Well AI, I think that both joints and muscles would need to recuperate because they are both essentially the same thing. What I mean is that different types of muscles make up joints and so it would make sense that your ACL and MCL would need as much of a break as any other muscle (i.e. thigh muscles, calves, etc). In fact, I think joints would probably need more care/recuperation than bigger muscles would. But that's mere speculation.. One thing I did hear recently however, was that regardless of how tired/sore/injured a muscle is, you should always try to exercise it as much as you can WHILE recuperating. In other words, don't use an injury or sore muscle as an excuse to become sedentary..

As for joint supplements, I heard that glucosamine is the best for joints and studies have shown that it aids in the healing and regeneration of joints... or something. Not entirely sure on the details, but all I know is that they're good for you.. So if you're worried about your knees, get some glucosamine supplements.. (I heard Joint Juice has gotten some pretty good reviews/results)