ACL Injury Adelaide
Treatment For Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries in Goodwood, Plympton, Unley, Millswood, Wayville & Clarence Park
The Physio Studio offers quality physio care for anterior cruciate ligament injuries throughout Goodwood, Millswood, Unley, Wayville & Clarence Park.
An ACL injury involves stretching or tearing of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament of the knee (ACL). The ACL is one of the four main ligaments in the knee and binds the back of the thigh bone (femur) to the front of the shin bone (tibia), preventing the tibia from moving excessively in relation to the femur.
Symptoms of an ACL Injury
The symptoms of an ACL injury typically are: feeling or hearing a ‘pop’ in the knee at the time of injury, sudden instability in the knee after a jump or change in direction or after a direct blow to the side of the knee, pain on the outside and back of the knee and limited knee movement because of swelling and/or pain.
Knee swelling within the first few hours of the injury may be a sign of bleeding inside the joint. Swelling that occurs suddenly is usually a sign of a serious knee injury.
Treatment for ACL Injuries at The Physio Studio
Patients should utilise the RICE method (rest, apply ice and compression and elevate the affected area). They should then seek an assessment with
sports physio or sports doctor to assess whether further investigations (ie MRI scan) are needed to confirm the exact nature of the injury. If an ACL injury is diagnosed, patients will often then have an assessment with an orthopaedic surgeon to determine if surgery is required.
This surgery is known as an ACL repair and is also referred to as a full knee reconstruction. Depending on the type of surgical intervention, there will be a specific rehabilitation regime for the patient to follow.
The
physiotherapist and surgeon will liaise to guide a rehab program for the post ACL patient. A typical rehab program focuses on the following aspects:
1 to 4 weeks
The Physio will review the patient soon after surgery to guide correct range of movement exercises. Swelling management is commenced with ice and compression. Focus on establishing a good walking pattern. Muscle control exercises. Avoidance of any strain on the knee.
4 to 6 weeks
Regain full range of motion, commence recommended strength, balance and proprioception exercises. Hydrotherapy and stationary bike can usually be commenced with care.
7 to 12 weeks
Progress strength exercises for hamstrings and quadriceps. Progress intensity of stationary bike and leg strength exercises. Progress single leg weight bearing exercises. Still no running, twisting, hopping or impact activities.
Months 4+
Commence running straight lines, additional leg strengthening and higher level proprioception exercises.
Months 6+
Continued progression with sport related activities, running intensity and direction changes. The goal of returning to sporting activities with a return to competition usually achieved around 12 months.
Call the clinic today on 8357 0418 to book your appointment
