specific work on the training floor. That way we know when you are ready for competition again — and you don’t have to rely on feel. Read more about our treatment methods.

Frequently asked questions

How long does ACL rehab take?

A complete ACL rehab up to sport clearance typically takes 6–9 months, in some cases longer. We divide it into four phases: directly after surgery (weeks 0–6), building up (months 2–4), sport-specific loading (months 4–6) and return to sport (months 6–9). Return-to-sport tests decide on clearance, not the calendar.

What is the Limb Symmetry Index — and why is it decisive?

The Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) measures the strength and jump performance of the operated leg compared with the healthy side. An LSI of at least 90% is considered a central clearance indicator for returning to sport, because below this value the risk of re-rupture is significantly increased. We measure LSI objectively with isokinetic strength testing and jump tests.

Hamstring or patellar tendon graft — does the rehab differ?

Both graft types follow the same four-phase structure. With a hamstring graft the early focus is on restoring knee flexor strength; with a patellar tendon graft it is on protecting the extensor mechanism and managing patellofemoral loading. The exact guidelines come from the operating clinic’s aftercare protocol — we implement them 1:1.

When can I do sport again?

Depending on your sport, between 6 and 12 months. Pivoting sports (football, handball, skiing) need longer than straight-line sports (running, cycling). Clearance is based on quantitative tests — strength, jumping, movement control — not on the calendar. Without a passing LSI, there is no clearance.

Does accident insurance (UVG) cover my ACL rehab?

After a documented sports accident, Swiss accident insurance (UVG) covers 100% of the treatment costs — no doctor’s prescription needed. For degenerative ACL damage without an accident, billing runs through basic health insurance (with a doctor’s prescription). We handle the registration with your insurer directly.

How is this different from conventional physiotherapy?

Medical training therapy (MTT) is the quantified, equipment-based component. For ACL rehab this means isokinetic strength testing, jump-test platforms and running drills in the main area of the Sport Performance Center. It complements manual therapy and provides the data that sport clearance is based on.

Booking: book online (German interface) or call us in English — Kloten 044 803 91 19, Zurich West 044 814 23 20.