5 Essential Items You Need Before ACL Surgery (2026)

"What should I buy before ACL surgery?"

This is one of the most common questions I receive from patients, and it's one of the most important. The difference between a well-prepared recovery space and scrambling to order items while you're immobilized and in pain is genuinely significant.

Having personally gone through ACL reconstruction in 2017, and having since treated hundreds of ACL patients in my private clinics, I've identified exactly which items make a real difference—and which are just expensive dust collectors.

In this guide, I'm sharing the 5 essential categories of items you absolutely need before surgery, along with specific product recommendations and budget-friendly alternatives.

The golden rule of pre-surgery preparation: If you think you might need it, have it ready before surgery day. Trust me, you won't want to be coordinating Amazon deliveries while managing post-op pain and limited mobility.

Why Preparation Matters: The Research

A 2019 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that patients who adequately prepared their home environment pre-surgery reported:

• 23% better pain management in the first week
• Fewer complications (particularly falls and medication errors)
• Higher satisfaction with their recovery experience
• Lower anxiety levels post-operatively

The investment in preparation—both financial and time—pays dividends in your recovery quality.

Category 1: Ice and Compression Systems (The Non-Negotiable)

Why This Matters Most:

Swelling is your enemy in ACL recovery. Excessive swelling:

• Inhibits quad muscle activation (making exercises impossible)
• Increases pain levels
• Slows healing
• Extends your overall recovery timeline
• Can lead to long-term stiffness

Effective ice and compression in the first 2-6 weeks literally changes your recovery trajectory.

The Gold Standard: Continuous Cold Therapy Machines

These machines circulate ice-cold water through a pad wrapped around your knee, maintaining consistent temperature without the need for constant ice pack changes.

Recommended Options:

Premium Choice: Breg Polar Care (£300)

• Medical-grade compression and cold therapy
• Used by professional athletes
• Rental options often available through your hospital

Mid-Range: Ossur Cold Rush (£150-200)

• Excellent alternative to medical-grade units
• Easier to source
• Very effective for swelling control

Budget-Friendly: Arctic Ice System (£60-100)

• Manual compression (you inflate it)
• Still dramatically better than ice packs
• Good option if budget-constrained

DIY Alternative (£20-30): If budget is extremely tight:

• Quality reusable gel ice packs (buy 3-6)
• Compression bandages
• Rotation system (always have packs in freezer)

Set this up before surgery: Test your ice machine to ensure it works, and have it positioned where you'll be recovering (couch or bed).

Pro tip from Reddit ACL community: "I ran my ice machine basically 24/7 for the first week. Having it set up and ready to go when I got home from surgery was a lifesaver. Don't cheap out on this one." - u/ACLrecovery2023

Category 2: Mobility Aids and Safety Equipment

Crutches or Mobility Scooter

Most hospitals provide crutches, but they're often poorly fitted or uncomfortable for extended use.

Crutch Checklist:

• Properly fitted before surgery (your physio can help)
• Comfortable underarm pads (add foam if needed)
• Hand grip padding
• Rubber tips in good condition
• Adjusted to correct height (slight elbow bend when standing)

Alternative for longer-term use:

• Knee scooter/walker (£80-150): Excellent if you'll be non-weight bearing for 6+ weeks
• Allows you to move around home more easily
• Takes pressure off hands and arms
• Particularly helpful if you have stairs to navigate

Shower Safety is Critical:

Falls in the bathroom are the most common post-surgery injury. You need:

1. Shower Chair or Bench (£25-60)
   • Non-slip feet
   • Adjustable height
   • Back support preferable
   • Test weight capacity
2. Grab Bars or Suction Handles (£15-30)
   • Install before surgery
   • Test they're secure
   • Position for getting in/out of shower
3. Non-Slip Bath Mat (£10-20)
   • Both inside and outside shower
   • Replace old, worn mats
4. Handheld Shower Head (£20-40)
   • Makes showering with limited mobility much easier
   • Worth the investment if you don't have one

Waterproof Cast Cover (£15-25)

• Essential for protecting bandages/wounds
• Buy one that goes above the knee
• Get one with a pump seal (more reliable than elastic)

Toilet Safety:

The "low toilet problem" is extensively discussed in ACL recovery forums. Solutions:

• Raised Toilet Seat (£20-40): Adds 4-6 inches of height
• Toilet Safety Frame (£30-50): Provides handles for sitting/standing
• Over-toilet commode (£40-80): If you have a particularly low toilet

Pro tip: "I'm 6'2" and our downstairs toilet is ridiculously low. The raised seat saved me so much pain in those first few weeks." - ACL patient testimonial

Category 3: Bedroom and Living Space Setup

Creating Your Recovery Command Center:

You'll be spending significant time in one location. Optimize it before surgery.

