The best way to shower after your ACL surgery
Generally speaking, when your surgeon says it is now safe to take a shower after ACL surgery, always take some precautions to avoid unexpected happenings.
As mentioned by https://www.nhs.uk/ whether you can shower or have a bath, as it may depend on the type of surgery you have had – it is always best to check with your surgeon or nurse when in doubt.
Are you or a loved one preparing for surgery? Don’t forget to download our free guide, ‘Things to Remember on Your First Few Weeks After Surgery.’ Packed with helpful tips and insights from medical professionals, this guide will help you navigate the challenging first few weeks of recovery with confidence. Don’t go it alone – let us support you every step of the way. Click the link below to download your free copy now!
Download Things to Remember on Your First Few Weeks After Surgery
In this blogpost, Prep Performance Center (best physical therapy in Chicago) wants to share some tips and best way how to shower after ACL surgery – to avoid unwanted circumstance. Hope this helps!
Read more article: ACL Surgery: how long do I need to use my crutches & brace?
When can I return to soccer after my ACL surgery?
Planning to return to soccer? Returning to sport occurs in multiple and progressive phases that start 3-5 months following surgery. At approximately 6 months, it is possible to safely progress to full participation in sport. This timeline can fluctuate depending on the individual and is completely normal for someone to progress faster or slower than someone else. Each ACL journey is unique!
The first step is to assess readiness for initiating early return to sport interventions in the clinic. There are several criteria physical therapists assess to ensure safety for this next step.
There is also an observation done by the National Center for Biotechnology Information of 50 soccer players after ACL.
Criteria to progress to Early Return to Sport (based on Prep Performance Center Specialized ACL Rehab Program)
– Normal gait
– ROM equal to contralateral side
– Symmetric weight acceptance for squats to 60°
– No reactive swelling after exercise or activity that lasts for more than 12 hours
– No episodes of instability
– Maintain quad strength
– 10 repetitions single leg squat proper form through at least 60° knee flexion
– Drop vertical jump with good control
– Functional Assessment
– Quadriceps index >80%; HHD mean preferred (isokinetic testing if available)
– Hamstring, glut med, glut max index ≥80%; HHD mean preferred (isokinetic testing for HS if available)
– Single leg hop test ≥75% compared to contralateral side (earliest 12 weeks).
When cleared to progress to this next phase, the physical therapist will begin to introduce sport specific interventions. Goals for this early phase of return to soccer sport are to progress strength training, initiate a return to running program, progress plyometrics and agility training, and promote proper movement patterns during sport specific activities. It is important during this phase to avoid any post exercise pain or swelling or activities that produce pain at the graft donor site. If, at any point, you experience these symptoms, tell your physical therapist so he or she can adjust the program as necessary to protect your knee!
The next step in returning to full participation in sport (6+ months post surgery) is to assess readiness to begin non-contact practice. There are several criteria physical therapists assess to ensure safety for this next step.
Criteria to progress to Full Return to Sport (based on Prep Performance Center Specialized ACL Rehab Program and MGH Rehab Protocol for ACL Reconstruction)
– Normal jogging gait
– Good single leg balance
– Less than 25% deficit on Biodex strength test
– No reactive swelling after exercise or activity
– Clearance from surgeon
– Completion of run program without pain or swelling
– Quad, hamstring, glute index > 90%
– Hamstring/Quad ratio > 70%
– Hop testing > 90% compared to non-operative leg
– Psych Readiness to Return to Soccer Sport
When cleared to progress to this next phase, the physical therapist will continue to work with you in the clinic focusing on strength, proprioception, symmetrical performance during sport specific drills, plyometrics and agility, cutting and pivoting. Outside the clinic, starting at 6+ months, you will begin to participate in non-contact practice which will eventually progress to full practice and full play as dictated by how your body responds at each level. During this late stage of your rehab, it is extremely important to continue doing the exercises your physical therapist recommends for home in order to optimize function and safety.
Get the green light to play again with our Return to Play Questionnaire. Download it now and ensure a safe return to sports after injury.
Download Return to Play Questionnaire
Remember that not all ACL journeys are the same. This process will be unique to YOU and your body. Your physical therapist and orthopedic surgeon will be the best resources to help you understand where you are at in your individual journey and what to expect along the way.
For more details regarding Prep Performance Center’s goals and interventions at each phase of the specialized ACL rehab program, click here!
ACL Injury Prevention Program
ACL Injury Prevention Program. For the past two decades, ACL injury prevention programs have been a strong focus in the field of sports medicine. Various programs have been created as a way to encourage and promote proper techniques for athletes who may be at high risk of sustaining an ACL injury. ACL prevention programs include targeted exercises that address muscle strengthening, muscle recruitment patterns, landing and deceleration patterns, proprioception, and plyometrics. See related article, here.
Most ACL injury prevention program sessions last approximately 20-30 minutes, making it very easy to incorporate into a practice setting. If you are an athlete, you should strongly consider participating in an ACL injury prevention program, due to the overwhelmingly positive statistical evidence supporting their effectiveness.
In a study examining the effect of ACL injury prevention programs, female athletes demonstrated a reduced ACL injury risk of 52% after incorporating the program into their fitness regimens. Even better, male athletes demonstrated a reduced ACL injury risk of 85% after incorporating the program into their fitness regimens. With odds so good, why not start your prevention regiment today?!
ACL prevention programs have been proven to work, helping athletes not only while they are on the field, but also while they are training. Our Chicago physical therapy practice is dedicated to helping athletes recover from ACL injuries, in addition to preventing further injury in the future. If you are interested in our ACL injury prevention program, contact the best ACL Rehab in Chicago at PREP Performance Center. Our location is in Lincoln Square, Irving Park, Lakeview, Horner Park, Roscoe Village & Ravenswood Chicago, IL, and find out how our services will benefit you. Our dedicated physical therapists will get you started on your journey to reaching your optimum physical function!
By purchasing the following tools, we can utilize the current tools our physical therapists use.
ACL Injury
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is located in the knee and can be injured or torn when it is harshly twisted in the wrong way. ACL tears are especially common in athletes, including those who participate in sports such as gymnastics, football, soccer, tennis, or downhill skiing. All these sports require sudden stops and changes in direction, making the risk higher for twisting the knee the wrong way and sustaining an ACL injury.
An ACL injury is painful and debilitating. Those suffering from this type of injury typically experience severe pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and instability when trying to bear weight. Fortunately, our Chicago physical therapy services can help treat your ACL injury and provide some much-needed relief.
According to SpringerLink website, only 44% of young athletes return to their pre-injury level of sports, and up to 23% sustain a re-injury, with many of them dropping out of sports entirely. At Prep Performance Center, physical therapists are dedicated not only to helping you recover from your ACL injury. But are also able to help you prevent further injuries from occurring in the future. Our Chicago physical therapists will conduct several tests to gauge your injury risk, such as the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). This is a jump-landing test, used to determine whether or not you are at high-risk for a non-contact ACL injury.
After diagnostic tests and physical examinations are complete, our Chicago physical therapists will design a specialized treatment plan based on your specific needs. Your treatment plan may include a combination of methods, including manual therapy, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, or targeted exercises, all aimed at providing relief and rehabilitation.
If you are suffering from an ACL injury, contact the best ACL Rehab in Chicago at Prep Performance Center. Our location is in Lincoln Square, Irving Park, Lakeview, Horner Park, Roscoe Village & Ravenswood Chicago, IL, and schedule your initial appointment. We will get you started on your path toward recovery and long-lasting relief!
