Hamstring Curl for ACL Healing

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Once you can bear weight on your leg without pain, start adding advanced exercises to your workout. Using gym equipment can be a good way to improve overall knee function. Before you begin, talk with a physical therapist or certified athletic trainer. Learn how to use the equipment the right way. After warming up and stretching for a few minutes, start the exercise slowly, and rest between each set. As you feel stronger, increase the number of sets:

Lie down on your stomach, being careful not to arch your back.

Place your heel beneath the bar of the weight machine.

Using a steady movement, lift your heel toward your buttocks as far as you comfortably can. Then let your leg uncurl with a slow and steady movement.

Do 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.

Man doing hamstring curls on exercise machine.

Caution

Ask your healthcare provider if you’re ready to do this exercise. If you do too much too soon, you could create new knee problems, or even reinjure your knee.