Recommendations / 05/01/2019

When is the best time to start ACL rehab?

Phase three on the ACL surgery recovery timeline is when the knee is most vulnerable. The new graft is at its weakest 6-12 weeks after surgery so extra care should be taken during this period. You will be able start more challenging strengthening and balance/proprioception exercises.

When to have reconstruction of the ACL done?

For a complete tear of the ACL, reconstruction surgery is generally scheduled for between three and six weeks after the injury occurs. This allows inflammation in the area to subside. If surgery is performed too early, patients may develop a profound scarring response called arthrofibrosis.

What to do with your knee after ACL surgery?

DO NOT neglect your uninjured knee. When you’re recovering from ACL surgery, it’s important to focus on your uninjured knee during rehab as well. Your physical therapist will have you exercising both of your knee’s to ensure a strong and healthy recovery.

When to utilize your insurance after ACL surgery?

It’s necessary to utilize your coverage more during the the first weeks after ACL surgery.

How is the reconstruction of the ACL done?

ACL reconstruction surgery does not repair the damaged ligament, but rather creates a new ligament using other tissue from the leg (often the patellar tendon or hamstring tendon ). The surgery is most often successful and assuming the athlete performs the appropriate rehabilitation after surgery, most athletes are able to return to their sport.

When did Katie Couric’s ACL rehab start?

Katie’s rehab started during week #2 with 50% weight-bearing, strengthening exercise only in open chain (foot off the ground) and range of motion (ROM) drills.

Is it safe to return to sports after ACL reconstruction?

It is a painful procedure and a long recovery. All of you have one goal in mind, returning to sports after your ACL reconstruction. Many of you will try and rush your return to sports too soon. If you attempt to return to sports too soon after ACL surgery then you run the risk of tearing or re-injuring your new ACL.

How long does it take to recover from ACL reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction surgery is usually done a few weeks after your initial injury. This is to allow time for the swelling to go down, for you to regain full range of movement and build up the strength of your leg muscles. Surgery usually takes 1-2 hours after which you will be taken to the recovery room for approximately 2-3 hours.

Can a high school athlete have ACL reconstruction?

For this reason, many athletes, especially young high school and college-age athletes, will choose to have ACL reconstruction surgery to make a new ligament that stabilizes the knee joint.

Can a torn ACL be replaced with a graft?

For sports such as basketball, soccer and football, rehabilitation alone may not be enough to prevent instability. If instability persists, the athlete must undergo surgical reconstruction of the ligament to return to these sports. Surgical reconstruction involves replacing the torn ACL with a graft.