ACL Reconstruction and Rehabilitation:
The First Days:
- Icing frequently
- Elevating the affected knee
- Using crutches
Another controversial subject is the use of a CPM, or motion machine, after surgery. Again, some surgeons will use the CPM despite a lack of evidence that it helps your recovery.
Weeks 1-2:
Patients will work with physical therapists to work on gait training (walking), gentle strengthening, and aerobic work. I like to get patients on a stationary bicycle as soon as possible after surgery as this improves strength, motion and aerobic activity.
Weeks 3-6:
Once normal motion has been achieved, some sport-specific activities can be started. Before beginning these activities, motion must be near normal and the swelling in the knee gone.
Weeks 7-12:
Toward the end of this phase, some athletes can begin shuttle runs, lateral shuttles and jumping rope.
Months 4-7:
Emphasis of rehabilitation should be on sport simulating activities. These will include figure-of-eight drills and plyometrics, and over time will include sport drills. For example, a tennis player may start light hitting, a soccer player some controlled dribbling, etc.
Return to Sports:
- Functional Progression
The decision to return to sports must be based on each individual's progression through their therapy. - Graft Type
Some surgeons may delay return to sports if the graft used to reconstruct the ACL came from a donor. Because these grafts are sterilized and frozen, there is a belief that they take longer to heal well inside the patient. - Surgeon Preference
Your surgeon will guide your rehabilitation, and the ultimate decision about return to sports.
Bracing After ACL Surgery:
Sources:
Beynnon BD, et al. "Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Comparison of Programs Administered Over 2 Different Time Intervals" Am. J. Sports Med., Mar 2005; 33: 347 - 359.
