Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside
Rehabilitating After ACL Repair: How Physiotherapy Can Help
An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) repair is a common surgery for individuals who have torn this key stabilising ligament in the knee. Rehabilitation is essential to restore strength, mobility, and function while protecting the repaired ligament. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we design customised recovery plans, including Clinical Pilates, to help you achieve your goals and safely return to an active lifestyle.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After ACL Repair?
Physiotherapy is critical for a successful recovery after ACL repair:
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early weeks after surgery focus on protecting the graft and promoting healing:
What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our comprehensive approach includes the following treatments to enhance your recovery:
Manual Therapy
What Precautions Should Be Taken During Recovery?
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery from ACL repair typically follows these stages:
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After ACL Repair?
Strengthening these muscle groups is essential for knee function and stability:
What Exercises Will Be Included in Rehabilitation?
Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises appropriate for your recovery phase:
How Does Clinical Pilates Support Recovery?
Clinical Pilates complements traditional physiotherapy by focusing on:
Frequently Asked Questions About ACL Repair Rehabilitation
How long after ACL repair can I walk?
When can I return to sports after ACL repair?
How painful is ACL repair recovery?
How to sleep after ACL repair surgery?
When can I stop elevating my knee after surgery?
Take the Next Step in Your Recovery
Let our experienced physiotherapists guide you through a comprehensive recovery plan tailored to your needs. Contact us today to book a consultation and begin your journey to a stronger, more stable knee!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) repair is a common surgery for individuals who have torn this key stabilising ligament in the knee. Rehabilitation is essential to restore strength, mobility, and function while protecting the repaired ligament. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we design customised recovery plans, including Clinical Pilates, to help you achieve your goals and safely return to an active lifestyle.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After ACL Repair?
Physiotherapy is critical for a successful recovery after ACL repair:
- Restore mobility: Physiotherapy helps regain the knee’s full range of motion.
- Rebuild strength: Targeted exercises support the knee and prevent future injuries.
- Improve stability: Balance and coordination training restore knee control.
- Prevent complications: Guided rehabilitation minimises the risk of stiffness, weakness, or graft failure.
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early weeks after surgery focus on protecting the graft and promoting healing:
- Swelling and pain control: Elevation, compression, and ice are key during this phase.
- Limited weight-bearing: Crutches and a brace may be required to protect the knee.
- Gentle mobility exercises: Gradual reintroduction of movement prevents stiffness.
What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our comprehensive approach includes the following treatments to enhance your recovery:
Manual Therapy
- Joint mobilisations: Gentle movements to maintain flexibility in the knee and surrounding joints.
- Soft tissue massage: Relieves tightness in supporting muscles and improves circulation.
- Scar management: Techniques to reduce adhesions and improve scar flexibility.
- Support and alignment: Kinesiology taping enhances proprioception and protects the knee.
- Brace fitting: If prescribed, our physiotherapists ensure proper fit and provide usage guidance.
- Cryotherapy: Ice therapy reduces inflammation and discomfort.
- Compression wraps: Help manage swelling and promote circulation.
- Lymphatic drainage massage: Reduces fluid build-up around the knee.
- Muscle relaxation: Targets tight or overactive muscles compensating for knee weakness.
- Pain relief: Stimulates the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms.
- Activity modification: Guidance on safe movements and avoiding stress on the graft.
- Home exercises: Continue progress with specific exercises between physiotherapy sessions.
- Gradual return to activity: Step-by-step advice for reintroducing daily tasks, work, or sports.
What Precautions Should Be Taken During Recovery?
- Avoid twisting or pivoting motions: These stress the repaired ligament.
- Follow weight-bearing restrictions: Progress as guided by your surgeon and physiotherapist.
- Use a brace or crutches as instructed: Provides necessary support during early recovery.
- Gradual progression: Increase activity and intensity slowly to protect the graft.
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery from ACL repair typically follows these stages:
- 0–6 weeks: Focus on reducing pain and swelling, restoring range of motion, and initiating light strengthening exercises.
- 6–12 weeks: Build strength and stability through progressive weight-bearing and functional exercises.
- 3–6 months: Advance to dynamic activities, balance training, and sport-specific drills.
- 6–12 months: Full return to sports or high-impact activities, depending on progress and clearance.
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After ACL Repair?
Strengthening these muscle groups is essential for knee function and stability:
- Quadriceps: Support the knee joint and control movement.
- Hamstrings: Assist in knee stabilisation and protect the ACL.
- Glutes: Improve overall lower limb alignment and stability.
- Calves: Aid in walking and functional mobility.
What Exercises Will Be Included in Rehabilitation?
Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises appropriate for your recovery phase:
- Early stages: Ankle pumps, straight leg raises, and heel slides.
- Mid-stages: Controlled squats, step-ups, and bridging.
- Later stages: Plyometric drills, single-leg balance, and Clinical Pilates for advanced strengthening and coordination.
How Does Clinical Pilates Support Recovery?
Clinical Pilates complements traditional physiotherapy by focusing on:
- Core and lower limb stability: Enhances overall movement efficiency.
- Controlled progression: Tailored exercises ensure safe recovery.
- Dynamic strengthening: Prepares you for functional movements and sports activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACL Repair Rehabilitation
How long after ACL repair can I walk?
- 0–2 weeks: Walking with crutches and a brace for support.
- 2–6 weeks: Progress to walking without assistive devices as strength improves.
When can I return to sports after ACL repair?
- Most patients return to sports 9–12 months post-surgery, depending on strength, stability, and functional tests.
How painful is ACL repair recovery?
- Initial discomfort: Managed with medication, ice, and elevation.
- Rehabilitation soreness: Expected during exercises but improves with time.
How to sleep after ACL repair surgery?
- On your back: With your knee elevated on pillows to reduce swelling.
- Brace use: Sleep in your brace if recommended by your surgeon.
When can I stop elevating my knee after surgery?
- Elevation is essential for the first 2 weeks and as needed afterward to control swelling.
Take the Next Step in Your Recovery
Let our experienced physiotherapists guide you through a comprehensive recovery plan tailored to your needs. Contact us today to book a consultation and begin your journey to a stronger, more stable knee!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
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