The Key To Optimizing ACL Surgery Recovery
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur most often during sports that involve sudden stopping and starting, jumping, or quickly changing direction. ACL injuries are characterized by knee swelling, pain, instability, and sometimes are severe enough to require surgery. However, healing from an ACL injury doesn’t end with surgery. To optimize recovery, patients should also engage in physical therapy. How exactly does physical therapy help?
1. Surgery will leave lingering pain
Physical therapy is the optimal recommendation for reducing and managing pain. Following ACL surgery, physical therapists provide a way for patients to experience less pain by ensuring that the ACL reconstruction heals properly. While medication will only mask symptoms of pain for a short time, physical therapy has lasting results.
2. Get out of your comfort zone
Restoring range of motion is one of the most important parts of recovery from ACL surgery. Keeping the knee in one position might feel more comfortable immediately following surgery. But leaving the knee in a fixed position risks development of scar tissue, making long-term recovery even more difficult. Physical therapy focuses on restoring range of motion, making recovery faster and easier.
3. Stronger hips = lower risk
Studies have shown that weak hips can contribute to the risk of ACL injury. In physical therapy, specific exercises target the strengthening of the hip and core muscles. This ensures that the patient will learn proper form and movement, so they can return to activity safely.
4. Strengthen both knees equally
Following ACL surgery, physical therapy works to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and improve stability. Physical therapy plans will work progressively to incorporate increasingly more difficult exercises. The level of physical therapy exercises will increase until the strength of the knee that has undergone ACL surgery is equal to the strength of the opposite knee.
5. Resume everyday activity
Physical therapy techniques have expanded over the years. In the past, physical therapy was focused primarily on range of motion. Today, however, a physical therapist will emphasize getting the patient back to their regular activities. After an ACL surgery, this means that physical therapists focus on getting patients safely back to their favorite activities and sports.
6. Don’t play favorites
After any surgery, patients can start to develop an abnormal gait pattern. Favoring one side or the other can relieve some pain short-term, however, it’s not beneficial. An uneven gait pattern can lead to muscular imbalance and, eventually, a repeat injury. Attending physical therapy after an ACL surgery ensures that the patient re-develops a normal gait pattern.
7. Get back in the game
Physical therapy re-teaches patients how to move. It also strengthens areas of weakness and helps to correct any muscular imbalances that can cause ACL injuries. By re-learning correct form and movement, physical therapy patients reduce their risk of re-injury and can get back in the game for good.
If you believe you may benefit from ACL surgery, contact us today for a consultation with one of our orthopedic surgeons.
Recent Posts
Can Torn Ligaments In Your Foot Heal? When To See A Podiatrist
A torn ligament in the foot is uncomfortable and limits mobility, especially in athletes. In some cases, ligament repair is necessary.
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
Recent Posts
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
Meniscal Repair: Can This Minimally Invasive Procedure Help Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is common for pain and stiffness. However, some patients can avoid replacement with meniscal repair.
