ACL Rehab For Active Adults - The 1st 14 Days

Experiencing ACL Reconstruction surgery isn't easy for anybody. The pain, discomfort, swelling and foreignness of experiencing what is fundamentally an immobile limb will be quite a deviation from the normality of your daily routine.This particularly holds true for the active adult who chooses to or needs to have ACL Reconstruction Surgery. One day you are at least able to move around on your own, and the next you're completely confined to a resting position. Nevertheless, with some patience, hard work and dedication, you will be back to your active lifestyle, even stronger than you were before surgery.The 1st month after the operation is hard - you're mostly restricted to a bed except for hygiene purposes, the swelling in your leg and ankle may be heavy and the pain will ebb and flow as the day goes on. However, there are steps that you can take to make the recovery process as quick and productive as possible.

1. Before surgery, organize the area where you will be recuperating after the surgery. Try to amass some reading materials (magazines, books, work materials), be sure that you have a wireless or cordless phone close and gather enough pillows so you can support and elevate the operated leg. If you have one, make a point to bring your laptop and power cord to your recuperation area and ensure that your wireless internet (if applicable) is operational to help pass the time.
2. If you have young children, prepare them for the reality that you are going to be immobile for a period of time and that they can't rough-house around you as you are recuperating.
3. Take it easy for the period right after surgery and right before your first PT session. Give your whole body - head, leg and spirit - time to heal. Remember - you've just been a part of a major surgical procedure and you need to have a solid recovery period to ensure you are able to spring back.
4. Take your meds as instructed by your physician! He/She has prescribed them to you for a reason. Most likely your medications are not only to help alleviate pain, but to help reduce inflammation from the surgery.
5. Ask for help. In all likelihood, you could get through the recovery process on your own.  However, you should rely on those who can and will assist you wherever and whenever possible.
6. Request that the limited area within your home that you will be moving through be kept comparatively orderly. You'll need to be on crutches, and you don't need to be navigating through a sea of toys and laundry on the floor as you are trying to learn how to use them.
7. Ask your doctor if a stool softener would be appropriate during your recuperation period. A few of the medications that are prescribed to ease pain and swelling can cause constipation, and a stool softener will help oneself counteract this possibility.
8. Remain hydrated. You may not feel like drinking water, but make sure to not deprive your body of it's needed fluid intake.
9. Ice, ice, ice, ice and ice. Along with your medications, ice will help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. Make sure to stick to your doctor's recommendation as to the icing time interval and frequency for your recently repaired knee joint.

If you abide by your doctor's orders, be diligent about treating yourself right during your post-surgery recuperation and give your body the repose it needs,  before long you'll be onto the next stage of your road to normality - the start of physical therapy.The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or medical services. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your doctor promptly.