Helping Your Child Recover from ACL Surgery: A Parent’s Guide to the First Week

Hearing your child needs ACL surgery can be overwhelming. As a parent, you want to do everything possible to help them recover safely—but the first week after surgery can feel like uncharted territory.

At Next Level Sports Performance & Therapy here in Edmond, we guide families through the entire ACL recovery process every day. The first 7 days are critical for setting the tone for a successful rehab, and parents play a huge role during this phase.

If your child just had ACL reconstruction, here’s exactly what to expect in the first week—and how you can support them every step of the way.

🚨 The First 48 Hours: Rest, Pain Management, and Protection

The first couple of days after surgery are usually the most uncomfortable. Swelling, pain, and limited mobility are normal, but with the right plan, you can help your child manage these challenges effectively.

✅ Focus on Elevation and Ice

• Elevate the leg above heart level as much as possible.

• Ice for 20-30 minutes several times a day.

• Use pillows under the calf—not behind the knee—to promote circulation.

✅ Stay Ahead of Pain

• Follow the surgeon’s pain management plan carefully.

• Don’t wait for severe pain before giving medications.

• Help your child stay calm and comfortable—anxiety can heighten pain perception.

✅ Protect the Surgical Site

• Monitor bandages and incisions for signs of infection.

• Make sure the brace stays properly positioned and locked according to instructions.

• Assist with safe transfers in and out of bed, using crutches as directed.

💡 Days 3–5: Gentle Mobility and Early Exercises

Once the initial shock of surgery wears off, it’s time to start encouraging gentle motion.

✅ Start Home Exercises (If Cleared)

• Quad sets (tightening the thigh muscle)

• Heel slides (gradual knee bending)

• Ankle pumps to improve circulation

• Straight leg raises (if instructed by the physical therapist)

✅ Monitor Swelling

If swelling increases significantly, back off activities and elevate more frequently. Swelling can slow healing and limit range of motion if not controlled.

✅ Crutch Use

Encourage proper crutch walking mechanics:

• Upright posture

• Even weight-bearing as allowed

• No limping or compensations

⚠️ Watch for These Red Flags

While discomfort is normal, certain issues require prompt attention:

• Increasing pain despite medication

• Significant redness or warmth around the incision

• Fever or signs of infection

• Numbness or tingling in the foot or toes

When in doubt, contact your surgeon or physical therapist.

🏃‍♂️ Days 6–7: Preparing for Physical Therapy

By the end of the first week, most patients are ready to start formal physical therapy. This is when the real work of rehab begins.

✅ What We Focus On at Next Level:

• Reducing swelling and pain

• Restoring early range of motion (especially full knee extension)

• Reactivating the quadriceps

• Normalizing walking pattern (gait training)

The sooner proper movement patterns are established, the better the long-term outcomes. Early PT lays the foundation for safe, effective progression through the rehab timeline.

🧠 The Parent’s Role: Encourager and Advocate

Your child may feel frustrated, discouraged, or fearful during this first week. As a parent, your role is to:

• Stay positive: Celebrate small wins (like bending the knee a few more degrees).

• Stay patient: Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.

• Stay engaged: Help your child stick to their home exercises and PT schedule.

🔄 The First Week Sets the Tone for Long-Term Recovery

Successful ACL rehab doesn’t start months down the road—it starts right now. Protecting the knee, managing swelling, activating muscles, and preventing complications early on make all the difference in how smoothly the rest of rehab goes.

At Next Level Sports Performance & Therapy, we specialize in guiding Edmond athletes and their families through every phase of ACL rehab—from surgery day to return-to-sport testing. With expert supervision, sport-specific programming, and one-on-one care, we help ensure your child returns to play safely and confidently.

✅ Need Help Navigating Your Child’s ACL Recovery?

Don’t go through this alone. Our team is here to answer your questions and create a customized rehab plan tailored to your child’s sport, goals, and recovery timeline.

👉 Schedule a free discovery call with our Edmond-based team today to start your child’s ACL recovery journey the right way.