When this article was written, President Clinton was in his 6th week of rehabilitation following a tear of his right quadriceps tendon and subsequent surgical repair. Many had already forgotten the injury. However, Mr. Clinton and his physical therapist were very aware since he was only 1/6 the way from completing his rehabilitation.

A therapeutic protocol for this type of injury may require the president to have two treatment sessions a week for at least the first 6 to 8 months of his rehabilitation. Weekly objectives may include:

Week 1

• Immobilization with a brace
• 10-20 degrees PROM

Week 2-4

• Adjustable brace
• 0-45 degrees PROM
• May use stationary bicycle
• May begin flexion exercises in water

Week 4-6

• Up to 90 degrees PROM
• AAROM exercises
  • Manually with therapist
  • Self AAROM
  • Wall slides (Gravity assisted)

Month 2

• Neoprene sleeve may be worn for compression and warmth
• 120 degrees PROM
• Continue strengthening with AROM exercises

Month 3

• 135 degrees PROM
• Progressive resistive exercises
• Flexibility exercises to regain full AROM
• Patient may jog in water

Month 4

• Full AROM
• 4/5 MMT
• Walking, no jogging
• Functional exercises

Month 6

• If patient is 5/5 MMT , then he may begin to jog
• Continue with functional and dynamic training

Month 12

• Patient can resume normal activities