ACL Rehabilitation [Infographic]
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a major ligament located in the center of the knee joint. Ligaments are tough, non-stretchable fibers that hold bones together. The ACL is one of four ligaments that hold the bones within the knee together, keeping the knee stable when running, jumping, and landing during sports.
High school athletes have a higher risk of suffering an ACL injury as their bodies change and develop. Studies show that high school female athletes have a greater rate of ACL tears than do high school male athletes. Female athletes between ages 15 to 20 account for the most ACL injuries. Certain sports contribute to a higher risk of ACL tear: girls soccer, boys football, girls basketball, and boys and girls lacrosse.
There are two types of ACL injuries: contact injury and non-contact injury. Contact injuries occur when a force overcomes the tensile strength of the ACL, such as a helmet hitting the knee during a football game. Non-contact injuries result from a sudden change in movement, such as a fast pivot on one firmly planted foot, landing from a jump, or quickly stopping or starting.
Symptoms of an ACL injury include pain, audible pop in the knee, difficulty standing and putting pressure on the injured leg, swelling within 24 hours of injury, difficulty walking, and limited range of motion.
ACL surgery is often recommended for those with severe ACL injuries and for athletes who want to compete at a high level in their sport. Surgery reconstruction of the ACL restores knee stability. Post-surgical rehabilitation plays a crucial role in properly healing the ACL and restoring the ACL’s strength, mobility, and range of motion. ACL rehabilitation generally lasts 9 to 16 months until full recovery and safe return to sport.
A physical therapist helps the athlete manage swelling in the initial weeks following surgery and safely do range of motion exercises and contraction of the quadricep muscle to promote good knee extension and strength. As the athlete enters months 3 and 4 of rehabilitation, the knee is progressively loaded and strengthened to handle stress. The athlete begins running and jumping exercises to establish good mechanics in a controlled environment. By months 7 to 12, the athlete engages in sport-specific activities. The physical therapist has the athlete undergo a series of tests to evaluate recovery. The tests must be successfully passed before the athlete can safely return to the sport.
Receiving proper care and rehabilitation following an ACL injury is critical for a full recovery and healthy return to sport. Our sports medicine physical therapists are experienced in ACL injury rehabilitation and are here to support you throughout your recovery so you can return to the athletic field with strength and confidence.
