Must-Haves After ACL Surgery (That Actually Make a Difference)
If I had no budget limit and could kit out every ACL patient with the best gear — these would be the must-haves.
Some are small and simple. Others cost a little more. But every single one of them can make your ACL recovery smoother, quicker, and far less stressful.
Here’s my list of top ACL recovery must-haves — with no fluff, just what actually works.
✅ 1. Compex Muscle Stimulator
Right after ACL surgery, your quad switches off. You look down at your leg and it’s like… where did my muscle go?
The Compex muscle stimulator helps your quad fire again when you physically can’t contract it yourself. It uses electrical stimulation to activate the muscle and prevent wastage in those early weeks.
💡 I hire these out to clients because they’re that effective in early ACL rehab.
Why it matters: It’s a massive help when you’re struggling with quad activation.
✅ 2. Game Ready Ice Machine
This is not just a fancy ice pack.
The Game Ready machine combines cold therapy and compression, which helps massively with swelling and pain in the first few weeks post-op.
You can rent these — and if it’s within budget, it’s worth every penny. It lets you stay on top of pain and inflammation so you can get your range of motion back quicker.
Why it matters: Swelling slows everything down. This helps control it.
✅ 3. Limbo Waterproof Leg Cover
If you haven’t tried to shower with a post-op knee… just wait.
This leg cover is a game-changer. It lets you shower without getting your bandages or stitches wet — no more cling film and tape every day. Easy to slide on and off, and it lasts for weeks.
Why it matters: Staying clean and dry is underrated when you’re feeling rough.
✅ 4. Shower Stool
Another simple one — but honestly, this is a lifesaver in week 1-3.
You’ll likely be on crutches, sore, maybe dizzy from painkillers. A shower stool lets you sit down safely and actually take your time. No rushing. No slip risks.
Why it matters: Makes hygiene easier when your balance or energy is low.
✅ 5. Resistance Bands (Mini + Long)
These are a rehab staple from start to finish.
-
Mini bands: for glute activation, knee control, stability drills
-
Long resistance bands: for assisted stretches, strength progressions, return-to-sport work
They’re cheap, light, and used in every single stage of good ACL rehab.
Why it matters: You’ll use these for months — from first movements to high-level drills.
✅ 6. The Big One: A Proper ACL Rehab Plan
You can buy all the tools in the world — but without a real plan, you’ll feel lost.
I’ve seen so many people spend hundreds on gear, but then they just Google exercises or scroll Instagram hoping for the next thing to try. That’s not rehab — that’s guessing.
You need a week-by-week structure that shows you:
-
What to do, when
-
How to test your strength
-
When you’re ready to run or jump
-
How to rebuild confidence
-
How to avoid setbacks
That’s why I created the Complete ACL Recovery Guide — trusted by pros, weekend warriors, and people rehabbing solo at home.
Why it matters: Real progress needs structure — not guesswork.
Final Thoughts
If you’re post-ACL surgery and wondering what to invest in, here’s the short version:
✅ A waterproof leg cover
✅ Resistance bands
✅ A proper plan to follow
Everything else? Brilliant bonuses — but without those three, recovery feels longer and harder than it should.
If you’re ready to take control of your rehab, stop guessing and start doing it right —
👉 Get the Complete ACL Recovery Guide here