Lifting weights with a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is generally not recommended, particularly if the injury is recent or if you haven’t undergone surgery or completed rehabilitation. The ACL is a crucial ligament that helps stabilize the knee joint, especially during activities that involve pivoting, cutting, or jumping, such as weightlifting.

Here are a few reasons why lifting weights with a torn ACL is not advisable…

1. Risk of Further Injury – Continuing to lift weights with a torn ACL can increase the risk of further damage to the knee joint, including additional injury to the ACL or other structures such as the meniscus or cartilage. Weightlifting movements, especially those that involve bending, twisting, or putting stress on the knee joint, can exacerbate instability and potentially worsen the tear.
2. Compromised Stability and Control – A torn ACL can lead to instability and reduced control of the knee joint, making it difficult to maintain proper form and technique during weightlifting exercises. Without the ACL’s stabilizing function, there’s a higher risk of compensatory movements, improper biomechanics, and increased strain on surrounding structures, which can further compromise joint integrity and increase the likelihood of injury.
3. Delayed Healing and Recovery – Engaging in weightlifting activities too soon after sustaining a torn ACL can impede the natural healing process and delay recovery. It’s essential to allow adequate time for the torn ligament to heal, undergo rehabilitation, and regain strength and stability in the knee before gradually reintroducing weightlifting exercises.
4. Increased Pain and Discomfort – Lifting weights with a torn ACL can exacerbate pain, discomfort, and inflammation in the knee joint, particularly if the activity places stress on the injured ligament or aggravates existing symptoms. Ignoring pain signals and pushing through exercises can lead to further tissue damage and prolonged recovery times.

If you have a torn ACL or suspect you may have injured your knee, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation and guidance from a healthcare professional, such as a physician or orthopedic specialist, before engaging in any physical activity, including weightlifting. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment options may include conservative management (such as physical therapy and bracing) or surgical intervention (such as ACL reconstruction). Following treatment, a structured rehabilitation program focused on restoring knee function, strength, and stability is essential before returning to weightlifting or other high-impact activities.