The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may stabilize the knee, especially during dynamic movements like pivoting, jumping, and running. Injuries to the ACL are common among athletes and active individuals, often requiring surgical intervention followed by a structured ligament rehab process. Sports physiotherapy in Spruce Grove plays a central role in this journey, restoring physical function and preventing future injuries.
Understanding ACL Injuries
ACL injuries typically occur during sudden directional changes that directly impact the knee. These injuries range from partial tears to complete ruptures, often causing instability, swelling, and severe discomfort. Beyond physical damage, such injuries can also lead to psychological barriers, such as fear of movement or reinjury, which can delay recovery if not addressed.
1. Restoring Range of Motion (ROM)
One of the most immediate goals after an ACL injury is to regain the knee’s full range of motion. Many patients experience significant stiffness and swelling following an ACL tear, which restricts their ability to extend or bend the knee fully. Sports physiotherapy in Spruce Grove begins with gentle movements encouraging the knee to regain its natural flexibility.
- How it’s done: Physiotherapists often employ passive range of motion (ROM) exercises, in which the therapist gently moves the injured knee to ensure it doesn’t become overly stiff. For example, a heel slide exercise involves lying on one’s back and slowly sliding the injured leg’s heel toward one’s buttocks, which helps promote flexion. Holding the position for 5-10 seconds, the patient repeats the movement slowly to build flexibility without straining the joint.
- The goal is to restore complete flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) of the knee, which is critical for everyday walking, running, and squatting.
2. Strengthening Surrounding Muscles
The muscles around the knee often weaken after an ACL injury due to pain and immobility. Strengthening these muscles is essential for protecting the knee joint and preventing re-injury. Strongerapy focuses on building muscle strength through controlled, progressive resistance exercises.
- How it’s done: Quadriceps-strengthening exercises like wall sits are key. In this exercise, participants position themselves back against a wall and slide their bodies down into a squat position, ensuring that their knees remain aligned over their toes. They hold the position for 20-30 seconds, gradually increasing the time as their muscle endurance improves.
- Another popular exercise is hamstring curls with a resistance band, which targets the hamstrings, a crucial muscle group for knee stability. Simply attach a resistance band around the ankle and move the heel towards the buttocks in a controlled manner. These exercises will strengthen the muscles, reduce the chances of instability, and help restore functionality, allowing the knee to bear more weight without pain.
3. Enhancing Proprioception and Balance
This is a critical aspect of knee joint health because it becomes difficult to maintain balance and perform coordinated movements without proper proprioception. Physiotherapists introduce balance exercises to restore proprioception and re-establish joint stability.
- How it’s done: Balance training exercises are progressively introduced to re-train the brain to sense the knee’s position. An example is standing on one leg for 20-30 seconds, gradually increasing the duration and challenging the knee’s stability. Initially, this can be done while holding onto a stable surface, but the difficulty can be increased as confidence and strength build.
- Wobbleboard exercises are also practical. They involve standing on a shifting board, promoting knee coordination and stability. These activities help restore balance and build strength in the small stabilizing muscles, which are essential for preventing future injury and improving agility.
4. Incorporating Functional Training
Functional training prepares the knee for daily activities like walking and climbing stairs or sports-specific actions like cutting, pivoting, and jumping. This rehabilitation stage is key for athletes or active individuals looking to return to normal activities or sports through sports physiotherapy.
- How it’s done: Functional exercises like lateral step-ups or cone drills mimic movements the knee will encounter in real-world situations. For example, during a lateral step-up, the individual steps up with the injured leg and then down in a controlled manner, working on stability and mobility.
- Additionally, plyometric exercises such as jump squats help develop the ability to move explosively without stressing the ACL. Ladder drills can also be included to improve agility and coordination. These functional exercises are crucial as they simulate the movements required in sports, helping the body adapt to the stresses it will face in competitive environments.
5. Using Modalities
In addition to traditional rehabilitation techniques, physiotherapists often incorporate advanced modalities such as ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, and blood flow restriction (BFR) training. These treatments provide additional support by enhancing muscle recovery, improving circulation, and promoting tissue healing.
- How it’s done: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is an innovative technique in which a cuff is placed on the upper thigh to restrict blood flow while the patient performs low-intensity exercises. This technique helps to increase muscle strength and promote recovery without putting undue strain on the injured knee.
- Electrical stimulation often activates the quadriceps when the muscle has weakened after surgery or prolonged inactivity. Tiny electrical pulses stimulate the muscle fibres, helping to restore function and strength.
Tips for Maximizing Your ACL Rehab
Here are some valuable sports injury physiotherapy tips to enhance your recovery during ACL rehabilitation:
- Be Patient and Consistent: Recovery from ACL surgery takes time, and progress may feel slow initially. Stick to your rehabilitation plan, and trust the process to rebuild strength and functionality.
- Focus on Mobility: Don’t skip a range-of-motion exercises. Early mobility helps prevent stiffness and accelerates the healing process. Stretching regularly is also essential, even after your ROM has improved.
- Prioritize Strengthening: Strong muscles around knee injury are critical for ACL recovery. Consistent strengthening exercises will reduce instability and promote better knee function.
- Incorporate Balance Work Early: Start balance training as soon as possible. It helps re-establish coordination and joint stability, essential for safely returning to activity.
Rebuild Your Knee, Reclaim Your Life!
ACL rehabilitation can be challenging, but with the correct sports physiotherapy Spruce Grove approach, individuals regain full functionality and return to the activities they love. Sunrise Physiotherapy Clinic’s expert team is committed to creating a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to individuals’ needs. Don’t wait to take the first step toward a stronger, healthier knee through sports physiotherapy. Contact us today to schedule an individual sports physiotherapist consultation and start a personal journey to recovery with our dedicated team.
