ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) REHABILITATION

ACL REHAB

ACL REHAB

At Total Physiotherapy, we strive to offer first class Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rehabilitation in line with current guidelines and gold standard practice.

 

An ACL injury is a substantial knee injury for anyone or any player to endure, both physically and mentally.

What is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)?

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that helps stabilise the knee joint. The ACL connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). The ACL runs diagonally through the inside of the knee and also helps to control the back-and-forth movement of the shinbone (tibia). It's most commonly injured during sports such as GAA sports, rugby, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball or skiing.

Common causes of an ACL injury include:

  • Landing incorrectly from a jump

  • Twisting movement with the foot planted

  • Stopping or changing direction suddenly

  • Collisions in sport - such as a tackle

Signs of an ACL injury include:

  • Immediate profuse swelling in the knee

  • Difficulty weight-bearing or continuing to play on

  • Sensation of knee instability

Our Physiotherapists are trained to support you with:

  • Immediate diagnosis post-injury

  • Referral for MRI imaging via your GP

  • Orthopaedic Consultant referral

  • Conservative (non-operative) management

  • Surgical management – prehabilitation (before surgery) and post-surgical rehabilitation

What you can expect from your ACL rehabilitation journey at Total Physiotherapy:

Everyone’s ACL journey and rehabilitation timelines are different and we complete stringent ACL testing at each stage of the rehab process with clear client feedback and goals to meet the next stage. This includes 1 rep maximum testing based on bodyweight, Isometric muscle testing and balance testing using VALD Force Plates equipment. We communicate outcome measures to all patients including ACL-RSI, IKDC and TSK-11, allowing them to monitor their own physical and mental state and readiness to return to sport across the rehabilitation process. We regularly communicate with your GP & Orthopaedic Consultant about your rehabilitation progress. 

Your ACL rehabilitation journey begins with a 1:1 Initial Physio Consultation including a thorough history of your ACL injury, prior lower limb injuries, discussion of prognosis, goal setting, physio management plan, and holistic management involving GP & Orthopaedic Consultant as indicated.

ACL injuries have 2 options for management and this decision is led by a Orthopaedic Consultant in discussion with the patient about their age, medical history, injury history and sporting aspirations.

  1. Conservative (non-operative) management - Physio rehabilitation through the ACL stages of rehabilitation as below, but without surgery (on guidance and with the recommendation of your Orthopaedic Consultant.)

  2. Pre-operative management - Injury recovery (swelling and pain management), range of movement exercises and strengthening prior to surgery (clinically shown to improve outcomes)

  3. Post-operative management -

  • Stage 1 ACL Rehabilitation - Recovery from surgery: This includes pain management, graft site management, scar monitoring, swelling control and focus on knee range of movement and early strengthening.

  • Stage 2 ACL Rehabilitation - Strength & Neuromuscular Control: Progressive strength and stability training, continued swelling management. You may be referred to our Thrive Rehab class at this stage by your treating Physiotherapist.

  • Stage 3 ACL Rehabilitation - Running, Agility & Landings (Approx 12 weeks+ post injury): Re-introduction of straight line running, impact and hop training. Continued higher level strength and stability training.

  • Stage 4 ACL Rehabilitation - Return to Sport (Minimum 9-12 months post injury): Sports specific training and introduction of change of direction, perturbation and higher level impact and agility challenges.

  • Stage 5 ACL Rehabilitation - Prevention of Re-injury: ACL re-injury is common and our goal is to work with each client to prevent this from occurring with our rehabilitation approach. 

    Click below to book online & start your ACL rehabilitation journey with the team at Total Physiotherapy. We look forward to working with you to achieve your goals and make your rehabilitation a success!