Managing Pain and Swelling After ACL Surgery: Cheltenham Sports Injury Clinic Guide
- Proview Sports
- Jan 17
- 4 min read
Expert ACL Rehabilitation & Sports Injury Care in Cheltenham
Recovering from ACL surgery is a challenging process, and two of the most common concerns patients experience are pain and swelling around the knee. While some discomfort is expected, prolonged swelling or persistent pain can impair rehabilitation, limit mobility, and delay return to sport.
At Proview Sports Injury Clinic in Cheltenham, we specialise in ACL injury assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation, supporting athletes and active individuals to manage pain and swelling effectively and progress safely through their recovery.
Understanding Pain and Swelling After ACL Surgery
Post-operative swelling, or oedema, and pain are normal responses to surgery. They are the body’s natural mechanisms for healing but can become problematic if they persist. Contributing factors include:
Inflammation from surgical trauma – fluid accumulates in the joint to facilitate healing.
Muscle inhibition – pain and swelling can reduce quadriceps and hamstring activation, slowing circulation.
Scar tissue and fascial adhesions – restricted tissue can impede fluid movement and exacerbate discomfort.
Activity imbalance – both overuse and underuse of the knee can maintain or worsen swelling.
While some pain and swelling are normal, persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a specialist in sports injury rehabilitation.
Whats The Impact on ACL Rehabilitation?
If not properly managed, pain and swelling can:
Restrict knee range of motion
Limit muscle activation and strength development
Slow progression through functional exercises
Increase the risk of stiffness or compensatory movement patterns
Restoring full range of motion (ROM) and quadriceps engagement early is crucial for a successful ACL rehab. At Proview Sports Injury Clinic, we prioritise these elements in our rehabilitation programmes to support safe progression and optimal outcomes.
Effective Strategies to Manage Pain and Swelling
1. Ice and Compression
Short periods of icing reduce inflammation, whether this be ice packs, peas or a cryo-compression units, look to combine cold therapy and compression to support lymphatic drainage and reduce joint fluid accumulation.
Local to Cheltenham? Learn more about our Cryo Compression Home Rental Service
2. Elevation and Controlled Movement
Elevating the leg above heart level encourages fluid return, while gentle movement — including range-of-motion exercises — maintains flexibility and reduces stiffness. Easy win, let gravity do its thing.
3. Manual Therapy and Sports Therapy
Targeted soft tissue mobilisation, fascia release, and manual therapy improve circulation, minimise adhesions, and alleviate discomfort. Foam Rollers, Massage Gun, Massage Balls all have great value early rehab phases, both releasing the muscle and educating the central nervous system to relax the muscle.
Check out this blog on Fascial Adhesion Post Op or How our team of Sports Therapists can support your early phases.
4. Structured Rehabilitation Exercises
Early range-of-motion (ROM) drills to restore knee mobility
Quadriceps activation exercises to re-engage muscles critical for stability and movement
Low-impact cardio such as cycling or mini-squats (once cleared by your clinician)
These exercises activate the muscle pump, promoting fluid movement, reducing swelling, and ensuring your knee regains strength and function.Explore our ACL rehabilitation program
5. Monitoring and Professional Guidance
Regular assessment of swelling, range of motion, and strength allows rehabilitation plans to be adjusted safely, ensuring progression without aggravating the knee. Your exercise selection, frequncy, volume and intensiry should adapt to this monitoring.
6. Program Load Management
Finding the 'sweet spot' can be very individualised, the balance between rehab progression and respecting the healing progress. A program can undercook your rehab for later stages, or be an underpinning reasong for persistent swelling if present after the intial post-op recovery period.
6. Nutrition
Nutrition has a fundamental role within the early phases, supporting both swelling management and rebuilding of the muscle. Here's our article on this : Stronger Sooner : ACL Post Op Nutrition Strategy.
Recommendations for Athletes Recovering from ACL Surgery
Track knee swelling and discomfort daily
Follow a structured ACL rehabilitation plan consistently
Prioritise ROM and quadriceps engagement in early exercises
Maintain proper hydration and nutrition to support tissue repair
Seek professional guidance promptly if swelling or pain persists
When to Seek Professional Intervention
Persistent swelling or pain beyond 6–8 weeks
Knee is hot, red, or exhibits significant tenderness
Limited range of motion affecting rehabilitation exercises
Symptoms impede progression through rehab
At Proview Sports Injury Clinic in Cheltenham, we provide comprehensive post-operative care, ACL rehabilitation, and online support, helping athletes manage pain and swelling effectively while progressing toward full recovery.
We provide a unique 24/7 access to your rehab lead, to answer questions and guide rehab so you don't feel isolated, confused or anxious with your ACL rehab journey.
Start Your ACL Rehabilitation in Cheltenham or Online
We provide a unique 24/7 access to your rehab lead, to answer questions and guide rehab so you dont feel isolated, confused or anxion with your ACL rehab journey.
Whether you prefer in-clinic support in Cheltenham or structured online rehabilitation, our team can help you:
Manage post-operative pain and swelling efficiently
Restore full knee mobility and quadriceps strength
Progress safely toward return-to-sport
Build confidence in functional movement and training
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