Is Physical Therapy Necessary?
Over 100,000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions are performed annually in the United States. As one of the most common procedures in the country, reconstruction helps many patients get back to daily life. During the operation, surgeons repair the band of muscles connecting the ligament to the knee. Without a functioning ACL, the leg cannot stabilize the knee joint, limiting mobility. Surgery helps patients get back to functional, but physical therapy (PT) after the procedure is crucial to restoring full range of motion.
Recovering quickly with PT
While physical therapy is not a strict requirement, research suggests consistent movement can make a difference in joint recovery. Comparative studies have found that patients who completed physical therapy regained movement within 34 weeks, as opposed to 42 weeks for patients who did not complete physical therapy. To recover movement after surgery, patients should slowly introduce low-stress activities over several months.
Consistency is vital
Directly after surgery, patients will be asked to begin lifting the legs without assistance to start developing strength. Within 2-3 weeks, most patients will be walking without crutches. Some data suggest that starting physical therapy within 1-2 weeks of surgery can maximize healing. Supplement straight leg raises with stationary cardiovascular activities like the stationary bike. Gentle cardio strengthens the leg muscles while keeping stress off the quadriceps, shortening the recovery process.
Getting mobile, staying mobile
To maximize the likelihood of a quick recovery, experts suggest setting a realistic goal. Protecting the ACL graft should be top of mind going into each session. While total range of motion may not be immediately possible, patients can expect to regain 140 degrees of movement within the first several months. Swimming or running is not recommended for at least 6 months after surgery to lower the possibility of reinjuring the joint.
Making post-op pop
The first 8 weeks after surgery is a crucial window to making a full recovery. Movement goals will focus on weight-bearing movements such as maintaining a leg extension and walking unassisted. After patients can walk easily, work moves toward strengthening the muscles and expanding the joint’s range of motion.
Making knee surgery easy
By following a robust plan focusing on expanding the range of motion and protecting the new joint, many patients can expedite the recovery process. While surgery is never a walk in the park, physical therapy can help patients return to walking in the park faster than ever.
Recent Posts
ORIF Surgery: How Can This Outpatient Procedure Help Heal Broken Bones?
Broken bones, especially those damaged in multiple places or penetrating the skin, require surgery. Outpatient ORIF surgery reduces scars, speeds up healing, and ensures better outcomes.
ACDF vs PLIF: Which Spine Surgery Is Right For Your Pain?
Spine surgery is recommended in severe cases of chronic pain that does not respond to treatment. Choose the right procedure between ACDF and PLIF.
ACL Surgery: Getting Back In The Game Stronger Than Ever
ACL surgery is a transformative surgery to repair or replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The right procedure and rehabilitation get athletes back into action faster.
Neurostimulator Trial: A Promising Option For Chronic Pain Relief
Addressing chronic pain can be challenging. A neurostimulator trial is an excellent option for long-term, non-surgical relief.
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“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. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“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 ”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“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.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“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.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“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.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“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 ”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“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.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
Recent Posts
ORIF Surgery: How Can This Outpatient Procedure Help Heal Broken Bones?
Broken bones, especially those damaged in multiple places or penetrating the skin, require surgery. Outpatient ORIF surgery reduces scars, speeds up healing, and ensures better outcomes.
ACDF vs PLIF: Which Spine Surgery Is Right For Your Pain?
Spine surgery is recommended in severe cases of chronic pain that does not respond to treatment. Choose the right procedure between ACDF and PLIF.
ACL Surgery: Getting Back In The Game Stronger Than Ever
ACL surgery is a transformative surgery to repair or replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The right procedure and rehabilitation get athletes back into action faster.
Neurostimulator Trial: A Promising Option For Chronic Pain Relief
Addressing chronic pain can be challenging. A neurostimulator trial is an excellent option for long-term, non-surgical relief.
