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The Five Physical Therapy Goals After ACL Reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments in your knee that provide stability and control. Sometimes the knee is placed in a position where the ACL is compromised and can tear. If this occurs, you and your orthopedic doctor should discuss having ACL reconstruction. During ACL reconstruction the surgeon removes the torn ACL and replaces it with natural tissues. Because this surgery is significant, Abraham Shurland, MD, of Agility Orthopedics, recommends “Physical Therapy following an ACL reconstruction to assist the patient in returning to an active lifestyle.”

There are 5 main goals that Physical Therapy will try to accomplish during the rehabilitation process to return you to the field or to your previous active lifestyle:

PT Goal #1: Protect the Reconstructed ACL

Immediately after having surgery to reconstruct your ACL, the graft will be stronger than your original ACL. However, the reconstructed ACL gradually becomes weaker because of the healing properties the new ligament must go through to fully adhere to the bones it has been attached too. New blood vessels will grow and the graft materials will further develop until its strength returns and it fully matures into a strong, durable ACL. Physical Therapy will provide the tools and education you need to protect your new ACL and allow for full healing and maturation.

PT Goal #2: Reduce Inflammation and Pain

Starting on the first day after your surgery, you will be educated on the different ways to reduce the inflammation and pain that are common after such a surgical procedure. While in Physical Therapy, you will become proficient with the R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) method for reducing pain and inflammation. Your Physical Therapist will also have you begin specific exercises to further assist with reducing pain levels and swelling.

PT Goal #3: Restore the Natural Range of Motion of the Knee

Your knee bends two different ways – by flexing and extending. A common complication following an ACL reconstruction is the patient loses the ability to bend or extend their knee the same as a normal knee. This loss of motion can potentially cause poor walking mechanics, decreased strength in the muscles surrounding your knee and increased risk of degenerative changes in the knee. Physical Therapy will improve your range of motion with safe exercises that protect your newly restored and healing ACL.

PT Goal #4: Strength Training and Proprioception

Early strength training after ACL reconstruction with specific exercises is crucial to prevent your lower extremity musculature from becoming weak or atrophied. While trying to protect your healing ACL graft, OSI Physical Therapists, under the direction of your orthopedic surgeon, will implement a specific protocol of exercises for your rehabilitation. Proprioception is your body’s sense of positioning in space. After most surgical procedures, proprioception needs to be re-trained so one can protect their knee and reduce the risk of re-injury.

PT Goal #5: Return to Activity Training

Once you have been issued clearance from your orthopedic surgeon, functional training can advance to get you back to your usual activities whether it is on the soccer field, basketball court or running the track. Your ACL works dynamically, to assist in stabilizing the knee joint when you perform any twisting, jumping or cutting motions. Therefore, it is important to train, when the time is right, in a manner that will mimic your sport’s functional demands.

After achieving your five goals of physical therapy, you will be given the tools to continue strengthening and training to prevent re-injuring your ACL and keep you on the field or on the court. If you want to learn more information, visit the Agility Orthopedics website at www.agilitydoctor.com. There you can find additional information including Podcasts to further your understanding.

What Our Patients Have to Say

I can not stop raving about how good this place is for healing and getting your mobility back after an injury. You will make a good decision to attend this place of business and you will be in good, qualified hands to regain your strength back. Everyone is extremely nice and professional. I would recommend it to anyone who is in need of physical therapy. They do a terrific job and leave you feeling as though you can overcome any obstacle.

Kristen B.

If you’re an athlete this is the place to go. These people really know what they’re doing. I went here for a torn MCL a month ago. They x-rayed my knee as soon as I got there. Dr. Zahner is as professional as they come, very straight forward and helpful. Would’ve been a very long road to recovery had I not found this place.

Austin S.

Agility Orthopedics are great! I followed Dr. Zahner to Agility from where he was before at North Suburban Orthopedics! Everyone at Agility is very professional and very nice and are willing to answer any questions you may have! This was not the case at the other place! I would recommend Agility to anyone!

Judy W.

I was treated by Chase Conway for an issue with my elbow, and I can confidently say he was extremely professional throughout the entire process. He was direct and focused on exactly what I needed, always demonstrating precision and a clear understanding of what he was doing. He took great care of my elbow, which was a major concern for me, and his expertise made all the difference.

Kesia L.

First visit. Dr. Sherman was kind, compassionate, an active listener to my concern/issue, and had excellent patient/provider relations. He discussed the treatment plan and walked me through the whole procedure. Above and beyond his knowledge, his exemplary bedside manner should be an example to others.

Rob Q.

As always, I enjoyed my visit with Dr Kapassi. He took the time I needed, to listen to my issues, from the last visit I made last year. After asking several questions related to my health, he gave me a few options regarding treatment. I told him I'd like to consider those options. He agreed. At no time did he rush me or made me feel as if I wasting his precious time.

Janice H.

Very pleased with the prompt scheduling and medical guidance from Dr. Zahner, I've been having left hip issues for some time now, 3 months ago I visited a different Dr and was not happy so I went to Dr Zahner for 2nd advice. He was very thorough and offered several helpful scenarios, (not a potential hip replacement) 5 Stars and 2 thumbs up from this 63 year old triathlete!

Bob B.

I have been going to Agility Orthopedics for years now. As a Disabled Veteran, I refused to be seen at the VA. These are the people I trust to complete their due diligence when helping patients, taking our concerns to heart and ensuring patients safety/health are priority 1!! Highly Recommend!!

David B.

Dr. Anderson was able to see the actual problem I had within minutes that other doctors I had seen were unable. He's super friendly and the physical treatments he had me doing has helped me enormously. I can't say enough nice things about the man.

Brian R.