From Injury to Action: Restoring Your ACL and Game-Readiness

- by Lisa Kaplin, DO, Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist 

As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, Dr. Lisa Kaplin shares practical steps to support your ACL recovery, rebuild strength to get you back to the activities you love, and stay motivated along the way.

Take Recovery One Step at a Time

Recovering from an ACL injury is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes patience and consistency. If surgery is part of the plan, pre-hab can prepare your body by strengthening muscles and improving joint mobility, setting you up for better post-surgery recovery.

Healing Takes Patience

After surgery, your body needs time to heal. Start with simple exercises to reduce swelling and improve movement, then gradually build up to strength and balance work. Trust your therapist and stick to your rehab plan.

Build Strength, One Step at a Time 

Strengthening your leg muscles, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings, is key to stabilizing your knee. Low-impact exercises like cycling or swimming can boost fitness without overloading your joint. 

Stay Positive 

Recovery is as much mental as it is physical. Set small goals, celebrate progress, and use visualization techniques—like mentally rehearsing your time back on the field or court—to stay focused on getting back to the activities you love.

Every improvement, like better movement or completing therapy exercises, is a win. Lean on your support team when needed to push through tough times.

Fuel Your Comeback

Recovery isn’t just about rehab exercises. Nutrition matters. Eating a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats helps repair tissues and fight inflammation. Staying hydrated is equally important, especially during physical therapy. Your body needs fluids to recover and staying hydrated gives you stamina to power through the rebuilding process.

Get Back to Play Safely 

Returning to your sport is the ultimate goal, but it’s important to make sure you’re fully healed first. Your doctor and therapist will check your strength and stability before giving you the all-clear. Sports-specific training can also help you regain confidence and get ready for game day.

Be patient with yourself. Restoring your ACL isn’t just about physical recovery but also regaining trust in your body. Take the time to rebuild that confidence so you can return to action without hesitation. 

Remember, You've Got This!

Recovering from an ACL injury isn’t easy, but it’s a chance to grow your strength and resilience. Take it one step at a time, and believe in your ability to come back stronger.

Your comeback isn’t just a goal—it’s a reminder of how strong and capable you truly are.

About Lisa Kaplin, DO
Lisa Kaplin, DO, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, treating injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Her services include minimally invasive arthroscopic surgical procedures for stabilization, repair or reconstruction of knees and shoulders, as well as fracture care and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. She also provides general orthopedic care for non-athletes. After earning her medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kaplin then completed an orthopedic sports medicine fellowship at Wake Forest University College of Medicine. She sees patients at Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Associates at Redeemer Health, with offices in Rockledge, Abington and Meadowbrook.

Learn More—Take the Next Step 
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, you should see your doctor or consider an evaluation by a sports medicine physician, orthopedist, or physical therapist. Call 215-745-4050 or visit osraorthopedics.com to find an orthopedic specialist near you.