Physical Therapy ACL Repair

Physical therapy is very helpful in treating a wide variety of problems. The results of physical therapy on certain types of injuries are especially very encouraging. Thus, physical therapy also works very effectively in helping the patients recuperate from damage to the ACL.

What is ACL?

The ACL is also known as the Anterior cruciate ligament. It is also the most important ligament that connects the bones of a knee joint. The important function of this precious ligament is to minimize the stress to the knee joint and to provide stability. Many a times, injuries to the ACL can happen if a person overstretches the ACL in the knee. This leads to the tear of the ligament causing significant pain. Sometimes you also need to get the problem fixed or repaired. Usually, a physical therapist will step in when the doctors mend the tear. The job of the therapist is therefore to help you on the road of recovery.

The use of physical therapy:

ACL is treated with the help of physical therapy usually in the out patient facility. The therapist can begin the work immediately after the surgery. Initially, the physician will inspect the knee after the surgery to check its status. If the physician is satisfied, you will be directed to a good therapist. The first goal of the therapist is to deal with the pain and the swelling of the knee. Certain specific exercises are formulated by the therapist to ease the pain and the swelling. The therapist will also try and improve the strength and activity of the muscles and to improve the mobility of the knee.

During this time, the therapist will also provide instructions to the patient to protect the knee by taking a few precautions. Once the pain and the swelling goes down a bit, the therapist can then begin an intensive program to help the patient regain the use of the knee. Thus, many exercises are held on a regular basis. These exercises can be conducted on certain exercise equipments like the Stairmaster under the watchful eye of the therapist. If necessary, the therapist can change the rehabilitation plan and can also suggest changes in the diet of the patients. After a few weeks, the patient can once again make use of the knee and can almost get back to normal functioning.

Thus, the repair of ACL is almost impossible without the help of physical therapy.