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.
Symptoms of an ACL injury include:
Immediately after injury, physiotherapy focuses on reducing pain and swelling, using techniques such as ice, compression, elevation, and gentle exercises.
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.
After ACL reconstruction surgery, physiotherapy is essential to help restore knee function. The rehab program typically progresses through various stages, focusing on:
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.
Being faced with an injury or being told by a health practitioner to undergo a particular treatment can be quite daunting. That’s why we are here to help you. You can book a 15-minute video consult to ask your trusted health practitioners any questions you may have on your mind. No judgement, no strings attached and most importantly, no fees!