Essential Furniture/Positioning:

1. Multiple Pillows (£30-60 total)
   • Need at least 4-5 quality pillows
   • Various sizes for different support needs
   • Elevation pillow or wedge (£25-40) is excellent
2. Bed Setup vs. Couch Recovery:
   • Bed: Better for sleeping, harder to get in/out
   • Couch/Recliner: Easier access, better for daytime, harder to sleep
   • Solution: Set up both options
3. Side Table or Caddy (£15-30)
   • Keep essentials within arm's reach
   • Prevents dangerous reaching
   • Consider a bed table on wheels (£35-45)

Items to Have at Your Recovery Station:

• Medications in organizer
• Water bottle with straw (£8-15)
• Phone charger (extra-long cable £10-15)
• Entertainment (tablet, books, remote controls)
• Tissues
• Notepad for tracking pain/exercises
• Snacks (crackers, fruit, protein bars)
• Small bin for rubbish

Clothing Considerations:

Buy these before surgery:

• Loose shorts or joggers (2-3 pairs) that fit over a bulky brace
• Button-up or zip-up tops (easier than pulling over head)
• Slip-on shoes (no laces to tie)
• Non-slip socks with grips (£8-12 for pack)

Reacher/Grabber Tool (£10-20)

• Essential for picking up dropped items
• Prevents dangerous bending
• Useful for getting dressed

Category 4: Nutrition and Medication Management

Pre-Surgery Grocery Shopping:

Stock up on:

High-Protein Foods (aids healing):

• Greek yogurt
• Eggs
• Protein shakes/powder
• Lean meats (pre-cooked or easy to prepare)
• Nuts and nut butters
• Cottage cheese

Anti-Inflammatory Foods:

• Berries
• Leafy greens
• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
• Turmeric/ginger tea
• Extra virgin olive oil

Easy-to-Prepare Meals:

• Frozen vegetables
• Pre-cut fruit
• Instant porridge
• Soup (low-sodium)
• Meal replacement shakes

Constipation Prevention (opioid pain meds cause this):

• Prune juice
• High-fiber cereals
• Stool softener (Colace or similar)
• Magnesium supplement (check with doctor)

Medication Organization:

Pill Organiser with Alarm (£12-25)

• Set alarms for medication times
• Critical for staying ahead of pain
• Reduces risk of missed doses

Medication Checklist:

• Prescribed pain medication (collect before surgery)
• Anti-inflammatory (if approved by surgeon)
• Stool softener
• Anticoagulant (if prescribed)
• Any existing medications you already take

Water Intake is Crucial:

• Large water bottle with measurement markers (£10-15)
• Aim for 2-3 liters daily
• Helps with medication processing and healing

Category 5: Exercise and Rehabilitation Equipment

Early-Stage Equipment (Weeks 1-6):

You won't need heavy gym equipment initially, but these items are invaluable:

1. Resistance Bands Set (£10-15)
   • Various resistance levels
   • Essential for quad activation exercises
   • Used throughout entire recovery
2. Small Exercise Ball or Roller (£8-15)
   • Helps with calf stretches
   • Can use for ankle mobility work
3. Yoga Mat (£20-30)
   • For floor exercises
   • Non-slip surface
   • Cushioning for comfort

Coming Soon (Months 2-3):

Don't buy these yet, but plan for:

• Mini loop bands
• Foam roller
• Wobble board (balance training)
• Eventually: gym membership

Exercise Tracking:

• Notebook or app for logging exercises
• Tape measure (£3-5) for monitoring swelling
• Timer for holding exercises

Access my complete ACL Recovery Roadmap for a structured exercise progression that tells you exactly when to introduce each piece of equipment.

Bonus Items: Nice-to-Haves (If Budget Allows)

Compression Socks (£15-30)

• Prevent DVT (blood clots)
• Reduce swelling
• Particularly important if you'll be sitting a lot

TENS Machine (£25-50)

• Electrical nerve stimulation for pain relief
• Some patients swear by them
• Non-invasive pain management option

Wireless Earbuds/Headphones (£30-100)

• For entertainment without tangled wires
• Helps pass time during long recovery days

Bed Caddy/Organizer (£12-20)

• Attaches to bed frame
• Keeps items organized and accessible

Laptop Stand or Tablet Holder (£15-30)

• Allows comfortable positioning
• Reduces neck strain from long Netflix sessions

Electric Heating Pad (£20-35)

• Useful for back pain (common from altered gait)
• Do not use on surgical knee

What NOT to Waste Money On

Items ACL Patients Regret Buying:

1. Expensive knee braces (unless specifically prescribed)
   • Your surgeon will provide what you need
   • Don't buy random braces from Amazon
2. Supplement "miracle cures"
   • Stick to evidence-based nutrition
   • Beware of recovery supplements with outrageous claims
3. Every rehabilitation gadget marketed to you
   • Start with basics
   • Add equipment as your physio recommends

Budget Planning: Three Tiers

Minimum Essential Budget (£150-200):

• Basic ice packs and compression wraps
• Shower chair
• Raised toilet seat
• Extra pillows
• Basic medications/supplements

Recommended Budget (£350-500):

