Table 2.

Perioperative rehabilitation phases

Phase	Goals	Specific exercises
Preoperative	Attaining normal physiology and motion	Heel props, towel stretches, prone hangs; gait and stance training; heel slides, flexion hangs, wall slides
Immediately postoperative phase: through first week	Full extension, 115° of flexion; limited effusion; unassisted leg lifts and ambulation with normal gait	CPM flexion, heel slides, straight leg raises, heel props, towel cold/compression device continually
Intermediate phase: weeks 2–4	Full extension, 120° of flexion, limitedeffusion; unassisted leg lifts and ambulation with normal gait	Heel props, towel stretches, Elite Seat, correct stance and walking, heel slides, wall slides, flexion hangs; step box — low level; cold/compression device
Advanced strengthening phase	Full motion and symmetrical strength in both knees	Progressing from above to step box at higher level, leg press, straight-line running; StairMaster, elliptical trainer, progression to sports specific exercise; cold/compression as needed; knee motion monitored daily: adjust strengthening and activities to ensure full motion is maintained
Return to competition	Symmetrical; normal knees; full competition	Sports-specific exercise, functional progression, return to competition

CPM, continuous passive movement