ACL Ally
NutritionShopAbout
Sign in
Shop · tracked to your stage

Recovery Favorites

Curated products, tools, and small things that made my ACL recovery a little easier.

16 items · 5 core setup
Pre-surgeryWeeks before surgery
Knee braceNice to have

Some people are braced before or after surgery. Whether you need one is a surgeon question.

Budget:Ask your clinic; many provide one
Knee immobilizerNice to have

The locked, straight-leg splint some people are sent home in, used mostly for sleeping and walking in the first stretch. Whether you need one, and for how long, is a surgeon question.

Budget:Most clinics send you home in one, so ask before you buy
CrutchesCore setup

You will use them, so having a pair fitted before surgery day removes a scramble.

Budget:Pharmacy rental or borrowed pair
Early recoveryWeeks 0–6
Incrediwear knee sleeveNice to have

A pull-on sleeve some people wear for swelling and comfort once the dressing is off. The brand makes circulation claims the research has not settled, so treat it as a comfort layer, not a treatment.

Budget:Any pharmacy compression sleeve, or the wrap your clinic sent you home with
Wedge pillowCore setup
$40–70

Elevation you can sleep with: better than a pillow stack that collapses at 3 AM.

Budget:Folded duvet under the mattress end
GoniometerNice to have

Lets you track your own extension and flexion numbers between PT visits.

Budget:Your PT measures for you at each session
Knee extension deviceNice to have

A tool some people use for extension work. Ask your PT if it fits your plan.

Budget:Towel-prop heel hangs, free
Scar sheetsCore setup

Silicone sheets are a common part of scar care once the incision is closed.

Budget:Ask your care team what they recommend
Pedal exerciserCore setup

Gentle range-of-motion work from a chair before a stationary bike makes sense.

Budget:A low stationary bike seat works too
Theraband ankle/wrist weightsNice to have

Light weights for early leg raises. When to add load is a PT call.

Budget:A filled water bottle in a tote bag
Building strength6 weeks – 6 months
Foam rollerCore setup
$20–35

Quad and calf recovery as training volume climbs.

Budget:A firm water bottle works
Leg resistance bandNice to have

Banded work fills the gap between PT sessions once your plan includes it.

Budget:Single long band, $12
Muscle scraperNice to have

Some people find soft-tissue work around the knee helpful. Personal preference territory.

Budget:Your hands, or a smooth spoon
Protein powderNice to have

A convenience for hitting protein when appetite or time is short. Food first.

Budget:Greek yogurt, eggs, canned fish
Collagen peptidesNice to have

Ally used collagen during her recovery. Whether it helps is an active research area; ask your clinician.

Budget:Skip it until your clinician weighs in
ActiPatchNice to have

A wearable some people try for comfort. Evidence is mixed; ask your care team.

Budget:Ice and elevation are free

Some links earn ACL Ally a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only list products we would hand a friend.