Physiotherapy after ACL Surgery in 2022
ACL injuries are common in sports, especially for basketball players. These injuries typically take place by a direct blow to the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament is inside the knee, and it controls how much motion is required between the thigh and shin bones.
It also helps control how much motion is required between the femur and tibia bones. But due to injury, this movement gets affected. To treat the same, ACL reconstruction surgery is being seriously considered. It should be performed as soon as possible after the injury to avoid complications like arthritis, pain, and stiffness.
Surgery aftercare is also important. Along with medications, a doctor suggests a patient go for physiotherapy as well. If you are not sure about why physiotherapy after ACL reconstruction surgery is important, then have a look at things we will discuss below!
How does physical therapy help you recover quicker after ACL surgery in 2022?
Physical therapy is important for speeding up the recovery process for most patients. They are used to diagnose and treat injuries or provide care for conditions that limit your movements. It is basically an active process that requires you to use your muscles and joints in new ways.
The goal of physiotherapy treatment after ACL surgery is to help you recover quickly by reducing the effects of the injury or condition on the body parts. It also helps in preventing further damage by helping you maintain mobility, strength, and endurance.
Physiotherapy treatments are important after surgery so that you can return to your normal activities faster than usual.
How Does Physiotherapy Help With Pain Management and Recovery Time?
The restoration of the joint’s mobility and stability is the goal of physiotherapy. It is a physically demanding process. In order to regain your mobility, you will need to work with a physiotherapist, perform exercises at home, and also wear a compression sleeve.
The right treatment can help with pain management and recovery time. If you think you have chronic tendonitis stiffness in your knee, then it is advisable that you go to a specialist for an evaluation.
Phases of physiotherapy after ACL surgery:
Physical therapy is a process that requires multiple stages. It has the following phases:
- The first phase of physical therapy. This consists of an evaluation of the patient’s physical condition, muscle strength, range of motion, posture, cardiovascular fitness level, etc.
- The second phase of physiotherapy is stabilisation. It focuses on specific exercises to strengthen and balance the muscles around the joints in order to prevent further injury or pain in the future after ACL surgery.
- The third phase of physiotherapy includes graded exercise program which gradually increases with time to help promote general fitness and increase mobility/functionality.
- The final stage involves close follow-ups by therapists to monitor progress and ensure that all goals are met or exceeded before patients are sent home or discharged from care.
Exercises after ACL reconstruction surgery include:
Some exercises to perform after ACL reconstruction surgery is as follows:
Long sitting towel calf stretch:
A calf stretch is a form of exercise used to lengthen the muscles in the back of the lower leg. The calf muscle has two major muscles: the gastrocnemius and soleus. These muscles are responsible for lifting our heels, which we do when we take a step.
Supine hamstring stretch exercise:
The supine hamstring stretch is one of the most popular stretches for people who experience tightness in their hamstrings. In this stretch, you lie on your back with your legs straight and your heels flat on the floor. You then pull one leg towards you until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold for 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
Quad sets exercise after ACL reconstruction surgery:
Quad sets are an exercise program that focuses on the four major muscles in the front of your thigh. These exercises help improve strength, balance, and coordination. They need to perform daily for three weeks following ACL surgery.
Ankle pump exercise after ACL reconstruction surgery:
Ankle pumps are an excellent way to avoid complications and accelerate the restoration of function after ACL surgery. These exercises are important to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and improve balance, stability, and proprioception, which will help you get back on your feet in no time!
Heel-sliding exercise after ACL reconstruction surgery:
There are several exercises you can do after ACL reconstruction surgery. For example, heel slides strengthen the calf muscles in the back of your leg; this will help you walk more easily.
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Prone hip extension exercise after ACL reconstruction surgery:
A common goal for those who have had ACL reconstruction surgery is to regain a full range of motion and strength in the knee. One can achieve this with prone hip extension exercises.
Well, here we have discussed physiotherapy and some related exercises and their benefits in detail. If you are looking to get surgery, always approach the best surgeon only.
According to our recommendation, Dr. Lalit Modi in Jaipur is one of the best doctors to approach. Just fix the consultation with him and start the treatment process. We are sure you will not find any other doctor better than us.
FAQs:
Q.1 – What are the risks of ACL surgery?
The risks are high because it is an invasive surgery that can lead to complications if there is not enough time to heal after the surgery. There are also worries about the doctor’s ability to perform the surgery successfully due to their lack of experience or education. Some common risks are:
- Infection at the site of injury.
- Swelling
- Redness at the surgery site
- Constant pain
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Q.2 – How long does it take to perform ACL surgery?
The average time for this procedure is one hour, but it can vary depending on the individual patient’s needs.
Q.3 – What are the benefits of ACL surgery?
Generally, the benefits of ACL surgery are that patients will return to their pre-injury level of function. They will have a decreased risk of developing osteoarthritis, and they will have better outcomes with respect to pain and quality of life.
The surgery is in use in conjunction with meniscal transplantation or with other arthroscopic surgeries.
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