How Long After ACL Surgery Can You Swim?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is a common procedure performed to repair a torn ligament in the knee, often injured during sports activities. The ACL is crucial for knee stability, and its repair aims to restore function and allow a return to daily activities and sports. Recovering from this surgery is a structured process that involves various stages of rehabilitation, gradually increasing the demands on the knee. This journey requires patience and adherence to specific guidelines to ensure proper healing and strengthening of the joint.

Typical Timeline for Water Immersion

Returning to water activities after ACL surgery follows a general timeline, though individual progress can vary. Submerging the knee in water is safe only after the surgical incision has completely closed and is dry, typically two to four weeks post-surgery. Avoiding pools, hot tubs, or standing water during this period prevents infection.

Once healed, gentle water immersion can begin. More active swimming, like lap swimming with kicking, is generally safe three to six months post-surgery. This allows sufficient time for the graft to integrate and for initial strength to return to the surrounding muscles. These are general guidelines; personalized medical advice is essential for safe progression.

Individual Considerations for Swimming Readiness

Swimming readiness after ACL surgery is highly individualized, depending on several factors. The specific type of ACL repair performed, whether it involved a patellar tendon, hamstring, or quadriceps tendon graft, can influence recovery speed. Additional knee injuries, like meniscus tears or cartilage damage, also affect rehabilitation and the introduction of activities like swimming.

The body’s natural healing rate significantly impacts tissue recovery and strengthening. Complications, such as surgical site infection, would delay water immersion. Following specific instructions from the surgeon and physical therapist is crucial, as they assess knee stability, strength, and wound integrity. The incision must be completely dry, without scabs or open areas, before water exposure is safe.

Recommended Water Exercises During Rehabilitation

Once cleared, water exercises benefit ACL rehabilitation due to water’s unique properties. The buoyancy of water reduces the weight on the knee joint, allowing for earlier and less painful movement. Initial exercises include walking in shallow water, providing gentle resistance and improving gait without excessive impact. Non-weight-bearing exercises, like knee flexion and extension while sitting on a pool edge, also improve range of motion.

As rehabilitation progresses, light kicking or gentle swimming strokes, such as a flutter kick without excessive knee bend, can be incorporated. Water’s natural resistance strengthens knee muscles, including quadriceps and hamstrings, without the harsh impact of land-based exercises. Maintain proper form and avoid twisting or sudden, forceful movements that could strain the healing ligament. Progression to more vigorous swimming should only occur when the knee demonstrates sufficient strength, stability, and range of motion, as determined by the rehabilitation team.