My Rehabilitation Protocols

0–2 weeks

Let the skin heal. Full weight bearing as comfortable with crutches. Focus on full extension, quadriceps activation and swelling control.

2–6 weeks

Wean off crutches. Progress range of movement to full flexion. Static bike, closed chain strengthening and gait re-education with your physiotherapist.

6–12 weeks

Build quadriceps, hamstring and glute strength. Add balance and proprioception work. Straight-line jogging only when strength and control allow.

3–6 months

Progressive strength and power work, agility drills, change of direction and sport-specific patterns.

9–12 months

Return to pivoting sport once strength testing and hop testing are satisfactory. Review in clinic.

0–2 weeks

Brace on, non or partial weight bearing as advised. Skin healing, swelling control and quadriceps activation.

2–6 weeks

Brace with restricted flexion (usually to 90°). Gradually increase weight bearing. Avoid deep squatting and twisting.

6–12 weeks

Remove brace, full weight bearing, restore full range of movement and progressive strengthening.

3–6 months

Return to running, then agility and sport-specific work. No deep loaded squatting until 4 months.

0–2 weeks

Let the skin heal. Brace on, non weight bearing (NWB) with crutches.

2–6 weeks

Physiotherapy with continued brace and NWB. Passive movement and muscle activation.

6–12 weeks

Remove brace and start gradually weight bearing under physiotherapy guidance.

12–24 weeks

Improve muscle strength, restore normal gait and low-impact conditioning.

12 months

Review in clinic with repeat MRI to assess healing of the repair.

0–2 weeks

Wound healing, swelling control, ankle and quadriceps exercises. Partial weight bearing with crutches as advised.

2–6 weeks

Range of movement work and progressive partial weight bearing. Interval X-ray to check healing.

6–12 weeks

Progress to full weight bearing once the osteotomy shows healing on X-ray. Begin strengthening and static bike.

3–6 months

Full strengthening, low-impact sport and return to most activities. Impact sport usually from 6 months.

0–2 weeks

Brace in extension, weight bearing as advised. Quadriceps activation and swelling control.

2–6 weeks

Gradually increase flexion in the brace. Physiotherapy for quadriceps and glute control.

6–12 weeks

Wean out of brace, restore full movement and build strength, particularly VMO and hip control.

3–6 months

Progressive return to running, agility and sport once control and strength are restored.

0–2 weeks

Walking from day one with crutches or a frame. Focus on full extension, bending exercises, swelling control and wound healing.

2–6 weeks

Wean off walking aids. Aim for 0–90°+ of movement. Regular physiotherapy and daily walking.

6–12 weeks

Strengthening, static bike, longer walks and return to most day-to-day activities.

3–12 months

Continued strength gains and swelling settling. Low-impact sport such as golf, cycling and swimming encouraged.

0–2 weeks

Brace locked in extension. Weight bearing as advised with crutches. Wound healing and quadriceps activation.

2–6 weeks

Controlled increase in flexion through the brace under physiotherapy supervision.

6–12 weeks

Wean out of brace, restore full range of movement and start progressive strengthening.

3–6 months

Strength and control work, then graded return to sport and heavier loading.