By Dr. Richard Cunningham | Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON)
A common question that patients ask after ACL surgery is: how long until I can return to work after the surgery? Since every job and every recovery is different, the answer varies but below are some insights that may help you understand your approximate timeline
in returning to work.
What Determines When You Can Go Back to Work After ACL Reconstruction?
The biggest factor is the type of work you do. Desk work is very different from a construction job that involves lifting, climbing, kneeling, and working on uneven ground. Your overall strength, swelling, and mobility also play a major role in your timeline for returning to work after ACL surgery.
“If pain and swelling are under control and you can walk without a significant limp, many people can return to light work within 1-2 weeks,” says Dr. Cunningham. “More physically demanding jobs such as construction may require up to 4 months as the ACL graft needs to be reasonably well incorporated and patients need to regain adequate strength and range of motion before returning to more physically demanding work.”
When Can You Return to a Desk Job After ACL Surgery?
For many patients, returning to sedentary or computer based work is possible within one to two weeks. It may take that long for patients to be off of narcotic pain medications and be sleeping reasonably well. Sitting for long periods may be uncomfortable early on, so elevating the leg, taking breaks, and staying mobile throughout the day are important parts of resuming desk work after ACL surgery.
Dr. Cunningham encourages patients to listen to their body. “When you are no longer completely reliant on using crutches and you can sit comfortably for several hours at a time while still managing your swelling and progressing with your range of motion, you can
go back to a desk job.”
What if Your Job Requires Standing, Walking, or Light Physical Activity?
Jobs that involve being on your feet usually require three to six weeks before one can safely return. It usually takes this long in order for a patient to be off of all pain medications, off of crutches, walking without a significant limp, and able to stand for several hours at a time.
Physical therapy will help you restore your knee range of motion and strength. If one’s work is so demanding that you are having increased pain and swelling and you are not progressing in physical therapy, then one will need to further restrict their activity at work because making gains in physical therapy in the first 6-12 weeks is critical. In particular, Dr. Cunningham wants to see all of his ACL patients have full knee range of motion by 12-14 weeks from surgery.
When Can You Return to Heavy Labor or Physically Demanding Work?
Jobs that require walking on uneven ground, lifting heavy objects, climbing ladders, squatting, kneeling, or manual labor typically require four to six months before one is able to return to this sort of work. Your graft needs time to incorporate and heal into the bone tunnels. Dr. Cunningham explains, “Even if you feel good, the new ACL is still healing and maturing. If you return to physical work too soon without adequate leg strength to help protect the ACL graft, you could re-tear the graft or stretch it out.”
Your physical therapist will have you mimic work specific motions that you are required to perform. They will also conduct strength testing and functional assessments and with Dr. Cunningham’s input will help inform you of when you are ready to return to your work. There may be a need to place some restrictions on your work (ie. how many pounds you can lift) when you first return to a more physical job.
Does Working Too Soon Increase the Risk of Complications?
Yes, returning too quickly can lead to increased pain and swelling and this can slow your progress in physical therapy. The first 12-14 weeks is a key window of time in which one needs to regain full range of motion. If one is too active on the knee and causes continued swelling and pain, one may not regain full range of motion and could possibly be left with permanent stiffness in the knee. Even worse, if someone has a twisting fall at work, they could re-tear their ACL graft or stretch it out such that one goes on to have a somewhat unstable knee. Many patients have short term disability policies which Dr. Cunningham encourages them to utilize so that patients do not feel forced to return to work too soon.
Dr. Cunningham adds, “We want patients to return to work at the right time, not the fastest time, as the ultimate goal is have a patient enjoy a stable and pain free knee for the rest of their life.”
When Should You Talk to Your Surgeon?
If you are unsure about how long until you can return to work after ACL surgery, or if you have questions about job specific tasks, schedule a follow up appointment. Each patient’s recovery and job requirements are unique and timelines need to be personalized.
About Dr. Richard Cunningham
Dr. Richard Cunningham is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with Fellowship training in knee and shoulder sports medicine at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery (VSON). VSON has clinics in Frisco, Vail, and Edwards, Colorado. Dr. Cunningham is widely recognized for his expertise in ACL reconstruction, cartilage restoration, and the treatment of complex knee injuries. Dr. Cunningham is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and personalized recovery plans that help active individuals safely return to work, sport, and mountain living.
If you have suffered from an ACL injury, reach out to Dr. Cunningham and his team today.