Quad Strength After ACL Surgery

Fun Fact: Did you know that  most orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physical therapists require 95%+ LSI (limb symmetry index) prior to return to sport? That means your surgical limb needs to be 95% or better strength wise before we will consider allowing full return to play. 

Quad strength & development starts early - often the first day post op - but is a continual progression throughout the rehab cycle. 

One of our favorite ways to further challenge our post op ACL's quads: a  retro step-down. With the added challenge of balance and eccentric quad control (the reverse tap), it forces the athlete to not only utilize their quad in greater depths of knee flexion (that are often weak/uncomfortable) but also emphasizes adequate hip involvement which engages the glutes. All around - it's a win-win.