Have you recently undergone reconstructive knee surgery or are preparing for ACL surgery? A key factor to your recovery will be your understanding of the importance of rehabilitation.
The ACL ligament is responsible for stabilising your knee and it is one of the most important parts of your knee joint. Tearing or rupturing the ligament can occur if the knee twists the wrong way. Because of this, ACL injuries are very common in footballers and skiers.
These injuries result in your knee giving way and collapsing and generally require surgery and extensive physical rehabilitation. Today we’ll look at the process of ACL rehabilitation. We’ll also examine how exercise programs and physiotherapy are essential components in your recovery.
Your ACL Rehabilitation Process
Rehabilitation after ACL surgery will help you to regain a normal range of motion and flexibility in your knee. It will also have the benefit of strengthening the knee and its surrounding muscles.
A custom developed program from a professional physiotherapist will include some or all of the following:
- Flexibility exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Endurance activities
- Coordination and agility training
Exercise Programs After ACL Surgery
After your surgery, your physio will recommend a variety of exercises as part of your ACL rehabilitation program. To start off, you may be asked to complete:
· Range of movement exercises focused on achieving your full range of extension
· Stationary cycling (as long as there is minimal resistance)
· Hamstring and quad exercise, to strengthen the muscles that stabilise your knee
· Thoracic rotation exercises, in sitting and standing rotation
You generally begin incorporating extra exercises into your treatment program at around 2-6 weeks after surgery. However, you should always seek the advice of your physio before adding exercises to your routine.
The following exercises may be included at this point:
· Core stability and gluteal control work
· Balance exercises, such as single leg squat, single leg squat with rotation, stepping up and down
After about 12 weeks, you will generally enter the final stage of your rehabilitation and may be able to start:
· Jogging
· Swimming
· Jump training – box jumping
· Agility training – change of direction push - double leg and single leg
· Hop tests – single hop and double hop with directional change
· Sports-specific and occupation-specific rehabilitation exercises
Seek Professional Help from a Physio
To maximise your personal results, be sure to seek the advice and guidance of a professional, qualified physiotherapist. He or she will work closely with you after your ACL surgery, providing you with expert advice and support you throughout your rehabilitation.
High Quality Physiotherapy Services in Auckland
Auckland’s PhysioReform team can provide you with premium healthcare after your ACL surgery, helping to ensure a faster road to your recovery.
To book an appointment with a qualified physio in East Tamaki, or find out more about our services, call the PhysioReform team on +64 9 273 6089 or simply register online.