Can you run after patella tendon surgery?

Running after patella tendon surgery typically requires a gradual return to activity and should be guided by your healthcare provider and physical therapist.

Generally, the rehabilitation process after patella tendon surgery involves several phases, including:

1. Immobilization: Immediately after surgery, you may need to wear a knee brace or cast to immobilize your knee and allow the initial healing process to take place.

2. Range of Motion: Once your knee is stable enough, you will begin gentle exercises to improve the range of motion of your knee joint.

3. Strengthening: As your range of motion improves, you will start exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee, including the quadriceps and hamstrings.

4. Functional Training: This phase includes exercises that simulate activities you might perform in daily life, such as walking, climbing stairs, and squatting.

5. Running: Once you have progressed through the previous phases and your healthcare provider and physical therapist have determined that your knee is sufficiently strong and stable, you may be allowed to start running again. This process is typically gradual, starting with short distances and gradually increasing as tolerated.

It's important to follow the instructions and recommendations of your healthcare team to ensure a safe and successful recovery after patella tendon surgery. They can provide you with specific guidelines on when you can safely return to running and what precautions to take to protect your knee.