Knee
Knee Rehabilitation & Return-to-Activity Program
High-performance, 100-day rehabilitation pathways for ACL, meniscus, and cartilage procedures, built around clear milestones and durable outcomes.
The SIGMA Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Knee Program aligns surgical precision with the 100 Days to Success recovery roadmap. Following ACL repair, meniscal transplant, chondroplasty, or osteochondral grafting, each phase is organized to restore motion, rebuild strength, and improve functional stability. Recovery may be supported with SynerG biologics, advanced cryotherapy strategies, and data-based outcomes tracking to guide progress with consistency.
Post-Operative Knee Recovery Framework
Optimal outcomes depend on restoring motion, rebuilding strength, and reestablishing joint control in a structured sequence. These protocols reflect Dr. McCormick’s research-driven outcomes strategy and are designed to guide progress from early protection through performance readiness.
- Early range-of-motion progression
- Swelling and inflammation management
- Bracing and stability guidelines
Clinical Rehabilitation Timeline
Phase I: Immediate Protection (Weeks 0–2) – pain control + SynerG PRP support.
Focus: Protect the repair, control swelling, and initiate safe assisted movement.
Phase II: Mobility Restoration (Weeks 2–6) – progress ROM toward 90°, gait retraining.
Focus: Restore motion efficiently and normalize walking mechanics.
Phase III: Strength & Neuromuscular Control (Weeks 6–12) – quadriceps activation, balance, and stability training.
Focus: Rebuild strength, improve joint control, and restore functional stability.
Phase IV: Performance & Return-to-Activity (Weeks 12+) – jump testing and return-to-sport progression.
Focus: Prepare for higher-demand activity with readiness-based progression.
Recovery Optimization Resources
- Cryotherapy
- TENS Device
- Infrared Therapy
- Nutrition Optimization
- Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs)
- 100 Days to Health Program
Knee Rehabilitation FAQs
SIGMA Orthopedics Knee Therapy, Common Questions
When is 90° of knee bend typically achieved?
Many patients reach around 90° of flexion in 2–4 weeks, depending on the procedure, swelling control, and how consistently guided therapy is followed. Restrictions may apply early on to protect the repair, so progress is always milestone-based.
When is it appropriate to begin running?
Running is typically introduced only after strength, control, and gait mechanics meet readiness benchmarks often later than basic walking. For many procedures, this may fall around the 12+ week range, but timing varies based on healing, stability, and surgeon/therapy clearance.
Will a knee brace be required, and for how long?
Bracing depends on the procedure and stability needs. A brace is commonly used early to protect the joint and guide safe movement, then gradually reduced as strength and control improve. Many patients use a brace for several weeks, with adjustments based on progress and protocol.