Regaining Function: Post-Surgical Rehabilitation for ACL Injuries
In our last blog, we discussed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and how to prevent them. However, the unfortunate truth is that they are not always entirely avoidable. For athletes in high-impact sports, or those that require sudden stops or changes in direction, ACL injuries are all too common. In fact, many of these injuries may even require surgery, resulting in a lengthier recovery period. So, you undergo your surgical procedure, you’re on the mend… what now? At PREP Performance Center, we understand how frustrating sitting out of the game can be. Our post-surgical rehabilitation services can help you achieve the quickest recovery possible for such a complex injury. Contact our Chicago, IL clinic today for more information on how we can help you regain your function.
What to expect on post-surgical:
Post-surgical rehabilitation is a lengthy process following a surgical ACL correction. It typically requires 6-9 months of extensive physical therapy and hard work. We understand that this can be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging on a young athlete. There are a lot of ups and downs to the rehab process – you go from being a star athlete to sitting on the sidelines for as long as a year. However, PREP Performance Center works hard to make your rehabilitation process as smooth as possible, so you can get back to playing the sport you love. In order to achieve this, some important aspects of your treatment plan will include:
– Strength training
– Balance
– Body awareness
– Leg symmetry
– Jumping and landing techniques
This is all done to make sure that you are performing optimally and not compensating. Our mission is to provide the proper techniques and resources to you so you can get back to the game with regained function and a significantly decreased risk of sustaining another injury. Doctor of Physical Therapy Mary Kate Casey says, “Rehabbing an athlete after an ACL injury is multifactorial. As a former athlete who sustained the injury as well, I understand the mental, emotional and physical challenges that come along with this injury. It is imperative to address all of these concerns in therapy to ensure the athlete is prepared and ready to play at elite levels. This involves a lot of reps, sets, and helping the athlete regain confidence in their body”
Statistics for ACL injuries:
There are some intimidating statistics regarding ACL injuries – according to the National Institutes of Health, it is estimated that approximately 350,000 ACL reconstructions are performed annually across the nation. Despite surgical repair, those who sustained an ACL injury in need of correction are 79% more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis in the future and 20% more likely to suffer a re-injury within 2 years of their procedure. In addition, athletes may not be able to return to their sport with the same level of play, and they may struggle with confidence issues or fear of re-injury when they return.
Post-surgical rehabilitation can help decrease these statistics. If you are in need of surgical correction for your ACL injury, contact our Chicago, IL physical therapy center today. We will get you set up on a treatment plan following your surgery so you can begin your recovery process as soon as possible. Don’t let your injury hinder your life or take you out of the game for good – regain your function and get back to the sport you love with physical therapy.
Contact PREP Performance Center for more information.
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!
