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Pre- & post-surgical rehab · ACL & meniscus

ACL & Meniscus Surgery Rehab in Oakville, Burlington & Milton

Helena Greyvenstein, physiotherapistHelena Greyvenstein · Physiotherapist · Reviewed October 3, 2026

ACL and meniscus surgery rehab starts the day you get home, usually on crutches, often unable to drive. Physiotherapist Helena Greyvenstein provides rehab after ACL reconstruction and meniscus surgery at home in Oakville, Burlington and Milton.

Sports injuries are one of Helena's main areas of practice, and your plan follows your surgeon's protocol from the first week through to running, cutting and getting back on the field. It's part of our in-home physiotherapy service.

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Illustration of a knee showing the ACL ligament and meniscus cartilage, for ACL and meniscus surgery rehab in Oakville

Surgeries

ACL and meniscus surgeries we help with

  • ACL reconstruction (any graft type)
  • Meniscus repair
  • Partial meniscectomy (meniscus trim)
  • ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair
  • Other ligament repairs, such as the MCL
  • Knee arthroscopy

A meniscus repair and a meniscus trim recover very differently. After a repair, surgeons often limit weight-bearing or bending for a while to protect the stitches. After a trim, many people move on faster. Your plan follows exactly what your surgeon has asked for. Had a knee replacement instead? See knee replacement physiotherapy.

Prehab

Physiotherapy before ACL surgery

Before ACL reconstruction, the main goals are calming the swelling, getting the knee fully straight, and getting the thigh muscles working again. Research suggests people who go into ACL surgery with less swelling, good range of motion and better quadriceps strength tend to do better afterwards.

Rehab

Stages of rehab after ACL and meniscus surgery

  • The first weeksSwelling control, full straightening, getting the quads working, and walking on crutches as your surgeon allows.
  • Strength and controlProgressive leg strength, balance and single-leg control.
  • RunningUsually a few months after ACL reconstruction, once your surgeon agrees and your strength and swelling are ready.
  • Jumping and cuttingLanding, hopping and change-of-direction drills, built up step by step.
  • Return to sportTesting strength and hop performance against your other leg before going back to soccer, hockey, basketball or skiing.
Research suggests that waiting at least nine months after ACL reconstruction, and passing strength and hop tests, lowers the risk of re-injury when you go back to pivoting sports. Return to sport is decided with your surgeon, not by the calendar alone.

Safety

Warning signs after knee surgery

Get medical help right away after surgery if you notice:
  • Calf pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one leg (a possible blood clot)
  • Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath: call 911
  • Fever, chills, or a wound that becomes red, hot, swollen or starts draining
  • Sudden severe pain, the knee giving way or locking, or a sudden large increase in swelling

For anything else that worries you, call your surgeon's office. Your physiotherapy plan always follows your surgeon's instructions.

Service area

ACL rehab near you

Helena provides ACL and meniscus surgery rehab across Oakville, including Glen Abbey, Joshua Creek, River Oaks, West Oak Trails and Palermo, plus Burlington and Milton.

Oakville

ACL and meniscus rehab at home anywhere in Oakville.

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Burlington

Rehab after ACL reconstruction and meniscus surgery throughout Burlington.

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Milton

ACL and meniscus surgery rehab in Milton.

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Common questions

ACL and meniscus rehab questions

Return to sport

How long after ACL surgery can I return to sport?

Usually not before about nine months, and often longer. Research suggests going back to pivoting sports earlier raises the risk of re-injury. The decision is based on strength, hop testing and your surgeon's clearance.

Running

When can I start running after ACL reconstruction?

Often a few months after surgery, once your surgeon agrees and your knee is quiet, fully straight and strong enough. Running too early can flare up swelling and set you back.

Meniscus

How long is recovery after meniscus surgery?

It depends on whether the meniscus was trimmed or repaired. After a trim, many people are back to normal activities within weeks. After a repair, recovery is usually several months, with limits early on to protect the healing tissue.

Prehab

Should I do physiotherapy before ACL surgery?

Yes, if there's time. Reducing swelling, getting the knee fully straight and building quad strength before surgery can help your recovery afterwards.

OHIP

Is physiotherapy after ACL surgery covered by OHIP?

Some people qualify for publicly funded physiotherapy after surgery, through the hospital or Ontario Health atHome. Doorstep Doc home visits are private, and many extended health plans include physiotherapy, so check your plan.

Referral

Do I need a referral for physiotherapy after ACL surgery?

No, you can book directly in Ontario. Some insurance plans ask for a doctor's note to reimburse physiotherapy, so check your plan.

Get started

Book ACL or meniscus surgery rehab

Just had ACL or meniscus surgery, or waiting for it? Start your rehab without the drive.

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