ACL Tears & Rehab
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common injury among athletes and active adults, particularly those who play sports that require quick pivoting or sudden stops and starts, such as soccer, lacrosse, and skiing. According to recent research, around 250,000 ACL tears occur annually in the United States, with the majority of these injuries affecting younger individuals.
Fortunately, advances in medical and rehabilitation techniques have significantly improved the recovery process for those who suffer from ACL tears.
Understanding ACL Tears
The ACL is one of the four major ligaments that provide stability to the knee joint. It is located in the center of the knee and connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). ACL tears typically occur when the knee is twisted or hyperextended beyond its normal range of motion. This can occur from contact with an object or another player, but is frequently sustained without any contact.
Symptoms of an ACL tear can include swelling, pain, instability, and a popping sensation at the time of injury. Some people report mild pain, while others report severe pain with an ACL injury. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to reconstruct the torn ligament. We used to think that all ACL tears had to be reconstructed surgically, but new research is starting to show that an ACL injury can heal on it’s own with time. It is always important to get imaging done if you suspect an ACL tear, and to discuss your options with a qualified orthopedic surgeon.
Rehabilitation for ACL Tears
Rehabilitation is an essential component of ACL tear recovery. Physical therapy is important to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the affected knee. PT can also help prevent future injuries by improving overall strength, balance, and stability.
Recent studies have shown that early rehabilitation is crucial for successful recovery from an ACL tear. In fact, research indicates that beginning rehabilitation within the first few days after injury can significantly improve outcomes.
A comprehensive rehabilitation program should include exercises to improve range of motion, strength, coordination, proprioception, power, and balance. Initially, treatment may focus on reducing pain and swelling while improving range of motion. More exercises will progressively be added in to improve strength, stability, and agility through sport-specific training to make sure you are 110% ready to get back on the field, court, ice, etc.
ACL rehabilitation will also include neuromuscular training to improve stability and control. Neuromuscular training focuses on improving coordination and control of movement.
If a patient has had an ACL Reconstruction, research shows that they should not return to sport any sooner than 9 months, with many doctors and therapists preferring a 10-12 month recovery time. Thorough return to sport testing should be performed before being discharged from therapy to make sure an athlete or active adult can safely perform what is required of them without significant risk of re-injury, regardless of time-frame.
The Importance of Patient Education
Patient education is also critical in the rehabilitation process. Patients who understand the importance of their rehabilitation program and are actively engaged in their recovery tend to have better outcomes. Education may include instruction on proper form for exercises, as well as strategies for reducing the risk of future injuries.
In summary, ACL tears are a common injury among athletes, but advances in medical and rehabilitation techniques have improved recovery outcomes. Early and comprehensive rehabilitation, including exercises to improve range of motion, strength, and balance, as well as newer approaches like neuromuscular training and biofeedback, can help patients regain function and prevent future injuries. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with our Doctor of Physical Therapy, email stephanie@venturedpt.com.