• Cold therapy machine
• Shower safety equipment
• Proper pillows and elevation wedge
• Resistance bands
• All nutrition/medication items
• Reacher tool and organizational aids

Optimal Setup (£600-800):

• Premium cold therapy system
• Knee scooter
• Complete shower safety setup
• All nutritional supplements
• Compression socks
• TENS machine
• Quality exercise equipment

The Complete Pre-Surgery Shopping List

6 Weeks Before Surgery:

• Order cold therapy machine
• Install grab bars in bathroom
• Buy shower chair
• Order raised toilet seat
• Purchase extra pillows
• Buy resistance bands
• Get reacher/grabber tool

2 Weeks Before Surgery:

• Stock pantry with recommended foods
• Buy loose-fitting clothing
• Get medication organizer
• Purchase water bottle with straw
• Buy non-slip socks
• Set up recovery station

1 Week Before Surgery:

• Collect prescribed medications
• Buy fresh groceries
• Charge all devices
• Test ice machine
• Wash all new clothing/bedding
• Do final grocery shop (fresh items)

Day Before Surgery:

• Set up recovery station completely
• Have ice ready in freezer
• Pre-make easy meals
• Lay out day-of-surgery clothing
• Ensure all items are within reach

Real Patient Insights: What Made the Biggest Difference

"The ice machine was worth every penny. I used it religiously for 6 weeks and had minimal swelling. Friends who didn't use one were still struggling with swelling at 8 weeks." - Rebecca, 31

"Don't underestimate the shower chair. I felt silly buying it, but trying to shower on one leg while protecting bandages would have been impossible without it." - David, 27

"Honestly, having someone pre-cook meals and freeze them was the best preparation. When you're exhausted and in pain, the last thing you want is to worry about food." - Lisa, 39

"I bought a bunch of stuff I never used, but the grabber tool and raised toilet seat were genuinely essential in those first 2-3 weeks." - Tom, 44

Preparing Your Support System

Beyond Physical Items:

Prepare the people who'll be helping you:

• Create a help schedule (who's available when)
• List tasks you'll need help with (cooking, errands, transportation)
• Prepare a meal train (friends/family bringing food)
• Set up communication (group chat for updates)

If You Live Alone:

• Consider staying with family/friends for the first week
• Arrange for help for first 3-5 days minimum
• Have emergency contacts readily available
• Join my ACL Recovery Community for virtual support

Insurance and Financial Considerations

Check if these are covered:

• Cold therapy machine (often rental covered)
• Knee scooter (sometimes covered with prescription)
• Bathroom safety equipment (varies by insurance)
• Physiotherapy supplies (may be partially covered)

Keep receipts for:

• Medical expense tax deductions
• HSA/FSA reimbursement
• Insurance claims

The Week-Before Final Check

Your pre-surgery walkthrough:

1. Simulate your recovery day:
   • Sit in your recovery spot
   • Can you reach everything you need?
   • Is your ice machine accessible?
   • Can you get to the bathroom safely?
2. Test your setup:
   • Practice using crutches (if possible)
   • Try the shower chair
   • Ensure all equipment works
3. Final adjustments:
   • Move anything you'll need closer
   • Remove trip hazards (rugs, cords)
   • Clear pathways for crutch use

Looking Beyond the Initial Setup

This preparation is for the first 2-6 weeks. As you progress, you'll need:

• Weeks 6-12: Gym equipment access, exercise bike, more resistance bands
• Months 3-6: Advanced rehab tools, possibly a physiotherapy package
• Months 6-12: Return to sport specific equipment

My ACL Recovery Roadmap provides a complete equipment and exercise progression for all 12+ months of recovery.

Your Preparation Checklist Summary

✅ Ice & Compression: Cold therapy machine or quality ice packs ✅ Mobility & Safety: Crutches, shower chair, grab bars, raised toilet seat ✅ Recovery Space: Pillows, side table, comfortable positioning ✅ Nutrition & Medication:Stocked pantry, pill organizer, supplements ✅ Exercise Equipment: Resistance bands, yoga mat, tape measure

Take Control of Your Recovery

Preparation isn't just about having the right items—it's about reducing stress and setting yourself up for the best possible recovery.

Ready to optimize your entire recovery journey?

📋 Take our free ACL Recovery Diagnostic Quiz to get personalized preparation recommendations based on your specific surgery type

📖 Download the ACL Survival Guide for complete recovery timelines, nutrition plans, and mental health strategies

🎓 Join the ACL Recovery Roadmap for a structured, video-based rehabilitation program from surgery to return to sport

👥 Connect with our free Skool community where thousands of ACL patients share product recommendations, recovery tips, and support

Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The time and money you invest in proper preparation will pay dividends in reduced pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications.

You've got this. And with the right preparation, you'll be amazed at how much smoother your recovery can be.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance. Always consult your surgeon and physiotherapist for specific recommendations based on your surgical approach and individual needs. Product recommendations are based on patient feedback and clinical experience but are not medical endorsements.