Several surgical treatment options exist in the treatment of symptomatic articular cartilage and osteochondral lesions. First- and second-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), as well as the third-generation matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) implantation have been proven to be a valuable treatment option and well-established procedures for cartilage repair. It is generally accepted that most surgical procedures for cartilage repair necessitate a prolonged rehabilitation period of up to 6 or more months. A standardized postoperative rehabilitation protocol should be designed, based on current knowledge of the biology of graft healing and on functional criteria and goal progression, in order to facilitate the newly formed tissue incorporation and to influence the successful outcome of the procedure and return to the previous level of activities. Although high level of evidence data is limited, basic principles have been established to direct the postoperative rehabilitation based on medium- and long-term studies’ outcomes. These principles should be individualized in each patient related to the specific injury (location, size, depth, and the number of cartilage lesions), the surgical procedure, and the concomitant procedures.