Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery is often necessary for individuals who experience a tear in the ACL, typically caused by sports injuries or traumatic accidents. The ACL is a crucial ligament that helps stabilise the knee joint, and surgery is frequently recommended to restore function and prevent instability. However, successful recovery requires a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that involves physiotherapy to regain strength, improve mobility, and ensure the knee is functioning as it should.
Understanding ACL Surgery
ACL surgery involves reconstructing the torn ligament using a graft from another tendon or ligament in the body. While the surgery itself is relatively common and successful, the recovery process can be lengthy. Post-surgery physiotherapy plays an essential role in rebuilding muscle strength, improving range of motion, and restoring stability in the knee.
Key Facts About ACL Injuries and Surgery in the UK
- ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries in the UK, particularly among athletes involved in sports such as football, rugby, and skiing.
- It’s estimated that over 30,000 ACL reconstruction surgeries are performed in the UK each year.
- The rehabilitation process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, with physiotherapy being a critical component of recovery.
How Physiotherapy Supports Post-ACL Surgery
- Regaining Range of Motion
The first priority after ACL surgery is regaining the full range of motion in the knee joint. A physiotherapist will guide you through gentle exercises to help restore flexion and extension of the knee, which is essential for walking and performing daily activities.
- Strengthening the Muscles Around the Knee
After surgery, the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles need to be rebuilt. These muscles are crucial for stabilising the knee and supporting the joint during movement. Physiotherapy exercises will target these muscle groups to improve strength, prevent atrophy, and reduce the risk of future injuries.
- Improving Balance and Proprioception
After an ACL injury and surgery, the knee joint often experiences instability, and proprioception (the body’s ability to sense its position) is impaired. Physiotherapists use balance exercises and proprioception drills to retrain the body and improve knee stability, which is critical for preventing reinjury during activities like running or jumping.
- Gait Training and Mobility
Many patients struggle with walking properly after ACL surgery due to pain or altered movement patterns. Physiotherapists help retrain your gait to ensure proper alignment and movement mechanics, reducing the risk of compensatory strain on other joints.
- Sport-Specific Rehabilitation
For athletes and active individuals, returning to sport is often the ultimate goal of rehabilitation. Physiotherapists will guide you through sport-specific exercises, such as agility drills, jumping, and cutting movements, to ensure that your knee is ready to handle the demands of high-intensity activities.
Long-Term Benefits of Physiotherapy After ACL Surgery
Engaging in a structured physiotherapy program after ACL surgery leads to better long-term outcomes. Research in the UK shows that patients who complete a full course of rehabilitation are significantly less likely to experience complications or reinjury. Physiotherapy helps to ensure that your knee remains strong, stable, and functional, so you can return to your activities with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Post-ACL surgery physiotherapy is essential for a successful recovery. By working with a skilled physiotherapist, you can regain full function, reduce pain, and return to your regular activities or sports with greater confidence. The recovery process may be long, but with consistent physiotherapy, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
For more information and to book your physiotherapy appointment, please contact us at 0330 335 1016 or fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you promptly.