If you suspect that you have an ACL injury, we highly recommend seeking advice from a clinician as soon as possible. Delaying treatment could limit your ability to recover fully, so it is better to err on the side of caution. In the event that the ligament(s) are injured beyond a certain extent, surgery may be necessary for complete recovery. During the recovery period, your primary goal should be to protect the injured ACL by minimizing strain on it. This will help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It is important to avoid activities that worsen your pain, but you should not stop moving altogether. Short, frequent walks on flat ground are recommended, but you should listen to your body and avoid activities that cause pain. In addition, you should avoid sitting for extended periods of time as this can cause your knee to become stiff and movement more painful. Once your pain has decreased, you can gradually resume your normal daily activities and athletic pursuits. It is best to work with a clinician to guide your return to sport rehab plan. You can get started with a conservative ACL sprain exercise program, which can be found at the bottom of this page. If any exercise or activity causes pain, you should stop or reduce the intensity. NOTE: The 4-phase program below is only for mild ACL sprains with no significant swelling or instability. When in doubt, always consult a clinician.