What are the best exercises to do after an anterior cruciate ligament injury?

Hamstring exercises: The anterior cruciate ligament (acl) works with the posterior cruciate ligament (pcl) to stabilize the knee. The ACL keeps the shin bone from sliding forward (anteriorly) and the PCL keeps it from sliding backwards. When ACL is torn the shin bone will slide anteriorly. The hamstrings attach to the back of the knee and act as flexors, but will also help keep the shin bone from sliding forward.

Timing matters: Early after acl surgery, the focus should be on rom of the knee. Straight leg raises, electrical stim, hamstring curls, calf raises are all safe as long as no menisus repair was done. After the first 6 weeks, leg presses, eliptical, biking, swimming are encouraged. Running is avoided until there is good quad tone. Always follow your surgeon and therapist's recommendations.