Let’s talk about anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. This is a very common injury that occurs when there are excessive forces placed on the knee joint. This is commonly seen as a non contact injury where the individual twists on a planted foot, has a hyperextension of the knee, or stops suddenly with a change of direction (seen with soccer, basketball, football). This can also be a contact injury where there is a direct blow to the knee or a falling injury where the individual lands in a way that places excessive force on the knee.
Physical Therapy Rehab
In the PT rehab arena, the treatments have vastly changed the last decade. Old school Physical Therapy (PT) included immobilizing in a brace for several weeks, limited weight bearing for several weeks, delaying range of motion exercises (stretching) early on, slowly getting back into lifting movements and waiting longer to begin running and jumping. New school PT is essentially the opposite of all of that with an emphasis on getting back to everything SOONER. Many surgeons do not even utilize braces post-op anymore; however, this is very patient and surgery dependent. Many surgeons are also now pushing patients to become weight-bearing as tolerated as soon as they can. Usually within the first few days after surgery.
This is all GOOD NEWS!! That means quicker return-to-sport and return-to-normalcy for our patients – woo woo!
Return to Sports & Normalcy
Our clinic focuses on getting our patients back to sport as quickly as they can. However, this can look very differently for all patients. There is a common misconception that at certain times the patient automatically should be able to begin certain activities… This is simply not true. It all depends on HOW they are progressing and IF they are meeting certain requirements prior to beginning new things. A great example of this would be starting a return-to-jog program after the patient is able to walk pain-free, has full range of motion, is pain-free with their weight lifting, is able to perform certain exercises satisfactory and more.
Returning to sports after an ACL injury requires dedication and effort—it’s far from easy. Every clinician should discuss this with their patient: Are they committed to following their program multiple times a week on their own? Are they ready to push themselves? Setting clear expectations for both the patient and clinician is essential. Our primary role as Physical Therapist in Midland, Freeland, and Saginaw MI is to motivate you and guide you through the “how” of getting there! It will happen if you put in the work!
At Midland Sports Rehab and Freeland Sports Rehab, our expert Physical Therapist are the very best in the field. Effectively recover from an ACL injury with our Doctors in the Midland, Freeland, and Saginaw area.