The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the four main ligaments in the knee connecting the tibia to the femur. It helps provide stability to the knee. Every year, approximately 200,000 ACL injuries occur, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Tears to the ACL usually occur from deceleration during activity, from pivoting or sidestepping, or from contact with another player. After an ACL tear, treatment typically consists of physical therapy or surgery. Your physical therapist will construct a rehabilitation schedule and set of exercises based on your condition; do not try to rehabilitate your knee yourself.
Step 1
Follow the RICE protocol immediately after your injury; rest, ice, compression and elevation. This will help the knee repair itself. Your physical therapist can manipulate your knee through strengthening exercises and can show you how to do quad sets, which will help you regain strength.
Step 2
Do straight leg raises shortly after surgery to help with leg muscle control. These can be done lying down. Prone hang exercises and practicing full extension can help you start to regain range-of-motion and flexion. Bilateral quarter knee bends and calf raises can typically also be done one to two weeks after injury, with your doctor's permission.
Step 3
Perform more advanced range-of-motion exercises three to four weeks after the injury. Only start these exercises with the permission or supervision of your doctor or physical therapist. These exercises include swimming in a pool, riding a stationary bike, balance exercises, leg presses and step ups. Have your physical therapist show you the correct ways to do each exercise to avoid further injury.
Step 4
Practice more strenuous exercises once your physical therapist and doctor say it is OK to do so. Approximately four weeks after surgery, you may be able to do exercises in the weight room like unilateral leg extensions, unilateral calf raises, unilateral step-downs and full squats up to 90 degrees. You will likely also be able to continue to cycle, swim, and even use a stair climbing machine. These will help build strength in the affected knee.
Step 5
Continue your rehabilitation exercises until you are able to return to your pre-injury lifestyle and activity level. These exercises may include lunges, step downs, agility drills, jogging on a treadmill and stretching. You may also need to be fitted for a knee brace to aid your return to sports.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not return to sports too soon without your doctor's permission, even if you feel strong. If you go back to participating in sports before your knee is fully healed, you can reinjure it and cause significant damage.
- Do not do anything to rehabilitate your knee before you talk with your doctor, surgeon or physical therapist. An ACL tear is a serious injury that can be debilitating, and doing too much too soon can cause further injury to your ACL. If you think you may have an ACL tear, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
References
- MayoClinic.com: ACL Injury: Treatments and Drugs
- MayoClinic.com: ACL Injury: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Chester Knee Clinic: Accelerated ACL Reconstruction Rehabiliation Program
- Pro Sports Orthopedics: Procedures: ACL Tear
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: ACL Injury: Does It Require Surgery?
- Westwood Physical Therapy: ACL Rehab Program
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