Rehabilitation protocol
Patellar & Quadriceps Tendon Repair Rehabilitation Protocol
The current rehabilitation protocol after a primary patellar or quadriceps tendon repair. Because the repaired tendon must be protected while it heals, early recovery is protective and progression is criteria-based. Your surgeon and physical therapist will tailor it to you — always follow the individualized plan they give you, and use only the protocol your surgical team selected.
Who this protocol is for
Applies to a primary patellar tendon repair and to a primary quadriceps tendon repair; one combined protocol is appropriate for both tendons without modification. It does NOT apply to a chronic or neglected tear, a recurrent tear, a revision repair, a reconstruction or augmentation, fracture fixation, or another concurrent procedure — those cases follow a different, surgeon-selected plan. The operative note and surgeon-selected protocol take precedence, and patients should use only the protocol identified by their surgical team.
What this protocol covers
- Rehabilitation after a primary patellar or quadriceps tendon repair, where the repaired tendon must be protected before motion and loading advance.
- It does NOT apply to a chronic, recurrent, revision, reconstructed, or augmented repair, to fracture fixation, or to another concurrent procedure — those follow a different, surgeon-selected plan.
- Return to sport is criteria-based and requires full, pain-free motion, no swelling, at least 90% isokinetic strength compared with the other leg, and physician clearance; for an uncomplicated primary repair a general expectation is around 6+ months, which is not a guarantee.
- Follow your operative note and surgeon's instructions, and use only the protocol you are given.
If your repair was chronic, revision, augmented, or combined with another procedure
This protocol applies to a primary patellar or quadriceps tendon repair. It does not apply to a chronic, neglected, recurrent, revision, reconstructed, or augmented repair, to fracture fixation, or to another concurrent procedure — those cases follow a different, surgeon-selected plan and may progress differently. This protocol never substitutes for your operative note or the plan your surgeon selected — follow the individualized instructions your surgical team gives you.
How rehabilitation is generally structured
Rehabilitation after this procedure is usually organized into progressive phases. The phases below describe the general shape only — specific exercises, precautions, and timelines are individual and are set by your surgeon and physical therapist.
Immediate postoperative / period of protection
The earliest period after surgery, focused on protecting the tendon repair, controlling pain and swelling, gradually restoring motion within the limits your surgeon sets, and beginning gentle quadriceps activation.
Transitional phase — low impact
As the repair heals, progressing toward full weight bearing and a normalized gait, restoring full symmetrical motion, and adding progressive low-impact strengthening and conditioning within healing and symptom limits.
Intermediate phase — linear
Advancing strengthening and control, with a linear running program introduced only when criteria are met and the surgeon clears it.
Return to activity — high impact
A criteria-based progression toward sport-specific, higher-impact activity. For an uncomplicated primary repair covered by this protocol, return to sport requires full pain-free motion, no swelling, at least 90% isokinetic strength compared with the other leg, and physician clearance; a general expectation is around 6+ months, which is not a guarantee and does not apply to excluded or combined cases.
This overview describes the general structure of rehabilitation only. It does not replace the specific instructions of your own surgeon and physical therapist, whose guidance always takes precedence. Timelines and precautions are individual and are set for you at your appointments. Use only the protocol your surgical team selected for you.