Damage to your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is among the most common types of knee injuries. Surgery is the only way to repair the damage and return to your normal activity levels. But far too many people push too hard, too fast when it comes to getting back up to speed after an ACL tear.
Kristofer J. Jones, MD, is passionate about helping those in his care find lasting relief from all forms of joint injury. We’re honored to help residents of the Westwood area of Los Angeles, California, as well as downtown, improve their joint health and stay active. Here’s what you need to know about getting back to your normal activity levels after an ACL tear.
The pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion that often accompanies joint problems make it difficult to get through even the most mundane daily tasks, not to mention getting back to your workouts or athletic pursuits.
Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of tough connective tissue that binds your femur (thighbone) to your tibia (shinbone). Working with your posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), your ACL plays a critical role in keeping your knee stable.
These ligaments allow your knee to bend and rotate, but when something creates enough force to bend or rotate too far, ligament tears will often develop. That leaves your knee without the stability it needs, and can lead to severe pain when you put weight on the damaged joint.
Ligaments don’t enjoy the same circulation as most of your other tissues, and don’t heal well on their own. The only way to repair a torn ACL is with surgery. But as with any form of surgery, a recovery period is part of the process.
If you and Dr. Jones determine that ACL reconstruction surgery is the best path forward, you’ll go through a course of physical therapy afterward to help you regain strength and flexibility in your knee.
Physical therapists have extensive training in all aspects of joint function, and work to create personalized plans to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Attending all of your scheduled physical therapy sessions and adhering to the guidance provided by your physical therapy professional is a critical part of recovering after ACL surgery.
Knowing how hard to push the limits after an ACL injury is challenging. After all, some of the exercises you’ll perform during physical therapy sessions are uncomfortable, and you’ll feel like you are working at your peak capacity.
There’s a benefit to mobilizing a joint after surgical repair. Targeted exercises help improve blood flow to the area, which reduces inflammation and aids in healing. Physical therapy also works on maintaining flexibility in the joint as your body recovers from surgery.
Many people are eager to “get back to normal” after surgery, and that’s understandable. But pushing your body too hard, too fast, can have the opposite effect. You run the risk of damaging your newly repaired joint, and setting your treatment progress back.
When it comes to getting active again after an ACL tear, a conservative approach is the right way to go. That means a combination of performing the exercises advised by your physical therapy team, but also giving your body time to rest and recover.
Patience is key during the recovery process. When you feel frustrated about your limitations, remind yourself that a healthy recovery will get you back to your normal activity levels in a way that does not further threaten your joint health.
If you’re ready to explore ACL reconstruction surgery in more detail, we’re excited to sit down with you and explain how the process works and what you can expect to achieve through ACL repair.
Kristopher J. Jones, MD, and his team enjoy meeting new patients and working toward solutions. If you’d like to schedule a face-to-face consultation, reach out to our office online or over the phone to schedule an appointment.
