What is ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is surgery to rebuild the ligament in the center of your knee. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another. The ACL connects your thighbone to your shinbone and helps stabilize your knee joint. Most ACL injuries happen during sports or other physical activities. The ligament may tear when you slow down suddenly to change direction or pivot with your foot firmly planted, twisting or overextending your knee. Collisions with other athletes can also result in an ACL tear. A torn ACL cannot be sewn back together, so the ligament is replaced with a piece of tendon from another part of your leg or from a donor. This surgery is usually performed through small incisions around your knee joint using a small scope to guide the placement of the ACL graft.
Why do I need physical therapy after my ACL reconstruction?
Without physical therapy, patients will ultimately develop compensatory movement patterns that will put them at risk for subsequent injury either to the same knee or opposite knee. It is also unlikely a patient will return to their preinjury level of activity, which is often the reason the patient elected to have surgery in the first place. The surgery to reconstruct your ACL is important but that is only a small part on your long path back to full recovery. With hard work and commitment to your rehabilitation plan, we can help you achieve full potential.
How long does rehabilitation take after surgery?
The exact course of therapy varies depending on the specific type or reconstruction performed. Right after surgery, physical therapy visits may be 2 to 3 times per week, but later, once per week is often sufficient. Home exercises are done on days not scheduled for a formal therapy sessions.
Why choose Peak Performance Physical Therapy?
With input from both you and your doctor, we will create an individualized rehabilitation plan to optimize your recovery. In order to assure a successful outcome of your ACL reconstruction, a guided rehabilitation is of utmost importance. We will steer you safely through your recovery, sometimes pushing you beyond what you think is possible while other times holding you back from doing things that might jeopardize your graft. We will work with you every step of the way.
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For more information on ACL rehabilitation, read this article written by Mike Reinold.