Maci Rehab:
Helping restore
active patients
I had an amazing physical therapist and overall felt like things progressed really well. I was back to work as a resident physician 4 weeks after surgery and completely off crutches by 6 weeks. *
Courtney
MACI Patient
*Individual results for rehab may vary.
Maci Rehab:
Helping restore
active patients
My physical therapist and I were so impressed with the rehabilitation program provided by MACI. It broke down the exercises and expectations for each week and gave me milestones to look forward to. After 4 months, I was able to start jogging again and going back to the gym. *
Kayla
MACI Patient
*Individual results for rehab may vary.
Maci Rehab:
Helping restore
active patients
I was surprised by how quickly I felt better. I was doing my physical therapy exactly as I was supposed to. I kept on track and was able to see rapid improvement. After 6 months, I was even attending my previous fitness classess and I had returned to a regular running program. *
Chris
MACI Patient
*Individual results for rehab may vary.
MACI should not be used if you cannot follow a doctor-prescribed rehab program after your surgery.
Courtney’s rehab
Taking control of my active lifestyle
Kayla’s rehab
A second chance at returning to activity
Chris’s rehab
Keeping on the right path for recovery
Abby’s rehab
A college athlete returns to action
0-3 Months Following Surgery
Achieve Routine
Following the MACI procedure, your knee will be immobilized and you will follow a physician-prescribed rehabilitation program specifically designed for you.
Immediately following surgery, it is important to maintain joint mobility and muscle tone while managing pain, swelling, and wound care. RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) as directed.
After the immediate post-surgery phase, work towards a pain-free and full passive knee extension and limited weight bearing.
Activity Milestones
Return to light recreational exercise including walking
Perform daily routine and activities of daily living (navigating stairs, showering, etc.) with the assistance of crutches
Start driving again and return to office or seated work
3-6 Months Following Surgery
Build Strength
During this phase, you should begin to feel comfortable returning to recreational activities. Your exercise program will help rebuild muscle strength and endurance.
At this point in your recovery, the goal is to feel unimpeded and pain-free moving through your everyday environment.
Activity Milestones
Return to Iow-impact recreational
activities including:
- cycling
- golf
- yoga & pilates
- rowing & kayaking
- swimming
- dancing
- elliptical & treadmill
Return to more physically active jobs such as nursing or construction
Return to daily activities that require strength and endurance
6-9 Months Following Surgery
Be Active
Enjoying a return to sports-based recreational activities is achieved in this phase by gradually increasing the difficulty of your exercises.
You should expect to regain everyday function, including the ability to traverse uneven or soft ground, inclines, and other obstacles.
Activity Milestones
Return to pre-injury sports-based
recreational activities including:
- running distances
- skiing & snowboarding
- weight training
- tennis
Return to work for those in heavy labor fields such as military deployment or firefighting
Over time, heavy impact activities such as cutting or pivoting can be reintroduced
9+ Months Following Surgery
Post Rehab
Chris' recovery: "I'm close to being back to the best shape of my life and keep improving every day. I have been able to get back to all the physical activities I love doing, like running, squatting, jumping, lunging, weight lifting, taking fitness classes, boxing, hiking, and camping."
Recovery from MACI treatment varies greatly. That's why your rehabilitation program is tailored specifically to your individual goals and objectives. Everyone heals at their own rate and cartilage will continue to mature over time.