The Various Phases Of An ACL Physical Therapy

The ligament which brings together the tibia to the femur bone is called anterior cruciate ligament or ACL. It is located diagonally in the center of these two bones. This ligament gives support and makes it possible for the knee to rotate. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, close to a hundred thousand individuals each and every year will need to go through reconstruction surgery caused by knee ligament tears that are typically acquired while playing sports. Following an ACL surgery, individuals are recommended to undergo ACL physical therapy to help make the knee heal faster. Some individuals need to go through the therapy for four to six months in order for their knees and legs to function normally.

Promptly after the surgery, the patient should go through a post surgical rehabilitation. The person will likely be recommended to see a physical therapist three times a week. Right after eight weeks, the appointments might be lessened to simply twice per week. For the first couple of weeks, you will do some strengthening exercises. This will help reduce inflammation at the same time tone your knee muscles. You must keep doing these exercises on days that you do not visit your therapist. The exercises ought to be done for half an hour to an hour each day.

Perhaps right after two months of therapy, when your knee has now recovered, your physical therapist will now give you a more intensive knee strengthening exercises. At this point of your ACL physical therapy, you'll be expected to lift weights and do some cardio exercises which include using a treadmill or bicycle. Furthermore, you may be given new routines which are intended to restore the stability and balance of your knee. You can even have the option to get this done in fitness or health clubs instead of just going to a medical therapy center.

The remaining two to three months of your therapy will include balance, stability and strength exercises that will test the total recovery of your injured knee. One of the exercises done at this point of your therapy is called the box jump. You'll be asked to jump sideways onto a wooden box. The box will be placed next to you. After you have jumped on to the box, you will then jump once more landing on the other side of the box, with both feet landing together. Eventually, when you have regained the full functioning of your knee, you'll be able to jump on the other side of the box effortlessly.

You might experience some discomfort and pain during these stages of your ACL physical therapy. This is normal because your knees as well as the muscles around it are still on the process of recovery. This may take time so lots of patience is required.