An anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, the injury is a tear in one of the 4 ligaments that make up the knee joint. The ACL is considered to be a stabilizing ligament.
Recovery from ACL Reconstruction SurgeryAn ACL injury is caused when the knee is bent side to side, twisted, or hyperextended (straightening of the knee beyond the normal limits).
An ACL injury can occur in these incidents when the leg is straight or slightly bent and caused by a sudden stoppage.
The quick answer, yes. This is a major surgery that replaces or reconstructs a torn anterior cruciate ligament ( ACL ). There are other structure that might have been involved such as other torn ligaments or damage to cartilages(s). To learn more about the ACL watch this VIDEO
This all depends on the individual but typically this surgery does hurt due to post op swelling and inflammation. It is advised to take the prescribed medications as well as maintain rest, icing, elevation and compression to the area.
After ACL surgery you can expect the knee to be swollen, painful, red and numb. This is very common since this type of surgery is major. You can expect to have a post op knee stabilizer brace on, wrapped with ACE bandages and the surgery sites covered with gauze. Your MD, depending on there protocol might send you to physical therapy 2-3 day after surgery. Read this ARTICLE for Frequently Asked Questions about ACL
First, every individual’s healing process is different, so your recovery from ACL surgery might vary from person to person. Also, some doctor’s have different rehabilitation protocols, so make sure you understand everything the doctor says about your rehabilitation protocols. Feel free to ask as many questions with your doctor and/or therapist about the recovery of ACL surgery.
The first two weeks are crucial when it comes to recovery from ACL surgery. Since surgery is a traumatic experience on your body, the body responds with inflammation. During this time you might experience pain, fluid build up around the knee joint, and soreness.
Most times, the rehabilitation begins immediately following surgery to help with your recovery. For the first 2 weeks, you will be a non-weight bearing or weight bearing as tolerated depending on your physician on the affected leg by using crutches and a brace.
The healing phase has begun from the start, but in weeks 2-6 it is vital to focus on correct form. During phase 2, you will be weight bearing on BOTH legs, but your activity level will be limited. Here your main focus is to regain FULL range of motion in the knee joint. You might be able to drive your vehicle during this phase, but that depends on what type of vehicle and which knee was operated on.
Phase 3 is typically considered your strength phase. Here, your therapist will increase your resistance to regain strength in the surrounding muscles of the knee joint. You might be able to perform low-impact activities such as biking, swimming, or rowing. And depending on how your body responds to resistance exercises, you might have the chance of light jogging by the end of this phase. However, that strictly depends on how you are progressing with rehabilitation, the doctor’s protocols, and the therapist’s overall evaluation on how you are recovering from ACL surgery and your rehabilitation.
As you are recovering from ACL surgery, in phase 4, your body is almost ready to return to full activity. Typically, the doctor and therapist recommend the use of a stabilizing brace during this time to help protect and prevent stress on the ACL ligament while you continue with rehabilitation. In phase 4, your strength gains might be beyond what a therapist has in their facility and exercises might be recommended for you to perform at home or at a fitness center (gym).
Phase 5, you might be able to return to full activity or athletic events. However, this does depend on your activity level. Those levels need to be discussed between you, the doctor, and the therapist. Many doctors recommend the use of a supportive brace for up to 2 years after ACL surgery.
ACL Ligament Injury
There is no true fast way to recover from ACL surgery. Once again each individual is different and each person heals differently. Biggest advice will be to follow all instructions that were given to you after surgery. If your MD prescribes physical therapy right after surgery, your physical therapist will give you further instructions regarding exercises that you can do for the particular time frame of healing. To find the closest JOI Rehab near you click HERE.
Knee reconstructive surgery usually requires injuries to ligaments mentioned below or injury to cartilage. In other situations a total knee replacement might happen but this is usually due to a chronic/long term injury.
Typically ACL reconstructive surgery can take 6 months to a year to complete. With full return to activity or sport.
You can also complete all of your new patient paperwork from home. To request registration paper work electronically click HERE
Related Articles: ACL Tear, How Long Does ACL Rehab Take? and Torn ACL Symptoms.
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By: Robert Lim, PTA
