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ACL Injuries (Anterior cruciate ligament)

ACL injuries involve tears of the ligament stabilising the knee, often from sports. Understand their causes and recovery protocols, including surgical options and rehabilitation exercises.

About this condition

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common among athletes, particularly in sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or direct contact, such as soccer, basketball, football, and skiing. The ACL is one of the key ligaments that help stabilise the knee joint. An ACL injury can range from a mild sprain to a complete tear. It often occurs during sports and fitness activities that can put stress on the knee. Here’s an overview of ACL injuries, the symptoms patients might experience, and how physiotherapy can assist in recovery and prevention.

What you may be feeling

Symptoms of an ACL injury include:

A “popping” noise at the time of injury.
Severe pain and inability to continue activity.
Rapid swelling within the first few hours of the injury.
Loss of range of motion.
A feeling of instability or “giving way” when bearing weight.

How we can help you

Initial Management

Immediately after injury, physiotherapy focuses on reducing pain and swelling, using techniques such as ice, compression, elevation, and gentle exercises.

Pre-surgical Rehabilitation

If surgery is required, prehabilitation involving specific exercises can help to reduce swelling, maintain muscle strength and range of motion, which can lead to better outcomes post-surgery.

Post-surgical Rehabilitation

After ACL reconstruction surgery, physiotherapy is essential to help restore knee function. The rehab program typically progresses through various stages, focusing on:

Reducing swelling and pain.
Restoring full range of motion.
Gradually strengthening the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings.
Enhancing proprioception (sense of joint position) to improve knee stability.
Gradually reintroducing sport-specific exercises and activities, ensuring that the knee can handle various stresses without risking a new injury.

Injury Prevention

Education on proper techniques, warm-up exercises, and specific training can help prevent future ACL injuries. Programs that focus on improving strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control, especially in young female athletes who are at higher risk, can be particularly beneficial.

So, what next?

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in every phase of recovery from an ACL injury, from initial injury management to return-to-sport. It’s important for patients to closely follow their personalised rehabilitation program and communicate with their physiotherapist to ensure the best outcomes.

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