Dismiss Modal

Recovery

Hamstring Curl for ACL Healing

Choose a preferred language

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

  • Lie down on your stomach. Be 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,. You could even hurt your knee again.

© 2000-2025 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.
Related Articles
Read more →
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 more →
Orthopedics
Wall Squats for ACL Healing

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 decrease before doing this exercise.

Read more →
Orthopedics
Knee Rehabilitation: Free Squat

The free squat can help you rehabilitate your knee after injury.

Read more →
Orthopedics
Lying Hamstring Curl

Learn to do the hamstring curl to help build strong, balanced leg muscles.