Recovery

Wall Squats for ACL Healing

Choose a preferred language

After you regain muscle control, it’s time to build strength. This helps you put full weight on your leg. For best results, warm up and stretch before starting. If your injury is recent, wait until swelling and pain get better before doing this exercise:

  • Lean against a wall with your feet hip-width apart. Your feet should be about 18 inches from the wall.

  • Slowly slide down to a near-sitting position. Don’t let your knees go past 90 degrees.

  • Hold for  10  seconds, then slide back up.

  • Repeat  5  times.

Woman with back against wall and knees bent doing wall slide exercise.


Caution

Do this exercise only if your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

Online Medical Reviewer: Bellendir, Trina, MSPT, CLT

Online Medical Reviewer: Joseph, Thomas N., MD

Date Last Reviewed: 09/01/2023

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Start your journey toward better health

Select a primary care physician who will deliver personal care, close to home.

Find a Doctor

We have more than 4,500 specialty care physicians in our network

We have you covered from head (neurosurgery) to toe (podiatry.) And everything in-between!

Find a Doctor

Need Help?

Get the right care at the right time.

Learn More
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Cast Care: When Your Cast Comes Off

Just because your cast is off, it doesn't mean that your recovery is over. Your bone is still growing stronger and you need to care for your injury.

Read article
Orthopedics
What to Expect: The Months After Amputation Surgery

Here's what to expect in the months after amputation surgery.

Read article
Orthopedics
Activity and ACL Rehabilitation

Once you are ready for it, your healthcare provider will help you ease back into your active life. You can do certain exercises to help you build up your agility. Agility is ease and quickness of movement.

Read article
Orthopedics
After Knee Arthroscopy

Learn what to expect after knee arthroscopy.