Getting Back to the Slopes After ACL Surgery
ACL Injury: two words a skier never wants to hear. How long will it take? Can recovery be sped up? Is surgery necessary? Rehabilitation will involve months of physical therapy and RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Sticking to the recommended rehab plan will have a skier back on the slopes within a year.
Why is the ACL important?
The ACL is one of the four major ligaments that make up the knee. The PCL, MCL and LCL are also part of the knee but the ACL is the most well-known and most commonly injured. The ACL controls rotation and forward movement and prevents hyperextension. Injury is generally caused by sudden changes in direction or landing too hard from a jump. After injury, movement of the affected knee will likely be minimal and involve dull pain along the joint. Symptoms of ACL injury include swelling and an inability to put much pressure on the injured leg. Balance and overall leg strength will suffer but not all ACL injuries require surgery.
Recovery from surgery
For those injuries that do require surgery, the patient will be required to attend physical therapy afterwards. These exercises help the muscles surrounding the injured knee maintain strength. Fortunately, many ACL injuries are able to have minimally invasive surgery on the injured area. During surgery the physician will make two small incisions, remove the damaged ligament, and replace with a graft. The patient will be sent home in a knee brace to protect the knee and prevent further injury. Recovery can take several months and include extensive physical therapy. Patients are often instructed to follow the RICE method to encourage a speedy recovery. Most athletes return to normal practice and competition within 12 months.
Skiing after surgery
Of all the winter sports, ACL injuries are most common among skiers second to hockey and football players. The winding and uneven terrain of the slopes is also prime territory for knee injuries. Proper form and maintaining a strong core, glutes, quads, and hamstrings can help prevent ACL injuries. Most skiing related ACL injuries don’t occur during the descent, but during a fall or collision. The key to a speedy recovery and getting back on the slopes is time. On average a new ligament graft takes about six months to mature. During this time sticking to a regular physical therapy plan is imperative. Patient must improve balance and build back strength in the injured area. On average those that follow a physical therapy plan can return to the slopes in time for next season. Many athletes with repaired ACLs are return to competition within a year. To prevent re-injuring the ACL, skiers are encouraged to wear a knee brace during exercise for many years to come.
Successful surgery
An ACL injury does not mean the end of skiing forever. Not all ACL injuries require surgery, and for those that are able to have a minimally invasive knee surgery healing comes quickly with a structured rehabilitation plan. Though the desire to get back on the slopes quickly may be very strong, time and physical therapy will help speed up the rehabilitation process.
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“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
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“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.”
“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.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
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