Orthopedic surgery on the knee usually impacts mobility and function. With anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair to treat an ACL tear, the doctor reconstructs the ligament, which may involve the use of a tissue graft. For active individuals, such as athletes, surgery is sometimes the best option to restore them to their prior level of activity.
A physical therapy program is a critical part of recovery from ACL repair surgery, with the goal of restoring strength and flexibility of the knee. If done correctly, physical therapy can help the individual recover faster and return to their game.
In this article, we discuss the benefits of physical therapy after ACL rehabilitation and where you can go in North Dakota for superior and comprehensive bone and joint care.
Physical Therapy After ACL Surgery
Every physical therapy program is individualized to the patient. The differences lie in the patient’s overall health and severity of injury, as well as how quickly they progress through stages of recovery. Overall, physical therapy will retrain the patient on how to move and strengthen weakened areas.
Initial Stage After Surgery
In the initial weeks following ACL surgery, the focus of physical therapy revolves around assisting the patient in adapting to crutches or braces and engaging in gentle range of motion exercises. This early phase aims to prevent stiffness and promote gradual adaptation to weight-bearing activities as the knee begins to heal.
In the early phase of recovery, the primary objectives are achieving full knee extension and normal walking gait, both of which are important for early recovery. It may be comfortable to keep the knee in one position after surgery, however, this can lead to complications such as the development of scar tissue.
Some of the goals during this time are:
- Attain full knee extension or being able to straighten the knee fully
- Minimize discomfort
- Alleviate swelling through ice and elevation
- Establish effective quadriceps control
- Restore a normal walking pattern
A Week or Two After Surgery
As recovery progresses, physical therapy enters the strengthening phase. During this phase, targeted exercises are employed to rebuild muscle strength and improve knee stability, and to enhance the overall functionality of the joint.
Open-chain exercises, which involve movement of the lower leg while the foot is not in contact with a surface, may be integrated into the rehabilitation protocol to further bolster knee strength and mobility.
Other exercises that can be performed during this time include:
- Towel calf stretches
- Hamstring stretches
- Quad sets
- Heel slides
1-3 Months After Surgery
Advancing further into the rehabilitation timeline, typically around four to six months post-surgery, the focus of physical therapy may shift towards more advanced exercises, such as single leg hop testing, to assess the stability and readiness of the knee for higher impact activities. This stage serves as a crucial checkpoint in determining the progress and readiness of the knee for more demanding physical tasks.
Some of the exercises that can be done at this time are:
- Stationary bike exercises
- Hip flexion and extension with resistance
- Hip abduction with resistance
- Double leg quarter squats
- Single and double leg heel raises
If the patient is progressing normally, the physical therapist may guide them in return-to-sport exercises. At this point, the operated knee should be equal in strength to the other knee. After which, the patient will be close to returning to the game. The physical therapist can give you clearance on when you can safely return to playing.
Throughout the entire post-operative physical therapy process, the overarching goal is to guide patients through a comprehensive rehabilitation program that not only addresses the immediate recovery needs but also fosters long-term knee health and resilience. This includes emphasizing a gradual return to functional activities and sports-specific training as the knee continues to strengthen and regain stability.
Physical Therapy for ACL Tear Rehabilitation in North Dakota
Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons at The Bone & Joint Center can create a treatment program for you that incorporates physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises. We are experienced in ACL tear treatments and have successfully treated active individuals who want a quicker return to their sport.
In addition to cutting-edge surgery, we also provide comprehensive, on-site physical therapy services for our patients. Our physicians keep close communication with our physical therapists to ensure you are achieving your goals.
For any questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists, call our office today at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650. You can also use our online form to schedule an appointment. The Bone & Joint Center has several locations in North Dakota to serve you.
