Structure :
Knee
Physical therapy and exercises after ACL surgery
Written by Professor Etienne Cavaignac
Description
This phase involves specific post-operative care, rehabilitation and regular follow-up visits to ensure optimal recovery.
Category:
Treatment
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SUMMARY
1) ACL surgery and physical therapy: Why is it important?2) What to expect of your workouts after ACL surgery?3) Immediate recovery phase (0-2 Weeks)4) Early rehabilitation (2-6 Weeks)5) Strengthening phase (6-12 Weeks)6) Advanced rehabilitation (3-6 Months)7) Returning to Sports (6-12 Months)8) Why Choose Professor Cavaignac for Your ACL Surgery?Are you suffering from a cruciate ligament rupture?
Make an appointment now with Professor Etienne Cavaignac, orthopaedic surgeon specializing in knee surgery and sports traumatology.
Explore expert physical therapy and exercises after ACL surgery with Professor Cavaignac for a smooth and confident recovery.
Self-rehabilitation is essential, and you must regain control of your knee immediately after the operation.
Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery is a significant step toward regaining your knee’s strength and stability. However, the road to full recovery doesn’t end with the operation. Post ACL surgery physical therapy is a crucial part of the healing process, ensuring you get back to your daily activities with ease.
Professor Cavaignac provides advice on how to get the most out of your physical therapy after ACL reconstruction surgery.
ACL surgery and physical therapy: Why is it important?
After undergoing an ACL surgery, physical therapy isn’t just about exercise. It’s about rebuilding your knee’s function and ensuring a successful long-term recovery. Here are some of the benefits of physical therapy :
- Pain relief and swelling reduction: Early therapy helps to manage pain and swelling, ensuring you stay comfortable as you heal.
- Restoring movement: Gradual, guided ACL surgery physical therapy exercises help restore your knee’s range of motion, preventing stiffness and promoting flexibility.
- Strengthening muscles: Building strength in your leg muscles, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings, is key to protecting your knee and preventing future injuries.
- Rebuilding confidence: We focus on helping you regain confidence in your knee, so you can return to your normal activities without fear of re-injury.
What to expect of your workouts after ACL surgery?
Your workouts after ACL surgery will progress gradually through several phases as you recover. From pain management to safely resuming your activities and sports.
The ACL surgery physical therapy protocol given by your physiotherapist will be personalised to suit your specific needs and recovery goals. Here’s a general outline of what you can expect:
Immediate recovery phase (0-10 days)
In the immediate recovery phase, the focus is on pain management and gentle movement. You’ll begin with simple post ACL surgery workouts to help reduce swelling and initiate movement in your knee.
During this crucial period, you will be guided on how to use crutches properly and provided with detailed instructions on how to care for your knee, ensuring that you start your recovery process on the right foot.
Early rehabilitation (10-30 days)
In this phase, the focus is on regaining mobility and beginning to strengthen the knee. You’ll gradually start weight-bearing exercises, combined with targeted ACL physical therapy exercises after surgery, to enhance your knee’s flexibility and strength. This phase is crucial for laying the foundation for a strong and effective recovery.
Strengthening phase (3-12 Weeks)
Here, you’ll work on building muscle strength and endurance. You’ll engage in more intensive workouts specifically designed to strengthen the muscles around your knee.
This phase includes activities like cycling, light gym work and continued sessions of physical therapy for ACL tear after surgery to ensure your knee becomes strong and stable.
Advanced rehabilitation (3-6 Months)
In this stage, the goal is to prepare you for a full return to activity. You’ll engage in advanced knee workouts after ACL surgery, designed to improve your agility, balance and strength.
This step is especially important for athletes or anyone aiming to return to a physically demanding lifestyle, ensuring your knee is fully ready for the challenges ahead.
Returning to Sports (6-12 Months)
The main goal at this point is to help you safely resume sports and high-impact activities.
Based on your progress, we’ll gradually reintroduce you to sports-specific training. Before you know it, you’ll be back to doing what you love, with the confidence that your knee is up to the task.
Why Choose Professor Cavaignac for Your ACL Surgery?
When choosing a surgeon for your ACL surgery, experience and expertise are of the greatest importance. Professor Cavaignac is a renowned specialist in ACL surgeries. He offers a level of care that truly sets him apart. With his precision and dedication to patient outcomes, you can trust that your surgery will be performed with the utmost skill.
Beyond the operating room, Professor Cavaignac's commitment to your recovery extends to your physical therapy. While he may not directly oversee your sessions, he offers a personalised approach to guarantee that your physical therapy plan is both effective and safe, tailored to your unique needs and goals.
At Professor Cavaignac’s practice, your successful recovery is our top priority. With expert guidance on physical therapy after ACL surgery, you’ll be on the right path to regaining full knee function and returning to the activities you love. Trust Professor Cavaignac to provide the surgical expertise and post-operative advice you need for a complete and confident recovery.