ACL Injury Treatment
Physical therapy
Physical therapy should begin within a few days of the surgery. This is
the most important aspect of your recovery. The surgery may not be
successful if the therapy is not completed.
- It is essential to stay motivated.
- Initially, your therapist will focus on gentle flexion and extension
exercises. The exercises will focus on strengthening the quadriceps
and hamstring muscles.
- Most physicians employ a vigorous therapy program that emphasizes
early return to weight bearing.
- You should expect to be on crutches only about ten days to two
weeks. This early ambulation helps to prevent the muscles atrophying
from disuse.
It is important to remember that the new ligament graft is still weak
at this point in time. The bone needs time to heal around the attachment
sites. The ligament itself will be at its weakest six weeks after surgery,
after which point it begins to remodel and strengthen based on the
stresses that are being placed on it in its new role as a ligament. It
takes six months to a year for the ligament to regain full strength.
Even if you feel ready to play
sports again a few months after your surgery, your new ligament is not yet
ready. This is important to remember!
So, when can I play again?
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