Here’s how physiotherapy can help

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are amongst the most common major injuries in sport with figures from the United States suggesting more than 200,000 ACL surgeries are performed each year. Multidirectional sports in which pivoting, landing and change of direction maneuvers are involved present the greatest risk and account for majority of the injuries. Following an ACL injury, the primary goal for athletes is to return to their sport, typically after ACL reconstruction surgery. To ensure maximum knee function is achieved, high-quality rehabilitation is imperative. Whether you are at the beginning or end of your rehabilitation journey, we are here to help!

What is the ACL?

The ACL is one of four main ligaments of the knee which is responsible for stabilizing the knee joint.

Will I need surgery?

Contrary to typical belief, surgery is not always required for ACL injuries with growing research to support conservative rehabilitation. Choosing to go down a surgical route will likely depend on your future goals, particularly if these are sport related. Fortunately, our  physiotherapists can discuss this with you and provide you with all the details necessary to make an informed decision!

What does the rehab process involve?

Whether you choose surgical or conservative management, the immediate goal of rehab remains the same with emphasis on managing swelling/effusion, restoring full range of motion (ROM) and facilitating sufficient activation of the quadriceps muscles. Following this initial phase, rehabilitation aims to progress strengthening of the muscles around the knee along with improving balance/proprioception and knee control. It is also important to strengthen all other muscle groups throughout the rehab process to ensure these maintain their strength and are not deconditioned during your recovery. Most athletes can then return to straight line jogging after 12 weeks along with commencing plyometric exercises such as jumping and hopping. This is a guideline and can vary from person to person. As you progress with your rehab, agility and sport-specific exercises are introduced with emphasis on improving confidence and coordination. The final stage involves high-level sport-specific strengthening and includes a progressive return to sport. This may include restricted training at first before progressing to full training and finally match play. It is important to note, the rehabilitation journey is often lengthy, with most athletes returning to sport after 9-12 months. Whether your goal is to return to sport or improve your day-to-day life, don’t let an ACL injury stop you from reaching your goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, get you started on your rehabilitation journey and support you every step of the way!