| Time frame | Grade 1 sprain | Grade 2 sprain |
| Week 1 | - Relative rest, ice, compression
- Crutches as needed and hinged brace protection
- ROM exercise
| - Relative rest, ice, compression
- Crutches as needed; brief immobilization (2 to 3 weeks)
|
| Week 2 | - ROM and stretching exercises
- Begin light quadriceps and hamstring strength exercises while wearing hinged brace
| - Hinged brace worn during all weightbearing activities; knee motion restricted to between 20 and 90 degrees
- NWB ROM exercises
- Light strength and aerobic exercises
|
| Weeks 3-5 | - Gradual progression of strength exercises
- Light aerobic exercise while wearing hinged brace
- Gradual progression to sport-specific exercises and return to sport
| - Use hinged brace that permits full ROM
- Progress to full weightbearing
- Gradual progression of ROM exercises
- Gradual progression of strength and aerobic exercises
- Balance training
|
| Weeks 6-10 | | - Continue strength exercises
- Progress to light jogging; gradually introduce cutting movements
- Balance training
|
| Weeks 11-16 | | - Progressive plyometric training
- Gradual progression to sport-specific exercises and return to sport
|
