Recovery

ACL Rehabilitation: Stationary Bike

Choose a preferred language

After you regain muscle control, it’s time to build strength. This improves your ability to put your full weight on your leg. For best results, warm up and stretch before starting. If your injury is recent, wait until swelling and pain decrease before doing this exercise, or as directed by your healthcare provider.

  • Adjust your seat height so the bottom of your foot just touches the pedal. Then complete a full turn.

  • Once you can move your leg through a full turn, slowly pedal for  5 to 10 minutes. Alternate between pedaling forward and backward.

  • As your range of motion improves, pedal at a faster, steady pace.

  • To increase your endurance, pedal a few minutes longer and at a higher intensity each day.

Man exercising on stationary bike.

Online Medical Reviewer: Rajadurai Samnishanth

Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN

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.
user headset icon

Need Help? We're Here for You

Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.

1-800-510-9132
quit smoking icon

Call NC Quitline

Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:

1-800-784-8669
car and bus icon

Schedule Transportation

Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.

1-800-510-9132
Stethoscope icon

Provider Directory

Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist? 

Provider Directory
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Getting Into a Shower Stall With a Walker

Here are images showing how to get into a shower stall if you use a walker.

Read article
Orthopedics
Knee Rehabilitation: Heel Raise

Heel raises can help rehabilitate your knee.

Read article
Orthopedics
Discharge Instructions: Using a Cold Water Therapy Device

Your doctor prescribed a cold water therapy device. This device helps reduce pain and swelling and aids recovery. Here's what you need to know about home care.

Read article
Orthopedics
Discharge Instructions for Ankle Arthroscopy

Instructions to help take care of yourself after ankle arthroscopy.