The ACL is one of the most injured ligaments in the body. Physical therapy plays an important role in any ACL injury. The focus of this article is rehabilitation as it relates to ACL surgery. We will highlight the importance of a strategic pre-op and post-op physical therapy routine.
ACL Surgery
First, let’s talk briefly about ACL surgery itself. The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the four primary ligaments located in the knee. A properly working ACL is essential to a person’s ability to run, jump, pivot, and perform other athletic movements.
The ACL is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee – with most injuries occurring in athletes. Surgical repair is a very common form of treatment for an ACL tear. ACL surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft.
ACL Surgery Prehabilitation
Prehabilitation is essentially physical therapy before a surgical procedure. Pre-op physical therapy can help the body prepare for the trauma caused by surgery. It can also help bridge the gap between pre-op and post-op so the patient is better prepared for physical therapy after their procedure.
Physical Therapy after ACL Repair
After ACL repair surgery, your knee needs time to heal the surgical wounds, and to adjust to the changes brought on by the surgery. Post-op physical therapy can significantly speed up the recovery process by decreasing pain and increasing range-of-motion in the knee. This is especially important for athletes who are hoping to return to their sport as quickly as possible after the procedure.
Minneapolis Physical Therapists
OrthoRehab Specialists have over twenty five years of experience treating Minnesotans before and after their surgical procedures. ACL rehabilitation is one of our many specialties. We have referral relationships with over 600 doctors who routinely entrust their patients to us for their prehab and post-op physical therapy care. Our physical therapists also offer direct access to care in Minnesota – so you can make an appointment with us even if you don’t have a prescription from your primary care physicians. Contact our Minneapolis or Edina clinics today to set up your physical therapy appointment.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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